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A Case History Of Site Instability Due To The Presence Of A Shale Layer Above Sloping Bedrock, Sanjeev Kumar, Braja M. Das, Michael L. Hall

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

A study conducted for St. Louis County of Missouri, United States of America classified several areas of the county as unstable for any type of construction because of the presence of high plastic shaley clay or clayey shale on sloping bedrock. These areas are considered to have a potential for site instability to occur due to any change in natural conditions that may increase the moisture content of the high plastic shaley clay or clayey shale. A two-story parking garage, founded on shallow foundations, constructed in one of the potentially unstable zones, showed some movement after several years of its …

Environmental Geotechnics To Study A Historical Town, Filippo Ciuffi

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

The present paper summarizes the original approach, the different stages and the most innovative results of an interdisciplinary research activity, carried out on the subsoil of a historical site, in a seismic area, in Italy: the old town of Potenza, capital of the Basilicata Region. The entire Research-work has been designed and implemented within a total period of about 3 years. The paper is divided into twelve paragraphs and is organized logically, so that the reader can follow the development sequence of the different, interdisciplinary activities, detailed in the “Research General Flow-Chart”. After the Introduction [paragraph 1.0.0], the Philosophical Approach …

Eleven Case Studies Of Failures In Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology, And Geophysics: How They Could Have Been Avoided, David Cummings, Frank J. Kenton

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

When a failure occurs, geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists, and geophysicists assign its cause to an event that immediately precedes the failure, such as an earthquake, heavy rainfall, flood, or other natural event. Assigning the failure to the immediate event is misplaced; the metastasis occurred because marginally stable conditions were allowed to exist through substandard investigations by the technical personnel, improper design, and inadequate review by the permitting agency. The fundamental cause of the failure is human error and is manifested in one or more of six categories. (1) Before the investigation, during discussions with the client. (2) During the investigation, …

Stone Column Ground Improvement Against Liquefaction For The Preveza-Aktio Immersed Tunnel, Christos Vrettos, Stavros Savidis

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

The construction of the road fixed-link crossing between Preveza and Aktio on the north-western coast of Greece has recently been completed. The project consists of an immersed single-tube tunnel under the strait and two cut-and-cover tunnels at the ends of the immersed part. The immersed section is constructed of eight precast rectangular concrete elements placed on the sea bottom at a depth of 25 m. The site is characterized by high seismicity. Foundation soil consists of Holocene marine sediments comprising irregular layers of sands, silts and clays that extend to great depth in the central part of the strait. Along …

Impact Of Geographical Information Systems On Geotechnical Engineering, J. David Rogers, Ronaldo Luna

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Over the last four decades Geographical Information Systems (GIS) have emerged as the predominant medium for graphic representation of geospatial data, including geotechnical, geologic and hydrologic information routinely used by geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineers. GIS allow unlimited forms of spatial data to be co-mingled, weighted and sorted with any number of physical or environmental factors. These data can also be combined with weighted political and aesthetic values to create hybrid graphic products capable of swaying public perceptions and decision making. The downside of some GIS products is that their apparent efficacy and crispness can also be deceptive, if data of …

Meet Our Authors And Speakers, Multiple Authors

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Estimation Of Maximum Advance In Kaka-Reza Water Conveyance Tunnel At 700 Meter Depth, D. Azizmohammadi, H. Abbasi

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

The purpose of this research is the determination of maximum rate of advance in one stage of blasting in middle zone of Kaka-Reza water conveyance tunnel. In this zone of tunnel with average 700 meters of overburden, based on geological and geo-mechanical conditions, the supporting system will install immediately after excavation. The methodology of this research is combined of direct strain evaluation technique (DSET), numerical modeling (FLAC 2D) and convergence analysis. The research is done in three stages. At the first stage, the allowable strain in surrounding rock mass of tunnel is calculated based on DSET. At the second stage, …

Florida's Energy Future: Opportunities For Our Economy, Environment And Security, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip W. Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The future of Florida's economy, environment and security is inextricably intertwined with our energy use decisions. Our state has one of the nation's fastest growing populations, promoting rapid expansion of an energy industry that imports its fuel supplies. Florida exports approximately $32 billion per year for these energy fuels. Moreover, the Florida economy depends critically on tourism and agriculture, and the fuels and energy products that maintain them. Our pristine environment is the primary natural resource supporting this unique economic engine and the adverse effects of our rapidly growing energy use now stress it. Our State's economic well-being and security …

Synthesis Of Chemical Tags, Ravi F. Saraf

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Patents

A method for forming a biological chemical tag. At least one double stranded DNA molecule is provided. At least a portion of the at least one double stranded DNA molecule is denatured. At least one chemical moiety that prohibits recrystallization of the at least one denatured portion to which the at least one chemical moiety is attached is attached to at least one nucleotide in the at least one denatured portion of the at least one double stranded DNA molecule.

