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Full-Text Articles in Geotechnical Engineering
The Great Salt Lake Causeway – A Calculated Risk Revisited, James R. Lambrechts, Edward B. Kinner
The Great Salt Lake Causeway – A Calculated Risk Revisited, James R. Lambrechts, Edward B. Kinner
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
The construction of the Great Salt Lake Causeway involved several calculated risks. Original design assumptions on lake level and consolidation settlement were not realized, creating a unique situation where the critical time for stability of this embankment was not necessarily at the end-of-construction. Along more than half of the causeway's 12-1/2 mile length, consolidation and strength gain has apparently been inhibited by a layer of salt. Because it was anticipated that calculated Factors of Safety for current conditions would be close to the 1.0 originally used, a comparative approach to stability evaluations was adopted. In this approach, Factors of Safety …
Treatment Of Left Bank Slopes Of Ichari Dam, Bhagwat V. K. Lavania
Treatment Of Left Bank Slopes Of Ichari Dam, Bhagwat V. K. Lavania
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
The left bank of Ichari Diversion Dam was anticipated unstable because of toe submergence and drawdown effects after the construction of the dam, on the weak geological formations. Extensive laboratory and field investigations were carried out to determine the extent of stabilising measures needed. The proposals of providing pretensioned steel anchors or alternatively, reinforced concrete shaft anchors were considered in details to obviate the possibility of deep seated slides. The choice fell in favour of R.C. anchors mainly because there is no uncertainty about their in situ strength. These anchors were provided in two rows (one having vertical and other …
Wadi Qattarah Dams Case History, Jean Binquet, Ugo Zappi
Wadi Qattarah Dams Case History, Jean Binquet, Ugo Zappi
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
Two earthfill dams were constructed on the Wadi Qattarah in Libya between 1969 and 1972 but the filling was never ach1eved for both dams. After a partial filling well below normal water level, Secondary Dam failed in December 1977. Several weaknesses may be found in the features of both dams and have been analyzed by the authors on the basis of dam instrumentation results, measurements and observations of the Secondary Dam failure. Several possible causes of failure of this dam are presented. No one can however be taken as certain. The series of events as reported by eye witnesses appear …
A Study Of Dynamic Pile-Soil Interaction, P. Srinivasulu, N. Lakshmanan, K. Muthumani, B. Sivarama Sarma
A Study Of Dynamic Pile-Soil Interaction, P. Srinivasulu, N. Lakshmanan, K. Muthumani, B. Sivarama Sarma
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
The paper discusses briefly the state of art on the subject of pile dynamics including consideration of soil-pile interaction. An analytical model which gives the response of a single pile buried in a layered soil medium considering variation in soil properties in the radial direction in each layer is illustrated. The paper also presents an experimental study on a full size test pile 40 cm dia and 7 m long driven into a five layered soil stratum. The results of the analytical and experimental studies are compared and suggestions for further work are given.
Analysis And Measurement Of Foundation Vibrations At Two Compressor Stations In Yugoslavia, Predrag Kvasnička, Tomislav Ivšić, Aleksandar Klričenko
Analysis And Measurement Of Foundation Vibrations At Two Compressor Stations In Yugoslavia, Predrag Kvasnička, Tomislav Ivšić, Aleksandar Klričenko
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
The design procedure and the measurements of foundation vibrations at two compressor stations are presented. Simple methods and models were used to predict machine foundation behavior-and it is shown that they were effective in estimating the expected range of amplitudes through simple parameter variation. In attempt to lower vibrations amplitudes, spreading of gravel layer under machine foundation was suggested, the effect of which is discussed in the paper.
Case History Of Seismic Base Isolation Of A Building –The Foothill Communities Law And Justice Center, Marshall Lew, John C. Bowman Jr.
Case History Of Seismic Base Isolation Of A Building –The Foothill Communities Law And Justice Center, Marshall Lew, John C. Bowman Jr.
