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By Abolfazl Eslami, Fatemeh Rostami, Sara Heidarie Golafzani, Mohammad Arabameri

Collapsible loess is classified as problematic soil found in most continents. The loess immediately collapses under stresses induced by axial compressive loading or the soil weight when exposed to moisture. In Iran, vast areas of the Golestan province are covered with aeolian loess deposits. This paper investigates whether the simultaneous effect of inundation and pre-loading in helical pile installation are operative and effective in improvement of Golestan loess. The effect of installation conditions on loess collapsibility is studied via two main approaches, i.e., field investigations and physical modelling. The experimental studies include installation of eight single helix piles in the Amirkabir University of Technology Frustum Confining Vessel, i.e., FCV-AUT. Also, four single helix piles with embedment depth of 3 m and diameter of 250 mm were installed in Golestan province and full-scale pile static loading tests were performed. The results indicated that the simultaneous application of crowd loading and water pressure during installation of helical piles results in better soil shear strength parameters. Moreover, high crowd stresses or low crowd stresses accompanied by water pressure during pile installation brings about similar load-displacement behavior of model piles installed in FCV-AUT and full-scale helical piles.

Oct 1, 2022

By Jamey Rosen, Georgette Hlepas

"Bluestone Dam is a concrete gravity structure with an overall length of 2,060 feet and a maximum height of 165 feet above the streambed. Several major project modification designs have been implemented and additional modifications are currently in construction and design phases. Due to the various modifications since original construction was completed in 1948, detailed documentation with visualization of the project features is needed. A three-dimensional model of the internal and external features of Bluestone Dam was generated from LiDAR data, survey information, and other data sources. One of the key features of interest in this model is an accurate visualization of over 200 dam anchors based on downhole anchor surveys. The model is accessible in Microstation and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), allowing users to rotate the anchors in three dimensions; view them in the context of geology, internal dam structural features, historical construction records, site photographs, bathymetric data, and instrumentation data. Users can “click” on individual anchors to view associated construction details and open a comprehensive installation packages. The model will be used by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as part of a larger Geospatial Data Management System as a historical accounting of the project construction data, and be a long-term living document for use by both design engineers and operations staff to assess dam safety risk and to design future project modifications.IntroductionDuring the life of any project, critical data concerning the construction and performance history are required to be collected and maintained. The data collected prior, during, and post-project construction help with the design process, ensure that the project is built to specifications and is performing as per design intent. During the Post-Implementation Evaluation (an evaluation performed after a major project modification), these data are used to visualize the repairs, verify the construction was performed per design intent, and document the history of the construction phases, associated test results, and overall effect on the project. The project described in this paper is the construction of a system of tools to effectively use these data.Data collected and maintained during the operations phase helps to ensure that the project is continuing to perform as per design and aids in advance warning of any potential failure or required maintenance. Dam Safety, Emergency Management (EM), and Operations and Maintenance personnel can use the system to verify the status of the project in preparation for a high flood event. For example, if there is repair work being performed on a critical feature of the project that would affect the operation of the dam structure during a flood event, Operations personnel would be responsible to update the status of the system such that Dam Safety and EM would be able to identify the feature that is out of service, its date of expected repair completion, and the implications during a flood. In addition, risk assessments typically require a full history of the project and its performance. Any concerns that arise concerning the safety or performance of a project will require a full documented history of the project and its components. Proper documentation and data management are key in this assessment process."

Jan 1, 2016

By S. Y. Fantaye

This paper discusses the design, construction and performance of a 30 inch thick diaphragm wall recently constructed in Baltimore, Maryland at Inner Harbor East. The project site is an established marina and waterfront property. The geologic profile consists of fill, alluvial silt and clay, Potomac sand and clay, decomposed rock, and weathered rock on top of gneiss bedrock. The approximately 1,300 ft long perimeter diaphragm wall serves as a water cut-off, perimeter basement wall and support of excavation for the high rise project?s five levels of below-ground parking. Due to the fast track construction and the tight schedule, the initial design of the diaphragm wall was based on a limited amount of geotechnical information. Supplemental borings were then performed along the alignment of the wall to verify the design assumptions and wall depths. Additionally, the design criteria required that the wall be keyed into a competent stratum with low permeability. The Engineer of Record for the diaphragm wall, Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers (MRCE) completed the design and produced accelerated construction documents allowing the developer to release the drawings early for bid. This paper describes the theoretical soil parameters used to develop the loads, moments, and shears for the design of the diaphragm wall and the temporary tieback anchors. It also discusses the refinement of these soil parameters using the observed wall displacements and tieback pre-stressing forces as a baseline. This paper compares the calibrated parameters to the values used in the design of the wall. It explains how the soil structure interaction model was developed and the soil parameters calibrated using PLAXIS 2D non-linear finite element software. The paper also discusses the use of the proprietary CWS joint by Soletanche/Inquip JV as end stop between consecutive wall panels and the unique top-down construction utilized to support the diaphragm wall at the Southeast double re-entrant corner.

