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By Olgun

Energy piles are a new innovative renewable energy technology to access and exploit the relative constant temperature of the ground for efficient heating and cooling of buildings. Examples of energy piles include drilled shafts, continuous flight auger (CFA) piles, driven piles, and micropiles. A field test setup was installed at the Virginia Tech Geotechnical Research Facility to study energy piles. The field test consists of a total of five micropiles 25 cm (10 inches) in diameter, four of which were equipped with circulation loops. The test piles extend to a depth of 30.5 meters (100 feet) and are heavily instrumented with strain gauges and temperature sensors. Several observation boreholes were formed around the test piles to monitor ground temperatures. Thermal conductivity tests and field load testing were performed to investigate the behavior of Energy Piles. This paper presents results of the thermal conductivity tests and thermo-mechanical field load test performed as part of this field investigation.

By Phillip E. Glogowski, N. Catherine Bazan-Arias

Steel foundations can be designed to cross-sectional configurations ranging from triangular and square to other multi-side shapes. Adding lateral extensions (hereby called wings) along the length of the steel stem can increase the foundation’s uplift, torsional and lateral load capacities. DiGioia Gray staff developed a methodology for the optimal design for multi-facetted, winged deep steel foundations. A finite element (FE) model is used to represent the steel components and the nonlinear subsurface behavior. The geometry of the foundation can be complex; thus, an optimal design needs to be fine-tuned to the specific site conditions. We created a pre-processor tool to generate the FE model including varying values for the number and size of wings, depths of embedment, reveal/stickup heights, top plate geometries, and subsurface profiles. The analytical model has been partially validated through full-scale testing and the methodology has been applied to two installed projects to date.

Sep 8, 2021

[ENGLISH active earth pressure adapter additive adhesion admixture, addition adsorbed water aggregate air air entrainment air hose allowable bearing value allowable pile bearing load]

Jan 1, 1994

By Mario Mauro, Jeff Taylor, Carlos Morales

"In 2007 the US Army Corps of Engineers classified the Herbert Hoover Dike in Florida as a Dam Safety Action Classification (DSAC) 1 dam, and started the implementation of one of the largest dam rehabilitation projects in the nation. The construction of the cutoff wall is a key feature of this rehabilitation work to upgrade the dike to current dam safety criteria. The cutoff wall installation is currently being completed on Reach 1, which extends from Port Mayaca to Belle Glade, under a Multiple Task Order Contract based on performance specifications and stringent verification criteria.For the construction of the cutoff wall TREVIICOS selected the self-hardening slurry method. Since the cutoff wall is installed through a layer of highly variable limestone with Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) up to 14,000 psi, the excavation requires the use of the hydromill equipment. This is the first successful application of the hydromill technology with self-hardening slurry in a large scale project in the US. This paper presents the details of the method utilized, the quality control procedures, and the experience gained over seven miles of cutoff wall installed.INTRODUCTIONProject LocationThe Herbert Hoover Dike (HHD) system, around Lake Okeechobee in South Florida, consists of a series of levees, culverts and locks and is approximately 143 miles long (Figure 1).Lake Okeechobee is the second largest freshwater lake in the lower 48 states of the United States. The lake is the primary drinking water source for numerous communities around the lake and to millions of people living along the lower east coast. The lake is also a vital source of irrigation for the agricultural industry in the South Florida region.Lake Okeechobee is 33 miles wide from north to south and 30 miles wide from east to west and has a surface area of 730 square miles. The average water depth of the lake is 9 ft."