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
The Foothill Communities Law and Justice Center, located in seismically active Southern California, is the first building in the United States to be base isolated for seismic resistance. Natural rubber isolators with layers of steel plates were used to make the fundamental period of vibration of the base isolated building about twice as long as that for a comparable conventional fixed base building. Most earthquake energy is present in the shorter period ranges, and at longer periods, a building should be subjected to less earthquake input; this will allow buildings to be designed more economically and increase the likelihood of …
Characterization Of Liquefaction Sites/Features In The Charleston, S. C. Area, Garry Maurath, David Amick
Characterization Of Liquefaction Sites/Features In The Charleston, S. C. Area, Garry Maurath, David Amick
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
The Charleston, South Carolina earthquake of August 31, 1886 produced numerous liquefaction features. To date, over one hundred liquefaction sites have been identified. The characteristics of these sites were determined, and compared to those reported for worldwide cases of liquefaction. The findings of this investigation support the generally accepted models for the types of material and the hydrogeologic setting that are required for liquefaction to occur. However in contrast to some previous studies, these investigations identified relatively few liquefaction sites in Late Holocene sediments. Rather, most liquefaction sites identified in the Charleston area are located in deposits that are 100,000 …
Landslides In Rock Slopes During January 19, 1975, Kinnaur Earthquake In Himachal Pradesh, India, Lakshman Saran Srivastava
Landslides In Rock Slopes During January 19, 1975, Kinnaur Earthquake In Himachal Pradesh, India, Lakshman Saran Srivastava
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
Ground failures in rugged terrain with more than 10,000 ft (3000m) elevation above mean sea level in the epicentral tract of 19 January 1975 Kinnaur earthquake in Himachal Pradesh, India, indicate that most of the earthquake generated landslides occur in surficial cover. The collapse of such material on steep slopes often result in cascading rock avalanches obliterating roads and other constructions lying on its way. The accumulated debris during this earthquake dammed Parachu river creating a reservoir behind it. The dislodging, overturning and uplift of boulders on hill tops and scabing and slabing of rocks along joints and other weak …
Model Tests On Seismic Stability Of An Approach Fill Embankment, Annacis Island Bridge Project, Vancouver, Canada, Peter M. Byrne, Hans Vaziri, Upul Atukorala, Donald Fraser
Model Tests On Seismic Stability Of An Approach Fill Embankment, Annacis Island Bridge Project, Vancouver, Canada, Peter M. Byrne, Hans Vaziri, Upul Atukorala, Donald Fraser
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
This paper describes a study performed to evaluate the seismic behaviour of a 10 m high bridge end sand fill placed upon soft organic foundation soils and supported on piles. Under static conditions the fill load is essentially carried by the piles by "arching action", and little deformation was observed to occur in the field. The results of both model tests and finite element analysis are in agreement with this finding. Concern arose as to the likely response of this structure under earthquake loading and a model sand embankment supported on 400 model piles was built and tested on the …
Observed Natural Frequency Pile, Vijay K. Puri
Observed Natural Frequency Pile, Vijay K. Puri
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
Vertical and horizontal vibration tests were conducted on a 45 cm. diameter concrete driven pile. The pile length was 17 m. The response of the pile was computed following the commonly used approach of Novak (1974, 1977) and Novak and El-Sharnouby (1983). A comparison was made of the predicted and observed response, the results of which are discussed in the paper.
On Propagation Of Elastic Surface Wave In Soils, Wang Xikang, Duan Shiwei, Yang Xianjinan
On Propagation Of Elastic Surface Wave In Soils, Wang Xikang, Duan Shiwei, Yang Xianjinan
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
It has been proved that the propagation law of elastic surface wave emanating from machinery foundations has bearing not only on distances from vibration source but also on frequencies and depth of vibration source and external pressure acting on soil surface of wave receivers. Based on plenty of tests the calculation formulas for elastic surface wave are put forward and the computation precision of which is satisfactory.
On Properties Of Damping Of Bases, Wang Xikang
On Properties Of Damping Of Bases, Wang Xikang
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
On the basis of many tests it has been proved that the damping properties of bases not only have bearing on magnitude of base area of foundation but also on weight of foundation and on mechanics model adopted. This paper puts forward the computation formulas of damping parameters to some soils.