The Consolidation Analysis Of A Clay Layer In The City Of Belem Do Para, Brazil, John Bezerra Jr.

Theses

In this study, an analysis was done on a particular clay layer found in the city of Belem do Para, Brazil. Various soil tests were conducted including a consolidation analysis. Data were gathered and analyzed in order to obtain a better understanding of how the soil responds under certain loading conditions. There have been no previous studies done on this material and so when it has been encountered in the field geotechnical engineers provide the safest, but not necessarily best design method possible. In the case of large buildings, piles are driven past this material to competent sand. There have …

Analytical Study On Flood Induced Seepage Under River Levees, Senda Ozkan

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

A common and potentially dangerous phenomenon associated with flooding is seepage under levees and the formation of sand boils. Seepage flow due to hydrostatic head gradients of floods may cause deformation of pervious layers leading to heave, piping and sand boils. Underseepage may also cause irreversible changes in the characteristics of the porous medium. A series of independent flood events may have cumulative effects on pervious layers causing sand boils to grow. Current underseepage analyses for levees are based on steady-state flow. Transient seepage flow due to rapid changes in river head may contribute to cumulative effects and cause critical …

Near Source Strong Ground Motion Simulation For Kocaeli Earthquake (1999), Abdullah Can Zulfikar, Hirokazu Takemiya

International Conferences on Recent Advances in Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering and Soil Dynamics

A near field strong ground motion simulation was carried out due to fault rupturing in the Kocaeli Earthquake (1999). The ground motions are simulated by the convolution scheme in time for source function and in space along rupture direction with the layered soil Green's function method based on the kinematic dislocation model. The effects of the asperities in the fault rupturing are focused considering inhomogeneous rupture mechanism in terms of a multiple asperities. The synthetic motions based on the inversion information from the observed data are compared well with the YPT (Yarimca Petrochemical Complex) record of the Kocaeli Earthquake. The …

Dam Engineering — Earthquake Analysis, Pedro Simão Sêco E Pinto

International Conferences on Recent Advances in Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering and Soil Dynamics

The performance of dams subjected to earthquakes is addressed with particular emphasis of recent earthquakes. Analysis of dams stability during earthquakes by experimental and mathematical models is referred. Foundation studies for soil and rock materials are described and assessment of liquefaction potential is discussed. Selection of design earthquakes by deterministic and probabilistic criteria is presented. Also neotectonics and attenuation relations are described. Monitoring and dam safety during construction and operation are addressed. Reservoir induced seismicity and prototype dynamic tests are treated. Ageing effects and rehabilitation of dams are discussed. Benefits and concerns of dams are referred. Risk analysis is addressed. …

Modeling Of A Permeable Reactive Barrier, Guatam C. Ijoor

Theses

The focus of the presentstudy was centered on the modeling analysis to support the Permeable Reactive Barrier (PRB) design. The flow model formulated to simulate the Permeable Reactive Barrier System integrated the available geologic, hydro geologic and geo-chemical data from numerous recent installations to simulate a subsurface ground water scenario.

Different generic cases that a PRB system would fall into were identified based on its utility and aquifer conditions and then employed to produce different model adaptations. The different simulation codes and interfaces were evaluated, and the most expedient of them was used to simulate the Model.

The simulations were …

Rockfall Mitigation Measures, Tommy C. Hopkins, Tony L. Beckham, William A. Puckett

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Highways in Kentucky contain numerous rock slopes and rockfall from these slopes represent potential dangers to motorists. As these highway rock cut slopes age and deteriorate because of weathering, the potential for rockfall and rock slides increases. Some bodily injuries and traffic fatalities have been reported in past years. The general aims of this study were to establish a highway rock cut slope policy and devise a statewide system of dealing with this problem. This study represents the start of an effort by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to develop a proactive stance and policy toward preventing, minimizing, or mitigating the …

A Study On The Causes Of Variations In Transmissivity And Storativity During Pump Tests At Asylum Lake, Paul Joseph Pare