Jan 1, 2017

By Mario Mauro

In 2007 the US Army Corps of Engineers classified the Herbert Hoover Dike in Florida as a Dam Safety Action Classification (DSAC) 1 dam, and started the implementation of one of the largest dam rehabilitation projects in the nation. The construction of the cutoff wall is a key feature of this rehabilitation work to upgrade the dike to current dam safety criteria. The cutoff wall installation is currently being completed on Reach 1, which extends from Port Mayaca to Belle Glade, under a Multiple Task Order Contract based on performance specifications and stringent verification criteria. For the construction of the cutoff wall TREVIICOS selected the self-hardening slurry method. Since the cutoff wall is installed through a layer of highly variable limestone with Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) up to 14,000 psi, the excavation requires the use of the hydromill equipment. This is the first successful application of the hydromill technology with self-hardening slurry in a large scale project in the US. This paper presents the details of the method utilized, the quality control procedures, and the experience gained over seven miles of cutoff wall installed.

By Suresh Chikati, Gangadharan Santhanam

Twin tunnels were constructed to a length of 863m using TBM in one of the underground metro projects. The tunnels pass through complex geological conditions (soil, rock and mixed conditions). This paper presents the consideration of volume loss and the corresponding ground settlement associated with the excavation of twin TBM tunnels by analytical and numerical methods. Empirical methods were used to calculate the ground settlement induced by the excavation of twin tunnels. The ground settlement values were directly derived from the two parameters: the volume loss and trough width parameter. These parameters are calculated based on the geological conditions at the tunnel face and tunnel overburden. The finite element software, Plaxis 2D was used to model the soil parameters with appropriate geological conditions. Twin tunnel excavation is simulated in Plaxis 2D and the effect of tunnelling on the ground was simulated by percentage volume loss. The suitable line contraction value was applied to the tunnel linings to simulate the volume loss. The surface ground settlement was directly obtained from Plaxis 2D. Instrumentation arrays were proposed along the twin tunnel alignment, to provide the ground settlement monitoring data within the influence zone of tunnelling activities. The derived ground settlement values from analytical and numerical methods were compared with the actual field instrumentation and monitoring data. From the field instrumentation data, the actual volume loss values were calculated. The compatibility of ground settlement and volume loss calculated using analytical and numerical methods and those measured using field instrumentation data is discussed in this paper.

Sep 1, 2022

By Michael Hughes, Selva Selvamohan, Ray Costa

"Cutoff walls are commonly used to mitigate underseepage problems for levee remediation projects. At abrupt changes in seepage cutoff wall depths there is a potential for water to flow around the back of the deeper cutoff wall leading to elevated seepage pressures on the landside that could result in exit gradients exceeding design criteria. This condition is referred to as end-around-effects and is a complex problem that requires detailed and time consuming 3-D numerical modeling to represent accurately. This paper presents a simple approach for assessing end-around-effects using the results of 2- D seepage analysis to determine if lateral extension of the deeper portion of the cutoff wall is required. This simplified approach provides a pragmatic solution to a complex 3-D problem. The presented procedure was used as part of the Feather River West Levee Project in Yuba City, California, to assess end-around-effects at 26 locations. The results showed that wall extensions of up to 100 feet were needed at only 2 locations.INTRODUCTIONAs the lead geotechnical consultant for the Feather River West Levee Project, AECOM were responsible for designing levee remediation works for approximately 35 miles of levee protecting the area around Yuba City, California, and communities to the north and south. Due to land use constraints, seepage cutoff walls were the main remediation alternative selected to address underseepage issues for the project.As part of the design review process, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) requested AECOM to look at 26 locations along the levee alignment where the depth of cutoff wall changed abruptly from shallow to deep, or vice versa. At these locations there was the potential for seepage pressures to pass behind the deeper section of cutoff wall and stress the blanket layer landward of the cutoff wall. A condition referred to as end-around-effects.End-around-effects involve complex 3-D ground conditions that have traditionally been addressed by laterally extending the deeper section of cutoff wall an arbitrary distance based solely on engineering judgment. In discussions with DWR, AECOM developed a simple procedure to provide a more objective assessment of end-around-effects without the need for detailed and time consuming analysis. This procedure allows the engineer to make an informed decision of whether end-around-effects are a problem at the location of a cutoff wall transition rather than laterally extending the deeper section of cutoff wall an arbitrary distance based on engineering judgment alone."