Jan 1, 2008

By A. C. Ackenhell

The geologic environment of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is both inviting and challenging to drilled pier installation. The shales and clayey soil zone of the hills are favorable but the alluvial soils of the three major rivers create problems. Beginning in the early 1950's, drilled pier installation continually improved as methods were developed to meet the geologic challenge. Case histories are presented to illustrate the historical development of piers in Pittsburgh. Recent innovations reducing the groundwater problem are illustrated by a case history of a high rise building construction. Load test information for side wall shear on the cylindrical shaft area between the concrete and bedrock continues to be desired but remains generally uneconomical.

Jan 1, 2010

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 Raymond J. Poletto

This paper describes the special problems that occur with the construction of diaphragm walls and discusses the lessons learned during the repairs of structural walls. Although diaphragm or slurry wall technology and equipment has vastly improved since its development in the late 1950?s, significant problems still occur. Key issues are repairs related to panel joints between wall panels, concrete defects associated with tremie concrete problems, leaks and other defects at tieback reservations or inserts, wall leaks within the plane of the wall and surface repairs. The paper supports the position that diaphragm walls are relatively watertight when properly constructed, but cautions that it is necessary to address potential problems in the design stage and allow for flexibility in construction so that the problems that occur can be corrected once encountered. Due to the fast track nature of most projects the time available for design, detailing and construction is limited. As a result, insufficient attention to detail by any of the responsible parties can lead to imperfections and defects in the wall. The authors describe the nature of these problems and their potential resolution based on ?lessons learned.? The timely response to wall problems is essential to the successful completion of a diaphragm wall project. Appropriate repairs have resulted in largely successful jobs starting with the World Trade Center in New York City. The authors? total 80 years of experience as the engineer of record and designer, inspector and contractor?s representative for the diaphragm wall results in a unique insight to deal with these problems.

Jan 1, 2011

By Larry Rayburn

Augercast piles evolved in the late forties from the process of pressure grouting open holes backfilled with stone. In 1956, a patent was issued for a cast in situ pile by pumping high pressure grout through hollow-stem, continuous flight auger as the auger is gradually withdrawn from the ground. The patent rights expired in 1973 and the use of auger-cast piles greatly expanded with most large deep foundation contractors now installing augercast piles. At one time augercast piles had a bad reputation, partly because of not having a blow count to give some engineers a confidence factor and there were some quality issues. Over the years the quality issues have been eliminated and I am sure the augercast is the most installed pile in private industry and is now being used by some State Agencies.

Jan 1, 2005

By Dempsey S. Thieman

Innovative marine bulkhead design and construction techniques were used in the fast-track design and construction of a high-capacity, deep-water dock in the highly seismic region of Alaska?s Aleutian Islands. The geotechnical investigation and design through construction phases were completed in just eight months. The adaptable OPEN CELL® design, readily available standard flat sheet pile and an experienced contractor were integral to the successful completion of the project. The cost of the structure was determined to be approximately 50 percent of a comparable pile-supported platform dock structure, allowed higher load capacity, rapid construction, less maintenance, and provided substantially more uplands. This paper details the design and construction of this unique and challenging project. The OPEN CELL structure is a vertical flexible membrane system that offers significant advantages over other structure types: ? Its flexible membrane structure is not dependent on toe embedment for stability. ? Poor soil conditions, shallow bedrock, high seismic loads, deep water, scour, etc., can be accommodated due to its adaptable design. ? It has a very high load capacity?capable of several thousand pounds per square foot. ? Allows buried utilities which results in lower cost and reduces freezing conditions ? The sheet pile tail walls can be extended to provide increased global stability if needed. ? Standard sheet pile and connectors with traditional installation techniques allow accelerated construction schedules.

