Engineering Commons^™

Repair Of Scour Holes And Levees After The 1993 Flood, Mary P. Perlea, Robert L. Pearce, Kathleen E. Lust, Charles W. Detrick

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

The record high water during the summer of 1993 significantly impacted the flood control levee structures in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District. Scour holes in the levees and their foundations reached bedrock, up to 75 feet deep in some places, and extended up to 2,000 feet landward of the landside toe on lengths reaching 2,100 feet along selected levee embankments. Different methods used by the Corps of Engineers to repair the scoured levee embankment and foundation soils, their hydraulic impact on river stages, and the efficiency of different methods are presented. The methods discussed consist of: …

Safety Of Dams Modifications Of Ochoco Dam − Crooked River Project, Oregon, Brent H. Carter, Richard A. Link

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Ochoco Dam, a hydraulic fill structure, was completed in 1920 and is located just east of Prineville, Oregon. Foundation units consist of a massive landslide, talus/alluvial fan complex, alluvium, and John Day Formation. Dam embankment right-abutment seepage occurred during first filling. Upstream right-abutment treatment in 1921 reduced this seepage from an estimated 43 cfs to approximately 28 cfs. Further modifications were completed in 1950 reducing seepage to approximately 12 cfs. As part of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's dam safety program, geotechnical investigations were started in 1985. Following this program, erratic piezometer readings in 1989 and sinkhole development along the …

Stabilization Of An Existing Slope Supporting Underground Storage Tanks At The Top, Sanjeev Kumar

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

A case history of evaluation and remediation of an existing slope supporting two 15,000-gallon underground storage tanks at the top of the slope is presented. The slope was constructed more than 20 years ago by placing fill on the side slope of a valley formed by a creek, without properly benching and clearing the slope prior to placement of the fill. The slope stability analysis showed that the slope in its existing condition was potentially unstable. The selection of the remediation technique was relatively complicated because of the presence of underground storage tanks at the top of the slope, the …

Stage 1 Geotechnical Studies For Interstate 15 Reconstruction Project, Salt Lake County, Utah, K. N. Gunalan, Thomas S. Lee, Si Sakhai

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Interstate 15 Reconstruction Project includes rebuilding of 137 bridges; widening the existing three general purpose lane roadway to four general purpose lane with a HOV lane and an auxiliary lane roadway, and other associated work such as converting the existing diamond interchanges to single point urban interchanges (SPUI). The project will be built under a design-build procurement process and is anticipated to be completed in 4 ½ years by October of 2001. The subsurface soils beneath the corridor consist of lake deposits (Lake Bonneville), namely soft to medium stiff plastic clays, silts and loose to medium dense sands ranging in …

Survey Of Seepage Through Heightened Earthfill Dam With High-Density Electrical Prospecting Method, Yoshikazu Yamaguchi, Hitoshi Yoshida, Yutaka Imabayashi, Tadahiko Sakamoto

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

High-density electrical prospecting was conducted on a heightened earthfill darn during the first filling of the reservoir to study the possibility of applying this prospecting method to examination of zoned structures inside an embankment darn and monitoring of seepage through the dam body. Visual Inspection and measurement with the measuring devices were also conducted to control the safety of the dam. As a result, it was found that zoned structures inside the dam such as a newly built embankment, an existing embankment, and drain are zones each having a different resistivity value. In addition, since the area where the resistivity …

Factor Analysis Of Damage To Small Earth Dams Due To The 1995 Hyogoken-Nambu Earthquake, Tomoya Iwashita, Akira Nakamura, Shinji Yokoyama, Norihisa Matsumoto, Hitoshi Yoshida

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Damage to small earth dams due to the Hyogoken-Namby Earthquake of January 17, 1995 is discussed. Investigations of 266 dams were conducted in the area where the JMA seismic intensity was 5 or higher, and which were located within about 50 kilometers from the earthquake source fault. Small earth dams suffered various forms of damage such as longitudinal cracking, transverse cracking, settlement and deformation of the dam body. The damage to small earth dams was classified into five grades from no damage to severe damage such as a complete failure. The damage grade was analyzed by several factors such as …

Ground Motion Measurements From The Demolition Of Steel Towers, Jagadish R. Joshi, Richard C. Lee

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Steel towers from a decommissioned heavy water plant were to be demolished. Ground motions due to the proposed felling were estimated in order to assess the structural integrity of neighboring buildings and piping systems. The extraction towers were 125 feet (38.1 m) high in two sizes: 6.5 and II feet (1.98 and 3.35 m) inside diameters weighing 215 X 10³ and 470 X 10³ lb (956 X 10³ and 2.1 X 10⁶ N). The total potential energy of the tower collapse was about 15 X 10⁶ and 32 X 10⁶ ft-lb (20.3 X 10 …