Jan 1, 2015

By Marwa Nabil, Alaa A. Ata

"Recent developments in the analysis of piled rafts has incorporated the load sharing of the raft and the piles to support the superstructure. In the piled-raft system, piles are cast monolithically with the raft and the load is partly transmitted by the raft to the soil directly below it, and partly by the piles to more competent deep soil. While these piles are effective in increasing the bearing capacity and reducing the settlements, they often lead to significant straining actions at the pile head-raft connection which may constitute the weakest link. An attempt to provide a more economical solution, that at the same time overcomes this weak link, is to disconnect the pile heads from the raft and introduce an intermediate cushion of compacted fill. In this case, the piles are considered as reinforcement to the subsoil and will also act as settlement reducers. This paper investigates the load transfers mechanism of the unconnected piled raft with cushion using ABAQUS finite elements Program. The main objective is to provide an in depth analysis of the raft–soil–pile interactions in multi-layered soil under static and seismic loads. The investigated system provides an economical alternative for traditional connected piled raft foundation, where there is no need to reinforce the piles, no need for pile head demolition or expensive waterproofing of the pile head connection. Cost analyses of unconnected versus connected piled raft systems confirmed a cost savings in the construction that may reach from 50 to 70 percent.INTRODUCTIONDesigners around the world have gained more confidence to use the piled-raft as a more realistic system where the raft and the piles share transferring the superstructure loads to shallow and deep soil layers. A further advancement is to use unconnected piled rafts as another practical and economical alternative to the traditional piled rafts. Unconnected piled raft is also synonymous to settlement reducing piles; or simply, soil improvement piles. Liang et al. (2003) has extended the concept of pile-raft-foundation to a new type of foundation called composite piled raft foundation or unconnected piled raft foundation. The foundation is composed of a sand/gravel cushion sandwiched between the raft and piles. The piles group may contain short and long piles. The short piles are constructed of flexible materials such as soil-cement columns or sand-gravel columns, and are used mainly to improve the bearing capacity of shallow soft soil; the long piles, which are made of relatively rigid materials such as concrete, and their main function is to reduce settlements. The cushion plays an important role in mobilizing the bearing capacity of the subsoil and in modifying the load transfer mechanism of the piles. In Shanghai, China, this system of unconnected piled raft has proved to be quite suitable and effective in coastal areas, where deep soft soil deposits exist."

Jan 1, 2016

By Terzis D. PhD, Katterbach M.

While awareness around the environmental impact of existing grout materials and chemical binders is increasing rapidly, biotechnologies are growing traction as sustainable alternatives in groundwork operations. Herein we present the principles and application methods of bio-grouting. The term is used to describe a system which is based on soil, groundwater or marine enzymes which are able to catalyze the production of calcite replicating a natural phenomenon. The system’s end result are mineral crystalline bridges which act as binders to improve the geotechnical properties of soils. This paper presents a comprehensive description of bio-grouts, their underlaying mechanisms contributing to mineralization as well as environmental considerations. With their water-like rheology, bio-grouts have a wide application range and are minimally invasive, requiring only very limited injection pressures. The equipment is the same as that used in conventional cement grouting, and the reactant components are worldwide available or easily suppliable, which explains why bio-grouting has nowadays become a valuable and sustainable alternative towards efficient soil treatment. Recent developments in the last years have allowed to further increase the applicability and efficiency of bio-grouts to ultimately bridge the gap between research and practice. A case study is illustrated in this paper showing the successful implementation of bio-grout for the stabilization of weakly cemented sandstone to safeguard an adjacent road segment in Switzerland

May 1, 2022

By Hubert Law, Amin Rahmani

This paper evaluates the effects of pile diameter on the initial modulus of subgrade reaction and proposes modifications to the subgrade reaction moduli that are commonly used in the current state of practice based on American Petroleum Institute (API) guidelines. Three-dimensional continuum finite element model of a soil-pile system is simulated under monotonic lateral loadings to develop benchmark data. The benchmark data, which includes small (0.5 ft) to large (10 ft) diameter pile responses, is used to estimate the initial modulus of subgrade reaction for each of the considered pile sizes. The study shows that the subgrade reaction moduli provided by API may underestimate the actual soil stiffness at the soil-pile interface for large diameter piles and may overestimate it for piles smaller than a certain diameter. A simple equation is proposed herein to adequately estimate the initial modulus of subgrade reaction for all pile diameter ranges. The proposed equation is validated by the measurements of full-scale field tests.