Masters Theses

Over a two year period, Western Michigan University ran a number of pump tests in the Asylum Lake Area in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The transmissivities and storativities calculated from these tests differed significantly from well to well in any particular test, and from pump test to pump test. Utilizing the computer programs AQTESOLV 3.0 and Aquifer Parameter Estimator, a number of T and S values were calculated. After analysis of the results, the following conclusion was drawn. The main reason for the deviations in the T and S values arose from the mixing of the results of numerous methods (some of …

Comparison Of Time-Domain Reflectometry Performance Factors For Several Dielectric Geometries: Theory And Experiments, S. V. Maheshwarla, R. Venkatasubramanian, Robert F. Boehm

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research

We propose three nontraditional dielectric geometries and present an experimental and theoretical analysis and comparison of time domain reflectometry (TDR) performances for them. The traditional geometry (the probes inserted in material of essentially infinite extent) is compared to three nontraditional geometries where the probes are affixed outside of a core sample, inside of a bore, or flat on the surface of a semi-infinite solid. Our derivation relates the velocity of electromagnetic wave propagation to the complex permittivities and permeabilities of the media and the geometry for the three nontraditional configurations. Experimental results for air, styrofoam, dry sand, wet sand of …

Role Of In-Situ Testing In Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering, M. Jamiolkowski, D.C. F. Lopresti, O. Pallara

International Conferences on Recent Advances in Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering and Soil Dynamics

The available in situ testing techniques of special relevance in Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering are subject to a synthetic review in the light of the general framework of soil stress-strain behavior. Especial attention is devoted to the recent innovations and current capabilities of in situ testing methods to assess the shear modulus G and damping ratio D. The determination of the undrained steady state shear strength via penetration and seismic tests is also discussed.

Full Scale Field Test On A Slope Progressive Failure, I. Stanculescu, C. Athanasiu, A. Chirică, I. I. Stănculescu, E. Georgescu

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

In order to obtain the mechanical behaviour parameters of the red structured clays from the Danube- Black Sea Canal and to estimate the behavior of the slopes cut in such clays, an experimental programme was carried out. A checked failure was provoked for a slope dug in red fissured clays. The paper presents the results of the field investigations and the laboratory test regarding the, characteristics of the structured clays, as well as the in situ measurements during the experimental programme. The results of these measurements are compared with those obtained by numerical symulation using a computer program.

Rock Slides Along Haibat Sultan Road, N. Iraq, S. N. Al-Saadi, S. H. Al-Jassar

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

The instability of rock slopes controlling the main Arbil-Sulaimaniya road has been studied in the southwestern side of Haibat Sultan Mountain, northern Iraq. The cause of this instability is the presence of road cuts as well as the erosion at the toe of the slope. The military operations in the area have further increased the hazardous condition of the slope. Field observations at ten stations have revealed that plane sliding of limestone slabs had occurred within the layers of friable marl. The study focused on the mode of failure, as affected by slope orientation and discontinuity geometry. Subsequent monitoring revealed …

Soil Response During The 1988 Armenia Earthquake, M. K. Yegian, V. G. Ghahraman, G. Gazetas

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Building damage statistics from the 1988 Armenia earthquake are presented and discussed. These statistics are correlated to the local soil profiles in the two major cities of Leninakan and Kirovakan. The soil amplification effects on building damage during this earthquake are investigated. One-dimensional site response analysis results and valley effects are presented to explain the extent and pattern of damage in the two cities.

Geotechnical Problems Of Dam Sites And Their Solution With Reference To The Projects Of Eastern India, S. Gangopadhyay

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Geotechnical problems of dam construction are associated with adverse geological conditions of the dam site like soft rock, fault, shear zone, joints, weathering, permeable bouldery deposit, soluble rocks, ancient slide etc. In many of the dam sites of eastern India where one or more of such adverse conditions exist, the dam could be safely constructed by treatment of foundation defects. In some cases, however, a new site with less geologic problem was chosen with consequent modification in the project scheme.

Applications Of The Band-Limited-White Noise Source Model For Predicting Site-Specific Strong Ground Motions, Ivan G. Wong, Walter J. Silva, Robert B. Darragh, Cathy Stark, Douglas H. Wright

International Conferences on Recent Advances in Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering and Soil Dynamics

Since the Band-Limited-White-Noise (BLWN) source model coupled with random vibration theory (RVT) was first developed in the early 1980's, it has been used successfully to predict strong ground motions at rock sites in different tectonic regimes. The BLWN-RVT methodology is appropriate for an engineering characterization of strong ground motions at a site since the method captures the important features of these motions in terms of peak acceleration and spectral composition and requires a minimum of input parameters. Recently, the capability to estimate strong ground motions at soil sites has been incorporated into the methodology by using RVT and plane-wave propagators …