Lateral Loading Tests In The Pit For A Large-Diameter Deep Pile, Takahiro Sakata, Kenji Matsui, Yoshito Maeda, Hidetoshi Ochiai

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Although the ground supporting the foundation can be regarded as three-dimensional nonlinear continuous body, in design, grounds are modeled as linear elastic springs. However, in reality, grounds exhibit nonlinear load-displacement (ρ-δ) characteristics. In Specifications for Highway Bridges (Japan Road Association, 1994), ground reaction coefficient is defined as the secant slope of noticeable displacement and load intensity on ρ-δ curve corrected according to width of foundation. For the purpose of examining the scale effect of large-diameter pile, this paper presents a study on scale effect of lateral ground reaction coefficient based on results of lateral loading tests performed using large loading …

On The Behavior Of Longitudinal Strain Of A Buried Pipe Subjected To Ground Spread Caused By Liquefaction Observed In Centrifuge Model Tests, Katsumi Ozeki, Ikuo Katayama

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

The behavior of longitudinal strain of buried pipes subjected to ground spread was investigated by scale model tests using a large centrifuge test facility. The longitudinal strain of buried pipes subjected to longitudinal ground spread is found to be generated by the energy of movement but not the displacement of the spreading soil. First, the remarkable strain appears at the initial transient phase of the spread, reaches its maximum and finally decays during the time the displacement of the spread proceeds. Next, it can be indicated that the induced pipe strains may have linear relationships with the square of velocities …

Results Of Dynamic Testing On Friction H-Piles, Carlos M. Sevilla, Joseph M. Gilroy, John Jenkins

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

A case history on the design and installation of pile foundations for support two taxiway bridges at the MidAmerica Airport is presented. The pile foundations included the use of heavy HP steel piles designed as friction piles embedded in a stiff clayey silt till. Typical pile foundations in the area consist of H-piles or closed-ended pipe piles driven to bedrock. The use of slightly shorter friction piles allowed substantial savings due to the large number of piles required to support the heavily-loaded bridges. An extensive dynamic testing program was performed to measure allowable pile capacities and soil setup. The taxiway …

Soil Dilation And Shear Deformations During Liquefaction, Ahmed-W. Elgamal, Ricardo Dobry, Ender Parra, Zhaohui Yang

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Recent records of seismic site response have documented a salient liquefaction-induced cyclic shear-deformation mechanism. During liquefaction, these ground acceleration records have suggested a possible strong influence of soil-skeleton dilation at large cyclic shear strain excursions. Such phases of dilation can result in significant regain in shear stiffness and strength, leading to: i) associated instances of pore-pressure reduction. ii) appearance of spikes in lateral acceleration records (as a direct consequence of the increased shear resistance), and iii) a strong restraining effect on the magnitude of cyclic and accumulated permanent shear strains. As presented in this study, these response effects are also …

Soil Liquefaction In Nepal-Bihar Earthquake Of August 21, 1988, Shyamal Mukarjee, Bhagwat V. K. Lavania

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Liquefaction of the soil occurred at many places in the Nepal-Bihar earthquake. In the great earthquake of 1934 in this region, there had also been wide spread liquefaction of soil. Analysis for determining the influence of acceleration level, relative density, particle size and depth of soil on liquefiability of soil has been carried out, using the three most commonly used approaches and the difference in the results brought out.

Study On Mechanism Of Caisson Type Sea Wall Movement During Earthquakes, Masayuki Sato, Hiroyuki Watanabe, Satoshi Katayama

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Model vibration tests under gravity and centrifuge model vibration tests in 50G were performed to investigate the behavior of caisson type sea mill with reclaimed ground below and behind the caisson. In the tests, sliding of caisson occurred only during excitation, which indicates that it is impossible to predict the displacement of caisson and the deformation of back-fill ground without taking account of both inertia force of caisson and dynamic earth pressure. As for the dynamic earth pressure acts on the caisson, it was found that when input acceleration is small, the dynamic earth pressure seems to restrain the movement …

Case Histories And Vibratory Characteristics Of Vibro-Driven Piles, Hideo Tsuboi, Tamotsu Matsui

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

The vibratory characteristics of vibro-driven piles into the ground have not so far been discussed systematically in detail. This paper concerns the results of monitoring vibro-driven piles in various types of ground. In order to assess the monitoring of vibration performance, time-series monitoring data on the reaction force at the pile tip and the vibratory acceleration of the pile top are analyzed in relation with the soil profiles of four monitoring sites. As the result, it has been elucidated that the pile tip reaction force and vibratory acceleration are systematically presented by the dynamic force and the mass weight of …