Jan 1, 2008

By Walter Kaeck

In a recent upgrade of their system, Amtrak converted a bascule type draw bridge over the Thames River to a vertical lift structure supported by the existing piers. During the bridge replacement, significant settlement occurred on one of the piers and movement continued thereafter. Construction was stopped as Amtrak became concerned as to how much the subsequent construction activities would cause the pier to further settle and tilt, not only impacting the operation of the existing bridge, but also jeopardizing the new lift span. Mueser Rutledge was engaged at this time to help understand and solve the problem. A remedial grouting program was developed to arrest the settlement. As a subcontractor to Cianbro Corporation, Pittsfield, ME, The Judy Company was hired to perform the remedial grouting work. Work platforms were constructed around the pier for support of the drilling equipment. A dual string drilling system was used to install sleeve pipes at depths of up to 185? below the water level. Ultrafine cement grout stabilized with additives was placed at 2.5 foot intervals through the depth of the sand and gravel stratum below the bottom of the pier. Logistics were difficult and the schedule was severely impacted by the remedial work, necessitating working six 12-hour shifts per week and working in the river through the winter months. After four months of drilling and grouting, movement of the pier stopped. At the conclusion of the remedial work, more than a million gallons of ultrafine cement grout were placed. Confirmation borings recovered completely solidified material with compressive strengths ranging from 500 to 1500 psi. The bridge replacement was then completed and is functioning. Continued monitoring through July 2009 shows negligible movement.

Jan 1, 2009

By Lance Helwirg

New high and low double outfall bridge structures for a juvenile fish bypass system have been constructed on the Washington Shore approximately two miles downstream from the Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River. The high and low outfalls each extend approximately 400 feet into the river from the Washington shore and are designed to release juvenile salmon into the river at above-water discharge elevations for improved survival rates. The two outfall structures include post-tensioned concrete double box flume girders approximately 7 feet high by 13 feet wide, which will be submerged in river flows as high as 15 feet per second. Each of the 6 offshore foundation piers is composed of a single 10-foot diameter reinforced concrete drilled shaft with a permanent steel casing embedded into the river bottom approximately 100 feet. Challenging outfall design conditions included designing the entire structures to be submerged for long periods of time in 15-feet-per-second river water flow with a 60-foot cantilever at the end of each outfall, and with the superstructure 70 to 80 feet above the river bottom. Figures 1-1,1-2, and 1-3 show the high and low outfall structure overhead photos and elevation view.

Jan 1, 2001

By Timothy Nelson, Simon Burnworth

"The Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA), which currently resides in a 1970s-era post-modern concrete structure just south of the University of California, Berkeley campus, was in need of a new home after an engineering evaluation revealed that the building possessed seismic deficiencies. Pressed for space, the University looked within its portfolio of properties and identified the site of the former University Printing Press facility as the place to build BAMPFA’s new home.The site was perfect; located one block east of bustling downtown Berkeley and its rapid transit station, and directly across the street from the western entrance to the UC Berkeley campus. Thousands of pedestrians pass by the site on a daily basis, thus granting BAMPFA the opportunity to reshape the corner of Center and Oxford Streets with a building that would not only welcome visitors to campus, but also serve as a creative hub for both the City of Berkeley and the UC Berkeley institution itself 1.The original museum plans, drawn up in the mid-2000s, called for complete demolition of the existing abandoned facility and replacement with a visually stunning structure designed by renowned Japanese architect Toyo Ito. Even at this point, the shoring and means and methods requirements of the project were identified as a challenging component, incorporating a shored excavation bounded on three sides by busy city streets and a fourth side by an operating bank and occupied apartment building. Furthermore, a sequenced demolition would be required for the printing press facility’s three-story Administration Building (also known as the Admin Block), one-story printing press warehouse (also known as the Press Building), and an adjacent parking structure. Degenkolb Engineers was retained at that time as the shoring engineer to design the shoring to facilitate this work."