By Mark Koelling

This paper presents a case history of a ground improvement program conducted in a soft soil environment and seismically active region in the northwest corner of Washington State near the Canadian border. The program was performed over several years, and provided adequate soil bearing conditions for the construction of several structures. Completed development includes separate construction of four adjacent structures, each with unique total and differential settlement requirements and built at approximate two year intervals. Site soils consist of 45 feet of loose saturated sand and silt overlying 70 feet of very soft to stiff (N60 = 0 to 7) normally consolidated clay. Adding to the complexity of the site is the owner?s requirement that all existing structures remain open and in service during construction of each subsequent structure. The paper presents the site geotechnical information and the foundation design issues. Details of a combination of ground improvement methods is presented, including stone columns, wick drains, a preload surcharge, and staged construction to provide soil support for shallow foundation construction of all structures at this site. The soil test results and settlement observations are presented along with QA/QC measures. Lastly, a brief method sustainability comment will be made.

Jan 1, 2010

By Marcel Martineau, Vincent Landry, Simon Didone Arseneau, Ali Fallah Yeznabad, Damien Lamblot, Mathieu Cattone, Habib Akande, Marion Bouet

Vaudreuil-Soulanges Hospital Center in Greater Montreal area is a substantially large construction project with challenging schedule and geological conditions. The foundation consisted of 519 piles with an average overburden of 15 m and 4.5 rock sockets that were constructed in a tight schedule of 9 months. Special Geotechnical considerations were required and adopted for design and construction of this large-scale foundation. In this Design and Build contract, the strong cooperation between the designer and the contractor resulted in a substantial optimization of the quantities through in-situ full-scale vertical static and lateral cyclic pile-load tests, seismic simulations in design of the piles, and orienting the design to fit the planned drilling method. To maintain a challenging schedule in a cost-effective manner, seven drilling rigs fitted with temporary casings were used, operating in two shifts up to seven days a week. For drilling of the piles, cluster drilling was used by contractor due to uncommon abrasiveness and high strength (> 200 MPa) of the encountered sandstone bedrock. To further assist the construction of the piles, a new concrete mix was developed specifically for this project for the purpose of tremie pours. The concrete mix design is based on optimizing its rheology, maintaining its workability up to 6 hours and its durability more than 75 years design life in a particularly aggressive environment in chloride, sulfate, and others aggressive ions. An effective quality control and assurance program made it possible to find optimal solutions during construction.

Oct 7, 2024

By Benjamin B. Buensuceso III

Crosshole sonic logging (CSL) is a popular quality assurance and quality control method used to examine the concrete quality of cast-in place deep foundations, though the evaluation of the results is subject to certain limitations. One such limitation explored in this paper is the occurrence of false positives, where signal anomalies indicated by CSL test results are not necessarily indicative of imperfections in the foundation that could affect its performance. A case study of false positives evaluated in CSL records in a major infrastructure project in Metro Manila is presented in this paper. A detailed desktop evaluation and results from complementary high-strain dynamic load testing and low-strain pile integrity testing were used to evaluate the significance of the suspected false positive signal anomalies from the CSL test results. Recommendations for the proper interpretation and evaluation of CSL test results in Philippine practice, given the method’s limitations and examples presented, are also shared.

