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By John C. Ryan

The Emeca Pile Splice, an innovative mechanical prestressed concrete pile splice, is the first robotically welded splice to be fabricated in the United States. An analytical and experimental study was conducted to establish the capacity of the standard splice for 12-in. and 14-in. square piles. The study illustrates compliance of the splice with International Building Code (2006) requirements. A case study for a large petroleum tank foundation project in Port Canaveral, FL is presented, demonstrating the efficiency achieved through use of spliced-piles. For the case-study project, single-piece 18-in.-square, 100-ft-long piles were replaced with 12-in.-square, two-piece, spliced piles. As a result, a significant reduction of material, labor, handling, and equipment was documented for the project. Savings realized on the installed pile cost was estimated to be in excess of 30% by the owner.

Jan 1, 2010

By Mustapha Zergoun

This paper presents the results of load tests to assess the vertical load carrying capacity of concrete expanded base piles, or pressure injected footings, for various projects located near Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The site subsurface conditions and load test methods are described for the Vancouver International Airport site and the test results are reviewed under both compression and tension loading conditions. The pile load tests at Vancouver International Airport are compared to load tests at other sites near Vancouver. The pile load test results are reviewed with respect to available methods of estimating the vertical capacity of this type of piles. The effect of ground improvement by densification on the load test results is considered. The limitations of tension load tests on single piles with respect to uplift resistance of pile groups under seismic conditions are pointed out. Recommendations are proposed regarding pile load test methodology to estimate ultimate vertical load carrying capacity of plies for limit state design.

Jan 1, 2004

By Ignatius P. O. Lam

This paper presents information on design analyses of large diameter piles using conventional p-y curves as recommended by the American Petroleum Institute (API RP2A, 1993). API RP2A adopted the soft clay criterion developed by Matlock (Matlock, 1970) based on 12.75-inch piles. API RP2A also adopted the API sand criteria originally introduced by Reese, Cox, and Koop (Reese et. al., 1974) based on 24-inch piles. Since Matlock and Reese published their original papers, there have been several publications recommending changes to their p-y criteria, especially regarding the need to adjust the Matlock p-y curves for pile diameter effects. The following sections attempt to clarify the issue of diameter effects on p-y curves.

Jan 1, 2013

By Kamil Nuzha, Jianchao Li, Bashar S. Qubain

"The Philadelphia Water Department is rehabilitating Belmont Raw Water Basin. As part of this work, a 500-ft long, temporary cofferdam was designed to retain 35 ft of combined water and soil at the western half during the reconstruction of the eastern half. A cofferdam that comprises two integral rows of sheet piles was selected to take advantage of the soil’s weight between the sheet piles for increased stability. To fine tune the design, a geotechnical investigation was carried out to verify the subsurface conditions and, in particular, the top of rock variations along the centerline of the cofferdam. A detailed finite element analysis was performed based on the subsurface findings and incorporating the construction sequence to evaluate the behavior of the cofferdam at the following stages: installation of tie rods to connect to the two rows of sheet piles; partial excavation and installation of tiebacks; complete excavation of the east basin, and demolition of the cofferdam. Inclinometers and survey markers were installed every 100 ft along the cofferdam and were monitored throughout construction. The deformation measurements were in good agreement with the finite element results.INTRODUCTIONThe Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) Belmont Raw Water Basin is located at the intersection of City Line and Belmont Avenues in Philadelphia, PA. The facility actually contains two raw water basins, east and west, separated by an earthen dividing dike. Water leakage at the bottom of the basins and through the dividing dike together with increasing demand for a larger storage capacity dictated the replacement of the wide earthen dike with new narrower concrete structure. The temporary cofferdam was designed for a two-year period to facilitate excavation support, water cutoff, removal of the existing earthen dike and replacing it with a new concrete dike. During this construction sequence, the water level in the west basin had to be maintained at or near its full capacity.Various excavation support systems were considered for this project prior to the selection of a double wall sheet pile cofferdam. Fig. 1 shows a plan view of the cofferdam and the new dividing dike. A typical cross section of the two structures is shown in Fig. 2. Double row sheet pile walls are commonly used as both temporary and permanent retaining systems in open water applications such as construction works, quaywalls, breakwaters and revetments for storing industrial waste as indicated by Ohori, et al. (1984), Ohori et al. (1988), and Khan, et al. (2001). There are many advantages to double row sheet pile systems as recognized by Ohori, et al. (1984; 1988): (1) It can be installed and removed in the presence of water easily and quickly; (2) it provides stability with small width to height ratio, utilizing the existing soils between the installed sheet pile rows; and (3) it serves well as a means for water cutoff. These advantages meet the specific project requirements."