Ground Vibrations Isolation By Pc Wall-Piles, Kiyoshi Hayakawa, Yukihiko Kani, Noriyuki Matsubara, Tamotsu Matsui, Richard Woods

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

This paper presents the results of a series of experiments conducted on a PC wall-piles barrier. That barrier was built alongside a road passing through some sensitive sites, to assess its effectiveness in isolating vibration caused by running trains and dropping a weight. Then the effectiveness of PC wall-piles for controlling ground vibrations is discussed. Field measurements were performed for 5 cases having different types of PC wall-piles. The simultaneous measurement of vibration was performed at several selected points on the ground. Finally, a method for estimation of vibration reduction by PC wall-piles was developed, being based on wave penetration …

On Prediction Of Dynamic Response Of Horizontal Vibrations, Shamsher Prakash, Damodaran Nampoothiri

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

The coupled horizontal sliding and rocking response of block foundations, subjected to a ham1onic horizontal force or a moment or both has been determined. Computed response have been compared with that from an experimental study carried out by Kovak and Beredugo (1971, 1972). The computed values do not match the measured response. The computed stiffness and damping were modified to match the measured response. More analysis of experimental data is needed to determine necessary correction factors.

Radiation Damping Of Soil - Foundations Interaction Systems, Yang Xianjian, Jiang Bei

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Based on the theory of wave scatter and the velocity, the wave radiation which is caused in soil of dynamic foundation and the range of the affected depth are presented in this paper. It is pointed out that the mass ratio of foundation and the location of the foundation in the layered soil, and its propagation velocity in the affected depth, are the major factors affecting radial damping of soil-foundation system on the half space.

Abnormal Wall Movements Of A Steel Silo Caused By Paddy Rice Storage, Minh Phong Luong

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

The particular rheological behaviour of paddy rice and husked rice, that is readily determined in laboratory using the conventional triaxial apparatus, provided a realistic interpretation of an unusual case history occurred on a large rice storage steel silo Subsequently 11 suggested minor modifications, but quite sufficient to ensure the facility availability at different stages of rice storage.

Behavior Of Braced Deep Excavation In Soft Soils, Changjie Xu, Yuanqiang Cai, Shiming Wu

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

A successful case study of braced deep excavation in Hangzhou, 1994, is presented in this paper. A stiff braced retaining structure was adopted through theoretical analysis, the bottom soil of the pit was strengthened by cement mixed grouting to increase the stability of the retaining structure. The excavation was completed smoothly in short period of time, displacements surrounded the pit and stresses in braces were measured during the whole procedure of excavation and the measured results agreed well with the prediction by FEM. Some conclusions drawn from this successful case may be instructional to other similar engineerings.

Behavior Of Double-Row Pile Retaining Structure For Deep Excavation In Soft Clay, Yuanqiang Cai, Shiming Wu, Yunmin Chen, Changjie Xu

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

An excavation of 10.5m deep and 110m x 70m in plane with double-row pile retaining structure in soft clay has been completed, which is of severa1 advantages, such as elimination of lateral deflection and ground surface settlement, low cost and short duration of excavation. This paper presents tile design considerations, procedure of construction and excavation, behavior of this type of retaining structure. The FEM analysis has been carried for prediction of lateral deflection and stress, the results from FEM method conformed well with field measurement, some conclusions drawn from the design and construction Mil be valuable for future construction in …

Large Retaining Structures Reinforced By Geosynthetics: French Case Histories, Jean-Claude Blivet, Jean-Pierre Gourc

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

French experience in earth embankments reinforced by geosynthetics dates back more than 25 years. This technique was developed on the basis of reference structures fitted with instruments to monitor their behaviour. Three of the largest structures built have been chosen in this paper as they are typical of the different construction technologies used in France.