Sep 8, 2021

By Sunil Arora, Lisheng Shao, Chris Conkle

"The East Garden Grove - Wintersburg Channel located in Orange County, California, required upgrades along the levees to mitigate potential liquefaction and lateral spreading hazards. The Orange County Public Works designed soilcrete columns constructed between two rows of steel sheet piles along both sides of the channel between Graham Street and Warner Avenue (approximately 2,500 ft), and along an approximately 2,000-ft-long stretch of the south levee. The earthen embankment, approximately 13- to 15-ft high and damaged significantly by erosion, was then excavated to widen the channel to increase the channel flood conveyance capacity.The site is located within the Los Angeles Basin, underlain by several thousand ft of marine sedimentary strata. Uncontrolled fill materials were encountered to approximately 10 ft below ground surface, underlain by tidal and flood plain deposits. Groundwater was encountered at sea level, which is approximately 10 ft below grade.This paper will discuss site soil conditions, and the construction and quality control of soilcrete columns constructed by wet soil mixing; also, the paper will introduce the Drilling Index (DI) as a measurement tool, similar to the cone penetration test (CPT), to evaluate the soil strength in more detail. Finally, the statistical analysis of soil mixing strength distributions for the project quality control will be presented.INTRODUCTIONWintersburg Channel in Orange County, California, required ground improvements along the existing levees to mitigate potential liquefaction and lateral spreading under the site design earthquake. Orange County Public Works designed and developed a cellular pattern of soilcrete columns sandwiched between two rows of steel sheet piles along both sides of the channel between Graham Street and Warner Avenue, and adjacent an approximately 2,000-ft-long stretch of the south levee (Fig. 1). An earthen embankment approximately 13 to 15 ft high, damaged significantly by erosion, was then excavated to widen the channel and increase the channel flood conveyance capacity.Stiff, soilcrete cellular wall structures can reduce the earthquake-induced cyclic shear stress ratio (CSR) in the soil within the cells, thus preventing excess pore water pressure build up which may trigger soil liquefaction. For this project, approximately 6,700 soilcrete columns were constructed in a cellular pattern to an approximate depth of 40 ft. All of the soilcrete columns are 3 ft in diameter with the design unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of 150 psi."

Jan 1, 2015

By Marc Raithel, Sven Schröer, Lilma Schimmel, Dimiter Alexiew

"The Geotextile Encased Columns (GEC) deep foundation system for embankments and dikes on soft soils was introduced some 20 years ago and is now considered State-of-the-art in Germany, Europe and, step by step, worldwide. The GECs consist of compacted non-cohesive granular fill similar e.g. to common gravel columns with one decisive difference: they are confined in a high-strength, high-modulus, flexible geotextile “cylinder” (encasement). This engineered element with parameters being adaptable in a wide range provides a decisive tool to control and optimize the behavior of the GEC foundation system. Consequently, the GECs work properly even in extremely soft soils, and a wide range of fills inclusive of sands can be used. In the meantime vast design and technological experience is available and codified design methods exist. Initially the paper briefly describes the general idea, the basics and specifics of design, construction technology, materials, restrictions and optimal application areas. Then it focuses on three informative case studies. They are briefly presented focusing for brevity only on the most important facts and experience inclusive of the most meaningful data of short- and long-term measurement programs.INTRODUCTIONWhen considering embankments on soft soils, generally two groups of solutions exist:Unsupported embankments; there are four main options:a) build up embankment extremely slowly waiting for sufficient consolidation after every stage;b) replace the soft soil partially or totally;c) install a high-strength basal reinforcement providing overall and local stability and allowing much faster embankment construction;d) combine c) with strip drains to accelerate consolidation and thus the construction process additionally (Fig. 1, left).Today, practically only option ""d"" is of practical relevance. Despite all the pros and cons, the common attribute of all non-supported options is that local and overall stability (Ultimate Limit State-ULS) can be achieved and controlled, but not the short- and long-term settlements (Serviceability Limit State-SLS). The latter can be significant, e.g. up to 30% of the nominal planned embankment height. Supported embankments (Fig. 1, right): the main common idea is to over-bridge the soft soil layers by supporting vertical elements of different types: rigid piles, trench walls etc. or by ""softer"" solutions of different column types (compacted, cemented, mixed-in-place etc.). Herein the borderlines between “piles”, ""pile-similar elements"" and ""soil improvement” are fluent and depend on country, traditions, codes etc. The common attribute of the “supported” schemes is a minimized settlement. Twenty years ago a new specific solution was launched: the Geotextile Encased Columns (GEC), which is discussed in more detail below."