Jan 1, 2016

By Waddah Akili

This paper describes the steps taken in planning, developing, and executing a case study/ case history course in geotechnical/ foundation engineering at an international university. The paper sheds light on: how a “workable” format for the course was arrived at; the organization of the course; and the results of evaluating the effectiveness of this approach versus traditional lecturing. Problems and challenges that could arise when offering the course for the first time are also addressed. Embedded in this experience and its related protocols are: the emphases on engineering design and the practice, teamwork and leadership development, organizational management, and oral and written communication skills. The paper concludes by confirming that discussions, through an open forum, are judged to be superior to traditional lectures in improving critical thinking, cultivating desirable personal attributes, and acquiring problem-solving skills.

By Gregory A. Stephan

A case history of design, prediction, instrumented static load tests on probe piles, installation monitoring, and integrity testing of production piles is presented. Based upon project-specific subsoil conditions, as obtained from several 60 to 80 ft (18.3 to 24.4 m) deep test borings, deep foundation system alternatives included driven concrete and steel pipe piles as well as augered cast-in-place (ACIP) piles. High structural loads, site-specific constraints, and the production time frame mandated by the project owner led to the selection of an ACIP pile foundation system that was designed for a pile capacity of 75 tons (667 kN) in compression and 35 tons (309 kN) in tension. Site-specific concerns were raised about the highly porous nature of fragmented and decomposed sandy limestone as well as the high grout intake during construction that could result in increased foundation cost as well as interconnecting of the piles in the rock layer. Consequentially, a multi-phase ACIP pile evaluation program consisting of instrumented compression pile load tests, in conjunction with single-hole ultrasonic pile testing, pile echo testing (sonic testing), as well as full-time production pile monitoring by an experienced geotechnician was specified. As a result of this testing and evaluation program, while grout usage was determined to be within an acceptable range, the instrumented compression load tests yielded data that allowed use of 55 ft (16.8 m) long ACIP piles in lieu of the original plans to use 70 ft (21.3 m) long precast concrete piles. This information was effectively utilized as part of the overall quality control program to install a total of 268, 14 in. (356 mm) diameter ACIP piles within the building footprint to depths of 55 ft (16.8 m) below the pile cut-off elevation as part of the foundation support system. Information recorded during installation included rate of insertion/extraction of the auger, grout pump strokes and pressure, total grout volume, and grout factors, as well as quality and strength of grout. Additionally, many pre-selected installed piles were tested for integrity with a Pile Integrity Sonic Analyzer (PISA) using both sonic and ultrasonic methods. This engineered, monitored, and tested foundation solution provided an effective and quality intensive basis for completion and approval of the foundation work for the building that resulted in cost savings over other foundation alternatives for the owner.

Jan 1, 1999

By Ryan Law

Ground energy systems are being installed in increasing numbers in the United Kingdom. This is particularly true in London where planning regulations require larger scale developments to provide at least 10% of their entire energy demands from renewable sources. A common approach has been to use the groundwater from the Chalk aquifer as a source of energy. This paper explains the potential long and short term sustainability problems with groundwater based systems sited in central London (or any other urbanized area). It also outlines an approach to site testing and numerical modelling to ensure that the system functions well throughout its lifetime. This approach is then applied to a project located in central London.

Jan 1, 2008

By George J. Tamaro

The design and construction of foundations in the New York City area are usually dictated by the widely varying geologic conditions encountered in the five boroughs, particularly along the spine of Manhattan Island. Rock extends well above sea level at the northern reaches and falls to depths in excess of 250 m at the barrier islands at the southern extremities. These highly variable geologic conditions, significantly affected by glacial activity, dictate different design and construction approaches throughout the five boroughs of New York City. Extensive rock removal is required at the north while long piling is dictated in the south. Similar changes can occur within a project site on Manhattan Island. This paper will describe these conditions in general, will identify the various solutions used to solve these problems and will summarize various foundation types used in the New York City area.

Jan 1, 2000

By Paul Summers, Kevin Richardson, Willem (Billy) Villet, Paul J. Sabatini, Attasit Korchaiyapruk, Edward C. Clukey