Numerical Modeling Of A Crib-Wall Failure, Wolfgang H. Roth, Alexander Delnik

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

The 2-D finite difference program FLAC was utilized to investigate the probable cause of failure of a crib wall at Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles. Shortly after reaching its final height of 45 feet, cracking/crushing of the precast-concrete elements had been observed, and the crib wall was lowered to 35 feet. In spite of this design change, however, a portion of the wall later collapsed following prolonged rainfalls in March of 1992. In analyzing the construction stages and subsequent wall failure, a simple Mohr-Coulomb constitutive model was coupled with seepage analysis to simulate the effect of rainwater infiltration. Two …

Pier Failure Of Bridge And Geotechnical Investigation − A Case Study, J. K. Jain, A. K. Saxena, Sanjay Kumar Shrivastava

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

In this paper a case of foundation failure, due to which the complete bridge structure has collapsed, is considered. The bridge is situated in Km. 26/6 on Langi Durg Road. It was constructed in the year 1980-81. This bridge has two solid slab spans of 15.25 meters each. The substructure is of solid coarse rubble stone masonry. The base dimensions of pier foundation are 3780 mm. in traffic direction and 10080 mm. in current direction at R.L. 94.00m. The pier foundation is resting on bouldary strata. During the floods in the year 1995 the pier constructed in mid-stream failed. This …

Shoring Analysis, Design And Construction At The Seattle Symphony's Benaroya Hall, Carole L.B. Mitchell, Monique A. Nykamp

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Complex loading and geometry conditions controlled the design of the shoring wall system at Benaroya Hall, the new home of the Seattle Symphony. A combined system, including three soldier pile and tieback walls and one soil nail wall, was used to shore an excavation that ranged from 15 to 50 feet deep. A 25-foot-wide block of soil remained between the soil nail wall face and an existing, underground bus station. Prior to designing the soil nail wall, a finite difference analysis was performed to determine potential movements of the station due to the excavation. The deflection estimates from the finite …

Soil Nailing: The Modot Experience, Kevin W. Mclain

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Soil nailing is a construction technique that is used to strengthen existing ground by installing grouted steel bars into the ground at closely spaced intervals. This increases the shear strength of the in-situ soil so that successive excavation lifts from top down can be made. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has overseen the construction of two temporary soil nail walls in the St. Louis metro area and one permanent wall in the Kansas City metro area. All three projects involved roadway widening under existing overpasses, which required the removal of the soil berm and construction of a soil nail …

Comparison Of Two Excavation Support Systems In Clay: Central Artery Tunnel, Boston, Massachusetts, Usa, Siamac Vaghar, Dan J. Bobrow

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Two types of excavation support system were used on the southern approach of the Ted Williams Tunnel; part of Boston’s Central Artery/Tunnel Project. Construction commenced in 1992 and was completed in 1995.

The cut and cover tunnel was constructed to accommodate a four-lane highway, and associated structures. The excavation was mainly in soft marine clays, known locally as the Boston Blue Clay. The main excavation support system consisted of tied-back interlocking steel sheeting. The proximity of large commercial buildings to the excavation necessitated a stiffer support system to reduce the magnitude of ground deformation at the building locations. A 3-feet …

A Computer Aided Rock Mass Classification For Rock Slopes, Hong Li, Gang Li

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

This paper proposes a new microcomputer aided geomechanical classification for rock slopes. This classification for rock slopes is established based on well known established rock mass classification such as the CSIR classification, the Q classification, SRM classification and the Chinese Engineering Rock mass Classification (CERC) and the concept of “preferred planes”. In order to obtain a useful result by taking account to the complicated geological conditions and the multiple goals decision, a computer aided geomechanical classification for rock slopes (CSRSS) has been built based on the expert system design skills. The case studies showed that the classification system works well. …

Erosion And Repair Of Unlined Spillway Chute Excavated In Rock, David Mathews, Vlad G. Perlea, Francke C. Walberg, Douglas R. Anderson

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Discharges up to 60,000 cfs that lasted 21 days caused extensive erosion of the unlined spillway chute excavated in alternating layers of limestone and shale. An empirical model allowed to evaluate the extent of erosion anticipated for future events. Parametric calculations showed that relatively low discharges a long period of time are critical for the induced damage. It was determined that the spillway can safely pass the design discharge if weathering of rock exposed by erosion is prevented. Accordingly, the interim repair was designed to protect the rock units, especially the critical limestone layers, from weathering. Although it is expected …

Remedial Works In Tile Ljubelj Tunnel, Borut Petkovšek, Lojze Bevc

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Stability And Permeability Of Fluid Retention Berms Constructed From Highly Weathered Bedrock, Paul Michael Santi

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

A geotechnical evaluation was conducted of thirteen emergency impoundment basins constructed to retain fluids from catastrophic tank failure at a petroleum facility. The berms creating the impoundments were constructed on bedrock, weathered bedrock, slope wash, and lightly compacted fill derived from weathered bedrock.

Site materials ranged from fractured rock, to clayey gravel, to gravelly sand. Consequently, standard geotechnical tests for strength and permeability were difficult to perform, and test results were not often representative of the entire range of properties at each basin. Therefore, a systematic method of testing or estimating strength and permeability ranges was established. In order of …