Probabilistic Analysis Of Earthquake-Induced Pool Release, T. F. Wolff, G. L. Hempen, M. M. Dirnberger, B. H. Moore
Probabilistic Analysis Of Earthquake-Induced Pool Release, T. F. Wolff, G. L. Hempen, M. M. Dirnberger, B. H. Moore
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
Wappapello Dam was constructed in 1938 near the New Madrid seismic region. Loose sands in the dam foundation led to concern for liquefaction and embankment sliding if a large earthquake were to occur. However it was also recognized that the operation of the dam for flood control results in relatively low reservoir levels the majority of the time, substantially reducing the risk of earthquake-induced flooding. Because of these factors, a probabilistic analysis was performed to assess the likelihood of the combination of required events leading to an earthquake-induced pool release. Results of such analyses provide better information on which to …
Seismic Assessment Of Syncrude Tailings Dyke, R. C. Lo, W. G. Milne, Earle J. Klohn, G. T. Handford
Seismic Assessment Of Syncrude Tailings Dyke, R. C. Lo, W. G. Milne, Earle J. Klohn, G. T. Handford
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
This paper describes the assessment of seismic risk at the Syncrude Site. It reviews the site physiographic and geologic setting and considers the site position relative to observed seismic events, strain release patterns, and main tectonic features in western Canada. Both deterministic and probabilistic approaches were employed in the seismic risk assessment. Data on seismic events that occurred between 1899 and 1985 were included in the evaluation. Of particular importance was determination of the impact on the site of a series of large earthquakes which occurred in the Nahanni area of the Northwest Territories during 1985. Hasegawa et al. (1981) …
Seismosedimentation And Lives Of Reservoirs, Arun Bapat
Seismosedimentation And Lives Of Reservoirs, Arun Bapat
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
When moderate to major earthquakes, usually of magnitude more than or equal to 6. 0 on Richter Scale, occur in catchment area of river, additional amount of geological materials is generated, which is called as Seismosediments and the process is known as Seismosedimentation. River flow mechanism carries it down to reservoir. This amount of seismosediment is quantified by a mathematical relation. A specific case of seismosedimentation with reference to sediments in Bhakra reservoir has been discussed. It is observed that seismosedimentation could reduce the economic life of reservoir and adversely affects the utility of reservoir. Re-examination of lives of large …
Soil Liquefaction Potential Of A Highway Bridge Foundation, Pedro S. Sêco E Pinto
Soil Liquefaction Potential Of A Highway Bridge Foundation, Pedro S. Sêco E Pinto
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
Dynamic properties of a highway bridge foundation were determined through extensive field and laboratory tests. The liquefaction potential of alluvia materials consisting of sand material with 10 m depth was evaluated by using field data obtained from standard penetration and cone penetration tests, as well as seismic tests by measuring longitudinal and shear waves velocities. In addition the laboratory testing program has included classification tests, cyclic triaxial and cyclic simple shear test. The analyses have showed that comparable factors of safety may be obtained from both field and laboratory tests.
Stability Analysis Of Seismically Damaged Embankments, Yasuyuki Koga, Osamu Matsuo
Stability Analysis Of Seismically Damaged Embankments, Yasuyuki Koga, Osamu Matsuo
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
This paper describes a pseudo-static stability analysis of seismically damaged embankments during the 1983 Nihonkai-chubu earthquake (Japan). It places a great emphasis on the discussion of a dynamic shear strength of soils to be used in a seismic stability analysis of embankments. Several existing concepts of a dynamic strength are reviewed, which vary from each other with respect to loading patterns, drainage conditions and strength criteria in soil element tests. The main part of this paper is to apply some of the dynamic soil strengths discussed above to seismic stability analyses of three embankment sections, laid on loose sandy deposits …
Stress Field Under A Reservoir And Its Induced Earthquake, Tao Zhen-Yu, Tang Fang-Fu
Stress Field Under A Reservoir And Its Induced Earthquake, Tao Zhen-Yu, Tang Fang-Fu
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
This paper provides a conceptual model for the study of water-induced earthquake, from which a coupled analysis program of two-dimensional elasto-plastic media has been made. It analyzes the characteristics of the change of stress field and infiltration field under reservoir and studies the relationship between these characteristics and those of water-induced earthquake. At last, it gives out prediction results to a water-induced sequence.