Jan 1, 2016

By Chris Normand, Paul Volpe, Eric Wey, Howard Perko, Burt Ogilvie, Patrick Murray

"A refinery expansion project for Marathon Petroleum Company in Southern Louisiana required existing medium to large pipe racks to be expanded for additional capacity. Foundation modifications were necessary in order to add levels to the existing pipe racks. New piles were added and existing pile cap foundations were expanded. Several different pile types were considered. Custom designed large diameter helical piles were chosen, because they can be installed quickly with low overhead restrictions, produce minimal soil spoils, and are cost effective. The load capacity required for piles was higher than typical, off-the-shelf helical piles. In particular, the lateral load capacity demand was high due to wind loads of a hurricane prone region. Methods used to design and size helical piles are summarized including capacity to torque ratio estimation for composite helical piles. Pile load testing was performed in order to confirm design capacities of the helical piles under axial and lateral loading. Measured axial and lateral deflections compared well with predicted values. This case history evaluates the effectiveness of modern helical pile design methods within the context of a real and practical example.INTRODUCTIONAs the capacity of modern installation equipment increases, large-diameter helical piles are being used to support higher loads in more diverse applications. Currently, large-diameter high-capacity helical piles are used for electrical power transmission, power generation, high-rise buildings, bridges, and industrial applications. This case study regards a 2.5-mile pipe rack modification project within an existing refinery. One of the many challenges for engineering and construction of refinery revamp projects is determining how to effectively expand the capacity of existing foundations for additional equipment, piping, and other facilities. Custom designed large-diameter helical piles provided an effective solution to the challenges faced when expanding the capacity of existing pipe racks."

Jan 1, 2017

By Damir Dedic, Wörle. Patrick

"Soil properties within a construction project area are analyzed during the planning phase. However, it is only possible to achieve selective soil exploration, even in the case of very extensive investigatory programs, which results in a certain soil risk and uncertainties for planning and execution.Therefore, the application of monitoring systems is becoming increasingly important in the field of geotechnics. The application of suitable monitoring systems for these particular purposes provides considerable knowledge relating to the load bearing behavior of the soil and the ground anchor. Applications that present major challenges to measuring anchor forces include back-anchorages of long-lasting and very deep construction pits, construction pits in urban areas, slope and embankment supports for track and vehicular routes, port and lock structures, and uplift control. Apart from overseeing individual construction stages, monitoring systems analyze the interaction between the soil and structure throughout the latter’s entire life cycle and safeguard the functional capability of the applied system components. Geotechnical construction projects can be adapted, optimized and carried out with enhanced safety from the information obtained.Conventional Monitoring SystemsThere are numerous approaches for determining anchor forces of bar or strand anchors. Lift-off tests and measurements with load cells are the most common methods.Lift-off Test: Lift-off tests provide a possibility to monitor the prevailing force in strand or bar anchors. The entire anchor head structure is lifted using the appropriate equipment. The steel tendon is prolonged, or in the case of strand anchors, a screw-on cap holds the wedge carrier so that a tensioning jack can be mounted above it. Then, the tendon is prestressed until the lower anchor nut (bar) or wedge carrier (strand) is lifted off from the anchor plate. The intersection of the two straight lines in the figure represents the force at which the anchor nut or the wedge carrier lifts off from the anchor plate. Thus, the intersection displays the actual load of the anchor. This form of anchor force control gives conclusive results, but at the same time requires extensive accessories and extra personnel to execute the test. For this test, a sufficient bar overhang must be available, the wedge plate must possess an external thread, or there must be a strand overhang of at least 24 in (60 cm). Furthermore, the anchor head must be freely accessible and in a position to be reached with the necessary equipment."

Jan 1, 2017

By Jeongbok Seo

The Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project (DCMP) involves the design and construction of a 23.1-mile extension of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) rail system. The initial 11.7-mile extension, with five transit stations and a new service and inspection yard, is to be constructed. The construction plan for the initial 11.7-mile extension includes installation of a total of an estimated 4,250 or 160,000 linear feet of driven 12x53 steel H-Piles at more than 80 different locations. At the time of this paper, approximately 40 percent of the piles have been installed and the remainder of piles will be installed by the end of 2010. This paper describes: 1) subsurface investigation program, 2) application of existing Codes and impact on the design of H-Pile, 3) design methods to determine geotechnical bearing capacity and pile tip elevation, 4) verification of capacity including PDA and Static Load Tests, 5) project specific pile load tests, and 6) QA/QC during pile driving.