Structural Damage In A Populated Area Due To An Active Fault, N. Kalteziotis, N. Sabatakakis, G. Koukis, H. Zervogiannis, G. Tsiambaos

International Conferences on Recent Advances in Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering and Soil Dynamics

The city of Patras was struck in August 1989 by a shallow earthquake of M_S= 4.8 which caused a surface rupture and serious structural damage to several buildings located in a narrow elongated zone. A detailed investigation programme was carried out including geological mapping, drilling of boreholes, in situ and laboratory testing and monitoring of horizontal and vertical movements. It was found that the surface rupture, about 1500 m long, was closely related with the reactivation of a preexisting normal fault. The structural damage of buildings was found to be limited mainly in a narrow zone 50 m …

Geotechnical And Groundwater Site Characterization On The Umtra Project, J. A. Caldwell, R. A. Rager, L. Coons

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Reclamation of 24 inactive uranium mill tailngs piles involves remedial work to stabilize the piles for 1000 years. Site characterization of geotechnical and groundwater conditions at each site is undertaken prior to remedial action design. This paper describes the approach to UMTRA Project site characterization. A case history, Green River, is described. Details of site characterization costs for most sites are provided.

Hazardous Waste Disposal Site Hydrogeologic Characterization, S. M. Testa

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

A major hazardous waste disposal facility near Arlington, Oregon serving the Pacific Northwest, Canada, and Alaska maintains numerous favorable environmental characteristics for siting of a hazardous waste disposal facility. The risk of contamination as a result of potential leakage from a waste management unit via primary pathways to surface water, groundwater or by direct contact and/or ingestion is thus reasonably low. However, these same characteristics which make the site most suitable for hazardous waste disposal often conflict with: 1) the demonstration of the groundwater monitoring system's ability to adequately perform immediate leak detection monitoring as mandated under the Resource Conservation …

A Study Of A Road Landslide In Puerto Rico, C. Rodriguez-Pérez, L. Vázquez Castillo, C. Rodriguez-Molina, A. Vázquez Castillo

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Numerous landslides have plagued the construction of a 1.3 mile road sector in the mountainous region of central Puerto Rico. The area is underlain by a sequence of landslide deposits overlying a muddy limestone and hard overconsolidated clayey soils. Landslides have occurred in both cuts and fills that have delayed the road construction for a period of more than two years, bringing as a result, great economic losses for the Puerto Rico Highway Authority. The landslide trigger mechanism has been intimately related to high rainfall, commonly observed in this region. The geotechnical and geological studies performed previous to the construction …

Rock Mass Behaviour Assessment For Large Cavern In Rock, A. K. Dube, B. Singh

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

A large power house cavern (22m x 50m x 250m) is proposed to be excavated for installing a 1000 MW hydroelectric power plant for Tehri Dam Project. The gorge chosen for the dam is very narrow and the topography is rugged and inhospitable. This dampened the process of preconstruction investigations. A number of tunnels were constructed for various project structures in the vicinity of the cavern. This provided an excellent opportunity to study the rock mass behaviour. Tunnel closure and rock loads were monitored with the help of instruments. Deformation moduli were also determined for different rock grades with the …

Slope Stabilization Measures For Kirkwood Penstock, Early Intake, California, K. D. Weaver, D. J. Gross, L. T. Bauer

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Kirkwood Penstock, located in a deep, steep-sided canyon near .Yosemite National Park, California, is an integral part of the Hetch Hetchy system, which conveys water from the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the city of San Francisco, California. A heavy rainfall approximately 17 years following construction of the facility triggered settlement of the foundation. Measures undertaken to arrest this settlement included consolidation grouting, construction of facilities to divert surface runoff away from the penstock, and installation of a geomembrane to prevent infiltration of rainfall and snow melt in the vicinity of the penstock. No evidence of further settlement has been detected …

Study Of Some Debris Avalanches In Garwal Himalaya, India, H. C. Nainwal, Y. P. Sundriyal, C. Prasad

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

This study was carried out in the Alaknanda - Dhauliganga catchment area, located in the north and northeast of Joshimath in the Garfiwal Himalaya. The snow fields, cirques and the related glaciers are located above the altitude approximate 4000 meters, while the river valley have a mean altitude of around 2000 meters. The strategic roads viz. Joshimath-Badrinath and Joshimath-Nitipass pass through this area with a number of villages along with their cultivated land are located along the roads. These roads are often blocked on huge debris avalanches not only damage the road, but also the cultivated land and forests. The …