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Damaging Settlements Of A Building Due To Gypsum Dissolution, Minh Phong Luong

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Geotechnical facts are presented relating to the damaging settlements of a building due to gypsum dissolution in the subsoil. Settlement records on the damaged building over a period of 15 months after first disturbances are given in correlation with the ground water pumping volumes from a well located in the neighbourhood in order to attempt a comprehensive interpretation of this case history.

Deformation Of Slopes Of Two Excavations In Soft Clays, C. W. Sheng

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Observed results concerning the movements of excavated slopes during and after excavation for two drydocks with different construction sequence have been described. FEM analysis has been conducted and discussed. The effect of heavy rains on the stability of slope improved by wellpoints has been presented.

Design Considerations And Long-Term Performance Of A Building Foundation In Clay, G. E. Bauer

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Based on the results of a full-scale footing tests, spread footings were used instead of end-bearing piles to support a four storey building extension. Five proto-type footings were instrumented and the settlement behaviour was monitored over 13 years. Special construction procedures had to be employed to achieve compatible differential settlements between the individual footings and the adjacent existing building.

Discussions And Replies, E. J. Armstrong, G. W. Plant, D. H. Shields, John P. Sully, H. Taylor, R. K. Katti, Shri K. K. Moza, Shri D. R. Katti

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Down Drag On An Instrumental Bored Pile In Soft Clay, R. K. Bhandari, M. R. Soneja, Devendra Sharma

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

The paper reports result of a comprehensive full scale field study expressly undertaken to monitor negative drag on a large diameter, bored cast-in-place reinforced concrete pile installed to rock in a deep deposit of soft marine clay of pleistaceae to recent origin. The pile was instrumented with load cells and the ground around the pile with piezometers and settlement gauges. The negative drag was generated by loading the ground around the pile in stages. The ground settlements were accelerated by providing vertical sand drains. The observational data were utilized in figuring out the influence of surcharge on the depth of …

Dynamic Precompression Treatment - A Case History, F. J. Leon

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

An unusual case history of a condominium apartment building, originally designed for eleven storeys, to which four additional floors were added after the footings had already been constructed and was successfully completed to fifteen storeys in height . The use of rather high soil-bearing values, from 7 ksf ( 350 kPa) in the original design to over 12 ksf ( 600 kPa) . The project site , underlain by erratic soil profiles containing layers of soft fine-grained soils to about 20 ft (6 m) below the surface, had been effectively improved with an intense application of the Dynamic Precompression Treatment …

Effect Of Foundation Deformations On The Damage Of A Masonry Villa (Case History), S. A. Abo-El Magd, H. M. Hosny, M. Mashhour

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Cracks in the masonry walls of a one storey villa due to foundation deformations are investigated in this paper. In spite of the fact that the soil formation in the site was found to be almost uniform, hogging deformation profile took place in the strip foundation due to unequal loading. Analysis of the walls together with their supporting soil, as one integrated system, showed that very small foundation deformation can produce tensile stresses in the wall higher than its tensile strength. Repair of the cracks was proposed and carried out successfully.

Embankment On Vertical Drains - Pore Pressures During Construction, M. Jamiolkowski, R. Lancellotta

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Excess pore pressures and consolidation settlements observed during the construction of a trial embankment placed on four different types of vertical drains are examined with the aim of evaluating: undrained pore pressure response, field coefficient of consolidation and drain performance.

Evaluation Of A Differentially Settled Tank, S. M. Gazioglu, J. L. Withiam

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

The paper discusses studies undertaken to identify the cause(s) for differential settlements experienced by a large floating roof tank. The studies included an evaluation of existing subsurface and tank performance data, additional subsurface exploration and laboratory test programs, a monitoring program during the restricted use of the tank and recommended remedial measures to allow full use of the tank. It is concluded that the affected portion of the tank was sited over a thicker and more compressible soil layer than the remaining portions and that releveling by mudjacking would allow unrestricted future use of the tank.

Excessive Settlement In Buildings, A. Verghese Chummar

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

The paper deals with three case studies where the foundations of buildings in the coastal areas of South India settled from 10 to 100 Cms resulting in excessive tilt or cracks in the superstructure. Details of soil exploration work carried out, description of the soil characteristics and the analysis of the causes of settlement are dealt with in this paper. The remedial measures suggested for the possible rectification of the damages are also presented.

Failure Of The Ghana Law School Building In Accra, Ghana, N. K. Kumapley, S. Ramachandra

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

The immediate post-independence era in Ghana, namely the late 1950's to early 1960's, was characterised by extensive physical and infrastructural development, for most of which proper design and construction records were either not kept or were lost. This has often led to difficulties when remedial measures have to be designed for some of these structures which have failed after only a few years in service. The paper describes attempts to diagnose the cause(s) of failure and to design remedial measures for one such structure in the absence of original construction records.