Jan 1, 2010

By Rob Jameson

Micropiles are ideally suited to seismic retrofit applications. Their high tensile and compressive capacity can sustain the large concentrated loads induced during seismic events. Micropiles can be drilled through and grouted into the wide variety of soil and rock materials encountered in seismically active zones, using equipment that operates effectively within existing structures. Micropiles have seen increased acceptance and are now widely specified for retrofit work in the San Francisco Bay Area. While installation equipment and the structural configuration of micropiles have been largely unchanged since the early 1990?s, market forces have pressured both engineers and contractors to continually optimize the cost and performance of seismic upgrades. Instead of the contractor simply developing stronger, stiffer and cheaper micropiles as isolated structural elements in response to a specification, focus has shifted to maximizing the efficiency of micropiles within the overall foundation system. The case history of seismic retrofit project in Berkeley, CA is presented to illustrate the collaboration between designers and drilling specialist which resulted in a structurally efficient and cost effective design. The seismic retrofit program for this 6-story concrete building was developed through careful consideration of the geotechnical and structural mechanisms of resistance, in combination with the deformation response of high capacity micropiles (2670 kN) under ultimate loading conditions. This case history describes the interactive project development emphasizing performance-based design and field testing to optimize the micropile foundations and the overall structural system.

Jan 1, 2008

By Mohamad H. Hussein

A minipile system was employed in underpinning a historical structure in Florida. The existing structure is founded on shallow foundations. Subsurface conditions at the project site consist of deep organic deposits interbedded with loose sand and silty sand. A minipile foundation system was deemed the most appropriate underpinning corrective measure for the already badly cracked structure. A total of 68 minipiles, 3.5 inch OD and 0.25 inch wall thickness closed-ended concrete-filled steel pipes, were installed to depths varying from 55 to 175 feet. Installation was accomplished with a pile driving hammer having a rated energy of 1 kip-ft. Highest required pile design load was 15 kips. Conventional static and wave equation analyses were performed to establish preliminary pile lengths, to assess pile drivability and establish driving resistance criteria. Dynamic pile testing using the Pile Driving Analyzer was conducted on six of the production piles. This paper describes geotechnical design considerations, installation procedures, and dynamic field monitoring. This case represents unique applications of pile dynamic testing and such slender, very long minipiles in compressible soils.

Jan 1, 1993

By Kenton W. Braun

Concourse B at the Anchorage, Alaska International Airport is currently being renovated while retaining the original building structure and foundations. Part of the renovation includes the installation of a new, permanent baggage tunnel system beneath the existing building. Installation of this cast in place concrete tunnel, beneath the existing structure, required installation of a steel retaining wall to support footing loads above the base of the excavation. Construction of this retaining wall presented challenging and unconventional design and construction methods. Detailed discussions of the design and construction techniques utilized for this project are outlined.

Jan 1, 2008

By Dan Brown

Improvements in construction equipment and techniques in recent years have made possible the use of drilled shaft foundations in diameters and lengths not previously considered practical or feasible. Many highway bridge and other structures are now routinely founded on drilled shafts which are 8 to 12 feet in diameter and extending over 200 feet in depth below grade. There are unique challenges associated with constructing such large and deep cast-in-place foundations and engineers should be aware of the special needs associated with site investigation, construction specifications, material requirements, and quality assurance. This paper outlines a number of special considerations for these foundations, along with strategies that may be employed to improve the reliability and quality of large drilled shaft foundations.

Jan 1, 2013

By Abid O. Adekunte

The design, construction and monitoring of the deep excavation support for the basement of a large-scale commercial development in Cavan, Ireland is presented. Excavation area was adjacent to existing structures and retained height H varied between 4.0m ? 11.0m. In areas where excavation depth H < 5.0m, wall was designed as cantilevered section. However in sections where 5.0m = H = 11m, additional wall supports were required for serviceability reasons. Traditionally, designers often provide additional wall support through the use of tie-back ground anchors, raking props and braces. On the current project, the main contractor was not in support of the use of temporary props so as to maximise working space, while owners of adjacent properties disapproved the use of tie-backs. The limited set-back between the wall line and site boundary also contributed to the complexity of the project. A rare alternative solution has been adopted. This novel approach involved buttressing the wall with steeply raking bored tension piles at regular intervals along the wall. Comparison of the monitored deflections in the cantilevered sections with those recorded at sections where tension piles were used shows the novel solution to be safe and quite effective. This approach is also considered to be more economical when compared with ground anchorage and propping.

Jan 1, 2008

By Clif Kettle

The paper will detail the design and execution of passive and active settlement control measures, the means adopted to overcome the various physical and operational constraints, and to meet specified allowable settlement criteria. The paper will highlight the close integration between the tunnelling and geotechnical contractors, designer, and Client, and demonstrate how particular practical difficulties were overcome by both the design and the construction methods.

Jan 1, 2008