The Observed Seismic Behavior Of The Matahina Dam, M. D. Gillon
The Observed Seismic Behavior Of The Matahina Dam, M. D. Gillon
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
On 2 March 1987 the 86 m high Matahina earth dam in the Eastern Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand was shaken by a nearby magnitude 6.3 earthquake. The dam response was recorded by five strong motion accelerometers and a maximum crest level acceleration of 0.42 g was measured. The crest level rockfill settled about 100 mm and moved downstream 250 mm during the earthquake. No major leakage has resulted from the earthquake. The results of the damage investigations are described. A condition probably requiring remedial work has been identified on the left abutment.
Upgrading The Seismic Resistance Of Stevens Creek Dam, K. V. Rodda, C. W. Perry, R. E. Tepel
Upgrading The Seismic Resistance Of Stevens Creek Dam, K. V. Rodda, C. W. Perry, R. E. Tepel
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
Stevens Creek Darn is a rolled earthfill structure with a height of about 120 feet. A seismic safety evaluation in 1978 concluded that the darn would probably be severely damaged if subjected to a maximum credible earthquake originating on the nearby San Andreas fault. Normal reservoir operation was immediately restricted, pending decisions as to the fate of the project. Conceptual design studies were completed in 1982 to identify the most promising alternative remedial concepts. The most promising concepts were chosen and final design of modifications to the dam and its appurtenant hydraulic structures were completed in 1984. Modification of the …
Vibration Response Of Railway Bridge Piers To Nearby Pile Driving, I. Rosenthal, M. Itskowitch
Vibration Response Of Railway Bridge Piers To Nearby Pile Driving, I. Rosenthal, M. Itskowitch
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
In the development of a new highway system approaching Tel Aviv, Israel, long piles had to be driven very close to an existing railway bridge. In view of the danger of structural damage to the bridge, as a result of ground vibrations excited by the pile-driving work, field measurements were ordered. Vibrations recorded at the bridge pier heads in the course of the driving operation were analyzed and compared with those excited by trains. Results showed that the former are generally lower than the latter, and neither one exceeds the limits prescribed by the codes.
A Soil-Structure Interaction Analysis Of A Damaged Building, R. F. Wilson-Fahmy
A Soil-Structure Interaction Analysis Of A Damaged Building, R. F. Wilson-Fahmy
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
A twenty years old reinforced concrete building suffered from fracture of one of its ground floor corner columns. The extent of damage resulting from fracture of the column is examined. Plane frame structural analysis is used in the interpretation of the signs of damage of the building. Soil compressibility is incorporated in the analysis by assuming the footings to rest on Winkler type subgrade. The theoretical analysis is assessed by comparing the results with the actual behaviour of the structure.
Actual And Predicted Behavior Of Large Metal Culverts, David C. Cowherd, Stephen M. Thrasher, Vlad G. Perlea, John O. Hurd
Actual And Predicted Behavior Of Large Metal Culverts, David C. Cowherd, Stephen M. Thrasher, Vlad G. Perlea, John O. Hurd
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
The stability of large metal culverts depends on the performance of the backfill around the pipe, which must be considered as a part of the structure when evaluating its safety. A simplified method to evaluate the current stability of such a structure on the basis of the structure's shape is derived. Useful when limited amount of information is available, this method provides an economical procedure for: (1) evaluating the condition of the existing backfill and its capability to provide a safe support for the structure; (2) predicting final movements and determining if additional investigations are necessary to establish the safety …
Anchor Failures At A Deep Excavation, Vinod K. Garga
Anchor Failures At A Deep Excavation, Vinod K. Garga
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
The Paper describes failures of some high tensile strength steel tensioned rock anchors at a deep excavation. The failures are attributed to stress corrosion to which the high tensile strength steel is particularly susceptible. The method which was used to estimate the life of remaining anchors on the project is described. The need for ensuring a high level of care during transportation, storage and installation of such high tensile strength steel bars is emphasised.