Field Consolidation Of A Moderately Organic Hetrogeneous Deposit, P. D. Deo, A. S. Mehta

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Very little technical information is available in literature about the compressibility characteristics of peat and organic soils. The problem of estimating consolidation settlements is even more complex for moderately organic hetrogeneous soils, such as mixtures of organic and inorganic soils.

Two known factors affecting compressibility characteristics of organic soils are: natural moisture content and consolidation pressure. From several sites, natural moisture content and compressibility data was collected for organic soils. The data is presented graphically for low and moderate consolidation pressures.

On the basis of the above mentioned data, coefficient of compression index for a moderately organic deposit was estimated. …

Field Observation Of Pore Pressure In Soft Clay, R. L. Wei

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Pore pressure measurements made during the preloading of a large oil tank on a deep deposit of soft clay are reported and analyzed. The piezometer data show that the excess pore pressure at a point in the subsoil increases linearly with the increasing surface load until a certain critical load is reached. Then the induced shear stress at that point reaches the shearing strength of the soil, and local yield occurs. Henceforth there is a pronounced increase in the observed rate of pore pressure built-up.

Foundation Design And Construction For A Large Mill Complex, C. R. I. Clayton, J. Milititsky, L. J. L. Carvalho

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Very little good field data exists concerning the performance of heavily loaded end-bearing piles on thin layers of weak rock. The problems associated with the foundations for silos are often severe, since loads are normally heavy, and allowable differential settlements are often very small. The paper describes just such problems, associated with the construction of a flour mill complex, where the principal problems were associated with the uncertainties of pile performance. On the basis of the uniaxial unconfined compressive strength of the supporting rock the end-bearing piles supporting silos within the mill appeared to be overloaded. A programme of slow …

Foundation Heave At Asco Ii Nuclear Power Plant, R. B. Fallgren, C. R. Mcclure

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Excavation of 75m of claystone at Asco Unit II resulted in foundation heave in excess of anticipated elastic rebound. The heave was found to be caused by expansive clay minerals in the rock swelling in the presence of water. Upper-bound estimates of future heave were made based on past trends, and structures analyzed to demonstrate their capacity to resist heave-caused deformations. The primary factor in controlling heave is the amount of water available to the bedrock.

Foundation Performance Of Very Old Structures, S. C. Handa

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Withstanding the agents of destruction for several centuries, some of the structures in this world, exist as a testimony to the sound and perfected techniques of construction used in years that belong to the bygone past. Among the most famous are Taj Mahal and Qutb Minar, still standing in a magnificent and sound condition. One of the wonders of the world, Taj Mahal though built in seventeenth century still looks so fresh that the super-structure performance also speaks of the adequate and perfect foundation that must have been built for it. This paper deals with subsoil conditions at site, the …

Foundation Problems And Solutions At The Bridge River, Powerhouse No. 1, H. Taylor, A. P. Joseph

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

The Bridge River Powerhouse No. 1 was constructed between 1946 and 1950 on the north shore of Seton Lake near Lillooet, British Columbia, Canada. The Powerhouse contains four Pelton wheel (impulse) turbines generating a total of 200 MW of electrical power. When the powerhouse was completed and the first units placed in operation severe and extensive ground cracking occurred behind and beyond the powerhouse. The ground movement shifted the powerhouse slightly toward the lake, and cracked the concrete penstock tunnels. As a result of this the foundation under the powerhouse was thoroughly investigated and instrumentation installed to record and assess …

General Report For Theme One - Foundations For Structures And Failure Records, Robert C. Kirby, Guilaine Roussel

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Geologic Considerations In Civil Constructions - Malaysian Case Studies, Boon K. Tan

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

The need for adequate geologic input into civil engineering projects is common knowledge to all. However, quite surprisingly, in many construction projects in Malaysia geologic input is either totally lacking or highly inadequate. An indicator of the extent of neglect of geologic input into civil constructions in Malaysia is the fact that many soil investigation reports for these projects in this country do not contain a section or even a brief write-up on the site geology. This paper presents several case studies of civil engineering projects where geologic factors have been overlooked, thus resulting in the delay in the completion …

Geotechnical Problems And Performance Studies - Chilla Power Scheme, Hardwar, D. N. Bhargava, Dwarka Nath, S. N. Kapoor, Sunde Singh

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Thin plastic clay seams existing in the upper Shivalik formations caused hazardous geotechnical problems during the construction of 144 MW capacity Chilla Power House Scheme, Hardwar, India by initiating several land slides. In addition, serious seepage problems occurred with the commissioning of the scheme. The paper describes in detail, the events of slides & seepage problems faced and the remedial measures adopted to counteract them. The data observed on the instruments installed to keep a vigil on the performance of the structure has also been analysed and discussed.