Jan 1, 2017

By James R. Gingery, Byron Foster, Bret Lingwall

While microzonation and setbacks are the typical mitigation for structures exposed to surface fault rupture hazards, lifelines and lifeline facilities are not easily relocated to avoid faulting. In these cases, other remedial measures including ground improvement may be warranted. Deep soil mixing ground improvement was used in this case to mitigate surface fault rupture and liquefaction hazards for a pump station at a wastewater treatment plant with wet wells up to 36-feet (11-m) deep. Paleoseismic field investigations were performed to characterize the site, then deterministic and probabilistic fault rupture displacement estimates were made and used to develop design scenarios. The fault rupture mitigation design consisted of a solid block of DSM encompassing and protecting the pump station and its wet wells. Three dimensional soil-structure interaction numerical modeling of the fault rupture scenarios was performed as part of the design. The analyses showed the fault rupture displacements could be diverted by the DSM and that satisfactory structure performance could be achieved. The design required construction of a large 100 percent replacement ratio block of DSM with a compressive strength of 500 psi. Aspects of construction of this DSM block are discussed.

Sep 8, 2021

By Patrick Granitzki, Alicia Plinio, Janitha Batagoda, Peter Howell

The City of Newark is making a comeback with new mixed-use multi-storied Residential Development projects. The majority of developers tend to use driven H-pile deep foundation systems to support their super-structures. A different approach was recommended for one particular new development near the Passaic River. The surficial geology included glacial deposits consisting of loose to dense sand overlaying relatively soft silt and clay and a lower stratum of medium-dense sand. During a preliminary site investigation for the project, bedrock was encountered at depths ranging between approximately 168 feet to 182 feet below the ground surface. Design capacity required a single pile of 200 tons. Two different pile foundation systems were evaluated in conjunction to the typical driven H-pile system in order to review potential costs and construction schedule impacts. The two alternative pile systems evaluated were tapered tube piles and drilled displacement piles. Theoretical calculations were followed by in-situ load testing. The field testing results indicated the use of drilled displacement piles as the best option for a portion of the proposed building. This paper discusses the different piles systems considered, installation and using drilled displacement piles to minimize cost and optimize construction.

Sep 8, 2021

By Scott D. Neely, Donald R. Clark

"An existing landslide located at the southeast corner of the Telluride Regional Airport has been in an active state of failure for several years. The presence of the landslide has represented an on-going liability for the Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Colorado Department of Transportation. A catastrophic failure of this landslide occurring in a manner similar to that which occurred at the Airport in 1987 has posed an on-going threat to closing Colorado State Highway 145 south and below the slide area. The existing landslide has been characterized as a series of multiple failed block areas located downhill of the airport runway that have occurred in severely weathered Mancos Shale.A total of 12 alternatives were evaluated to mitigate the landslide, including the preferred alternatives of either partial or total landslide removal. However, prior development has left essentially no place on the airport property that would allow for the disposal of the landslide debris for either the total or partial removal alternatives, and the closest off-site disposal area was approximately 40 miles from the site. As a result, in-situ stabilization of the landslide, including a primary system of isolated tie-back anchor plates with strand anchors, and a secondary system of high strength steel mesh and intermediate anchors was selected for the ultimate design of the project to stabilize the landslide in place.For design purposes, geotechnical characterization of the slide area was accomplished through geological mapping, conventional borehole exploration and geophysics using multiple electrical resistivity. The paper discusses the design process utilized and the unique challenges faced one-third of the way through construction when discovery of a survey error required redesign of the entire landslide mass stabilization system using the prefabricated anchors that had already been delivered to the project.INTRODUCTIONTelluride Colorado is located at the toe of the Colorado Rocky Mountains on the western slope. The Telluride Regional Airport is located on Deep Creek Mesa about 5 miles west of the town of Telluride.The landslide is located at the southeast corner of the airport just below an abandoned portion of the quarry access road on a south facing slope. The quarry access road is located below the elevation of the runway and outside the elk fence that surrounds the air traffic area of the airport property. Since the reconstruction of the runway, the access road to the quarry and the construction access road for the reconstruction of the airport runway and safety area were rerouted to stable ground north of the previous access road location and off of the head scarp of the landslide."