Bearing Capacity Of Pile Foundations, Xie Sheng-Sun
Bearing Capacity Of Pile Foundations, Xie Sheng-Sun
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
This paper deals with the case histories about the bearing capacity of piles in an off shore thermal power plant, it includes: (1) The exploring of the site and the setting of the data in pile foundation design. (2) Static load test of inclined piles with deviations ranging from 3 to 10 degrees from vertical.
Building Design And Construction Over Organic Soil, C. N. Baker Jr., S. B. Steinberg, W. Lam
Building Design And Construction Over Organic Soil, C. N. Baker Jr., S. B. Steinberg, W. Lam
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
A lowrise office building was constructed on a mat foundation over a thick peat deposit that had been preconsolidated beneath surface fill. Environmental restrictions prevented use of deep foundations for fear that penetration through an aquaclude would permit contamination of a deeper water table. This paper describes the laboratory testing and field instrumentation programs, as well as the special geotechnical and structural analysis undertaken for the design and construction of this project. Included in the program were long-term consolidation tests, pressuremeter tests, use of heave markers, inclinometers and pore pressure piezometers. A site history was also developed to define the …
Case Histories In Seismic Response Analysis, W. D. Liam Finn
Case Histories In Seismic Response Analysis, W. D. Liam Finn
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
The reliability and utility of dynamic response analysis in geotechnical engineering is explored by a series of case histories. A detailed study of the seismic response of Mexico City sites during the 1985 earthquake shows clearly the limitations of present methods for estimating the appropriate input motions for analysis and the necessity of using a suite of representative input motions. Analyses of seismic soil-structure interaction are conducted on centrifuged models subjected to simulated earthquake loading. Finally the seismic response of a tailings dam is investigated using nonlinear dynamic effective stress analysis.
Collapsing Peak Up Of A Large Highway Steel Pipe-Arch, Minh Phong Luong
Collapsing Peak Up Of A Large Highway Steel Pipe-Arch, Minh Phong Luong
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
This case history reports the collapse of a large highway steel pipe-arch (8.12 m rise - 10.95 m span), occurring just when backfilling reached the top of the arch. No fill was placed on top as backfilling proceeded; the arch raised, thereby flattening side radius. It shows that stability in a soil-structure interaction system requires not only adequate design of the structure barrel, it also presumes a well engineered backfill. Performance of the flexible steel pipe-arch in retaining its shape and structural integrity depends greatly on placement and compaction of the envelope of earth surrounding the structure and distributing its …
Compaction-Induced Distress Of A Long-Span Culvert Overpass Structure, Raymond B. Seed, Chang-Yu Ou
Compaction-Induced Distress Of A Long-Span Culvert Overpass Structure, Raymond B. Seed, Chang-Yu Ou
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
Compaction of backfill produces soil stresses and earth pressures which are not amenable to analysis by conventional methods. These compaction-induced earth pressures can produce stresses and deformations in flexible buried culvert structures which may significantly affect the stability and performance of these structures. This paper presents the results of a study in which deformations of a long-span flexible metal culvert were measured during carefully monitored backfill operations. These field measurements were then compared with the results of finite element analyses in order to investigate (a) the influence of compaction effects on culvert stresses and deformations, and (b) the ability of …
Comparisons Between Field And Analytical Behavior Of An Experimental Excavation, Roberto Azevedo, Nilo Consoli
Comparisons Between Field And Analytical Behavior Of An Experimental Excavation, Roberto Azevedo, Nilo Consoli
International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering
This paper analyses the behaviour of an experimental unsupported excavation taken to failure in a soft clay deposit near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The excavation was originally analyzed by Pontes Filho and Medeiros (1982) assuming undrained conditions. In this paper, the same excavation is analyzed by Biot's coupled theory of consolidation and deformation using linear elastic, non-linear-elastic and elasto-plastic constitutive models and simulating the excavation process in time, without a – priori hypothesis on the drainage conditions. Details of the excavation construction, geotechnical profile and instrumentation are briefly described. Subsequently, the constitutive model calibrations are discussed in view of laboratory …