Ground Heave Due To Pile Driving, J. P. Dugan Jr., D. L. Freed

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

The factors which influence ground heave due to pile driving outside the construction site are discussed. Elevation survey data are presented for nine case studies in the Boston area where the subsoil conditions consist of an insensitive clay deposit in the range of 60 to 110 feet thick. Curves of heave vs. normalized distance exhibit a trend of increasing heave with increased volumetric displacement ratio. Patterns of ground heave typically occur as radially shaped contours decreasing in magnitude away from pile driving. Building and ground movements observed several years after completion of pile driving indicate that the heave is temporary, …

Grouting To Control Deep Foundation Settlement, B. Mcclelland, E. J. Ulrich

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

An 18-story reinforced concrete building under construction in South Florida reached 16th floor level when significant differential settlement presented an unanticipated foundation problem. The foundation consisted of a structural mat supported by 14-in. concrete piles 24 to 75 ft long. Surprisingly, the longest piles were within the area of greatest settlement. Investigation revealed a previously undisclosed semi-cavernous zone from 120 to 175 ft below ground surface, and level surveys using deep benchmarks confirmed that zone to be the source of movement. Injection grouting first accelerated and then controlled the settlement, allowing the building to be completed on schedule. Temperature probes …

Lakeview Tower: Case History Of Foundation Failure, K. R. Peaker

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

The 14 storey Lakeview Towers apartment building in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada began with the site investigation in 1972 and ended 10 years later by demolition. During this interval settlements of over 400 mm occurred in one section of the structure. The reasons for the settlement revolved around a change in foundation design from piles to spread footings on improved ground, complicated by an unexpected layer of highly compressible clay. While the building may have been able to tolerate the settlement depending on the reader's interpretation of the results, it was demolished after legal disputes. A final structural analysis indicated a …

Lateral Pile Response From Model Tests In A Large Centrifuge, Y. O. Barton, R. H. G. Parry, W. D. Liam Finn

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Lateral loading tests on instrumented model piles in saturated sand in a centrifuge are described. Piles were tested in isolation and in groups of two, three and six piles. Data were obtained on deflections and bending moments in single piles and on interaction factors between piles. Response of single piles compared favourably with data from Mustang Island field tests. Experimental interaction factors generally differed from those commonly used which are derived from elastic theory. The difference depends on pile spacing.

Moisture Induced Damages To Building Foundations, S. S. Bandyopadhyay, R. Reuss

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

The effect of moisture on foundation soils is a very important factor in the design of building foundations especially when the foundation soils are expansive in nature. The variations in subgrade moisture, with corresponding change in volume and strength characteristics of foundation soils may cause severe damage to the building. Two case histories are described where excess moisture in foundation soils caused damages to the building in distinctly different ways. In one case, moisture increase in the expansive foundation soils caused considerable swelling of the clays resulting in severe damage to the building. In the other case, excess moisture caused …

Monitoring And Performance Of A Bridge Abutment, G. Y. Felio, G. R. Bauer

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

The performance of a bridge abutment founded on spread footings was monitored. The construction sequence, the instrumentation and the results of the bridge behaviour over several years is discussed.

Negative Friction And Lateral Loading On Piles, E. E. De Beer, M. Wallays, E. Goelen

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

An example is first given of a structure founded on piles and having suffered damages caused by negative friction and passive lateral loading on the supporting piles. It appears that the effects of negative friction are in general less disastrous than should be expected from a simplified theoretical approach. The described case shows that, at the contrary, the passive lateral loadings, when not accounted for, become rapidly detrimental. Both influences are time delayed, with the consequence that the critical situation does mostly not occur during construction, but a certain time after completion. The design of a second structure, in which …

Non-Negative Skin Friction Piles In Layered Soil, S. L. Lee, G. P. Karunaratne, S. Sithichaikasem

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

A project in which a special type of steel pipe piles which reduce negative skin friction is described. The piles are driven in a layered soil which is subjected to subsidence due to pumping. The design concept in assessing the pile length, carrying capacity, settlement, construction control and load tests under these special conditions are discussed.

Observation And Analysis Of Settlements Of Oil Tanks On High Compressive Saturated Soft Clay, Yongjun Zhang

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

This paper summarizes the experiences obtained in the design and construction of oil tank foundations on untreated high compressive saturated soft clay. Through the study and analysis of the various data collected from long-term observation, the author has proposed a number of suggestions on the designing of the foundation of oil tanks, the calculation of the deformation of tank floors, allowable differential settlement and the spacing of tanks. In addition, the paper also gives an account of the behaviour of the site and the deformation of tanks resulting from the Tangshan Earthquake.

On Foundation Treatment For Old Houses And Factory Buildings, Yiji Wang

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

This article is for the participation in the discussion on papers under Theme I presented at the International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering and can be regarded as additional information to Theme I. A few cases of foundation treatment for old residential houses and factory buildings are enumerated, whereby engineering problems are studied to find solutions. It is held that a solution that can be suited to a case and also costeffective should be selected in the light of the nature of a building and its foundation. It is of the opinion that the solution with drilled or …