Jan 1, 2015

By Keith MacKay, John Carter, David Siddle, Fernando Faminia

"The River Green Residential development, is located in the municipality of Richmond, BC adjacent to the Fraser River. Ground conditions at the site consisted of medium to fine grained alluvial sands and a high groundwater elevation. A temporary low permeability retaining wall was required in order to facilitate the construction of an underground parking structure without inducing settlement of adjacent structures, which include the Richmond Olympic Oval; part of the legacy of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. Golder Associates Ltd. and GeoPacific Consultants Ltd. utilized Cutter Soil Mixing (CSM) technology to enable construction of a continuous combined low permeability cut-off and retaining wall around the perimeter of the property. The 350m long wall was keyed into marine clay at a depth of 28m below ground surface, and contained H-Pile reinforcement installed at regular intervals. The CSM technology provided many benefits for this project, allowing the combined cut-off and retaining wall to be constructed within a very narrow footprint (650mm width). The low noise impact and near vibration free construction of the CSM equipment provided minimal inconvenience to nearby stakeholders during construction. To reduce dewatering volumes during excavation and prevent significant water-table drawdown the Hydraulic Conductivity requirements for the wall were 1 x 10-7 cm/s or less. Project specifications called for a different strength requirement for upper and lower portions of the wall. The top 13 meters of the wall required an Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) of 4MPa to act as a retaining and cut-off wall, whereas the bottom 15 meters of the wall required a UCS of only 0.5 MPa to act only as a cut-off wall. Wet-grab and core samples were obtained from the panels to confirm the UCS and Hydraulic Conductivity specifications were met.INTRODUCTIONGolder Construction Inc. and GeoPacific Consultants Ltd. conducted the design and construction of a deep soil mixed cut-off and retaining wall system. The “dry-box” solution was used to surround the excavation of an underground parkade and prevent flows of groundwater into the excavation."

Jan 1, 2016

By Christian Leble, Dr. -Ing. Jakob Vogelsang, Dr. -Ing. Oksana Solt, Dipl. -Ing. Joachim Meier, Dr. -Ing. Wolfgang Orth

In the course of closing the gap between the Brandenburg Gate and Alexanderplatz, the Museum Island station was built by Implenia Construction GmbH. The tunneling for the platform hall took place on a length of about 106 m (347 ft) under the protection of a major ground freezing measure and crossed the Spree canal as well as the listed castle bridge. The approximately 20,000 m³ (4.54 E+06 US gal dry) frozen mass lay mainly in the Berlin sands. In order to ensure safe tunnelling and to protect the adjacent buildings, the planners had defined requirements for the mean freezing temperature and thickness of the frozen mass. For a reliable conclusion on the dimensions of the frozen mass, we used innovative temperature sensors as well as the new, web-based 3D measurement visualization and the associated site-specific evaluation software. The largely automated evaluation enabled a quick and reproducible determination of the temperature distribution in the frozen soil and its thickness in the relevant cross-sectional areas. The measurements were validated by thermal calculations using the Finite-Element-Method. Thus, an objective and clear assessment basis was available to ensure rapid coordination between stakeholders. The evaluations provide new insights into the temperature influences from tunneling, the application of shotcrete and the concreting of the inner shell. The newly implemented active thawing system is also an interesting innovation.

May 1, 2022