"A deep mixing method (DMM) foundation was selected by the Project Team for a very large LNG facility in West Africa. As described in a companion paper, this foundation consists of a large number of columns installed by mixing cement with in-situ soils. The foundations are arrayed as a variety of honeycombed type configurations which, if installed to desired specifications, can provide a robust foundation alternative. The foundation is capable of distributing loads and limiting settlements even if some of the soil in the columns is not fully mixed during installation. An important part of the overall quality assessment program, therefore, involved developing a testing program to verify the methodology. In addition the impact of potential defects in columns on the overall foundation integrity had to be assessed. This paper describes some of the preliminary work done to establish the requirements for the quality assurance program. A key component of this program involved the sampling frequency used to assess potential defects in the columns. To verify the column integrity 104- mm samples were taken continuously at a selected frequency through the 23 m long columns. The preliminary work described in this paper demonstrated that the appropriate sampling frequency depends on both the desired reliability level as well as the number of defective columns encountered during testing.Initial finite element analyses were performed to assess the extent that defects could occur in columns within the honeycombed structure without adversely affecting the overall foundation integrity. The results from this work demonstrated that the spatial location of the defects was critical to properly assessing the foundation integrity.In addition to column sampling a load test was performed as part of the foundation verification process. The methods used to apply appropriate loads so that loads at the bottom of the columns approached design values are discussed in the paper.The results obtained from this preliminary study were then used to help develop a more comprehensive assessment program, described in a companion paper, to determine the robustness of the DMM foundations for both the LNG processing facilities and a condensate tank.IntroductionFoundations constructed with the Deep Mixing Method (DMM) can be an attractive and cost efficient alternate to other deep foundation options. This foundation is constructed by mixing soil and cement with an auger type drill. The foundation is usually constructed with a dual auger system that simultaneously creates two contiguous columns called foundation elements. Many elements are then arranged in a honeycombed configuration to create the overall foundation (Figure 1). A desired column strength can be obtained by varying the volume of cement added to the columns, the mixing rate of the soil and stroking sequence."

Jan 1, 2017

By Brian W. Wilson

A case study is presented that describes the design and implementation of a combined blast densification and deep dynamic compaction program which was undertaken to improve the foundation soils for a proposed tailings dam raise in Ontario, Canada. Based on the results of the geotechnical investigation it was determined that the foundation of the dam would be situated on tailings of both variable thickness and density, much of which would be susceptible to liquefaction under the design earthquake for the region and type of facility. Blast densification trials were completed by the owner and the results of these made available to prospective tenderers in response to a call for a fixed price contract for the design and implementation of a densification program for approximately 800,000 m3 of foundation tailings. The variation in tailings gradation and the impacts of such on the ground improvement program are discussed, as are details of both the additional blast densification field trials completed by the contractor, and the selected blast pattern and explosive charging used for production blasting. The applicability of the various ground improvement techniques to the actual conditions encountered, and the results obtained are also discussed.

Jan 1, 2010

By Walid El Kamash, Sadik Oztoprak

"Soft soil presents a challenge against multistory buildings in some cities of Egypt such as Port Said due to the consolidation settlement. Deep mixed (DM) columns are used to improve the soft foundation soil in order to reduce the total and differential settlements. Latest research revealed that this improvement technique also increases the rate of mechanical consolidation due to column yielding caused by stress concentration from the soft soil. In this study, extended poly-styrene (EPS) Geofoam is used to replace the soft soil over DM columns in order to control the stress concentration and settlement. To understand the effect of EPS geofoam on the degree of consolidation, stress concentration and settlement, a parametric study was carried out through a mechanically and hydraulically-coupled numerical method. A unit cell model is used, in which the soil was considered linear elastic; DM column and EPS Geofoam are elasticplastic materials. Results reveal that EPS geofoam is helpful for reducing the settlements and accelerating the consolidation. Increasing the length of the column of the deep mixed foundation with EPS geofoam has a significant effect on accelerating the consolidation.INTRODUCTIONExpanded polystyrene (EPS) geofoam is a lightweight polymeric material which is made by expansion of raw plastic beads. The expansion of the EPS beads are spherical-shaped particles containing closed hollow cells. EPS which plays an important role as an innovative lightweight construction material is now well recognized due to its low density in addition to high compressive and rupture strength. Inglis (1996) reported the first use of EPS geofoam as a seismic buffer to reduce potential seismic loads against a nonyielding basement wall. Gaskin (2000) and Bathurst et al. (2007) carried out reduced-scale shaking table test on a rigid retaining wall protected by EPS geofoam. The test data showed that the peak lateral loads acting on compressible model walls were reduced below values measured for nominally identical structure but with no compressible inclusion. Abdelrahman and El Kamash (2014) investigated the behavior of EPS Geofoam beneath raft foundation on soft soil of Port Said. They showed the ability of EPS to control vertical displacements. The investigation of the behavior of EPS geofoam with DM column has not attracted more attention of previous researchers. In this paper, the behavior of replacing the soft soil by EPS geofoam was examined in the presence of DM column."

Jan 1, 2015

By Tomohide Takeyama, Binh T. T. Nguyen, Masaki Kitazume

"Deep mixing columns are widely used to support embankments constructed on soft ground area. Researches on the stability of deep mixing columns were done by some authors when the columns do not simultaneously fail but individually fail at different time. A layer of shallow mixing is proposed to reinforce these columns as a group to increase the stability as well as loading capacity of columned improved area. Two centrifuge model tests were done to observe the effect of shallow layer on reducing embankment displacement as well as on failure pressure of improved ground. Acrylic piles were used as deep mixing columns in the centrifuge tests to avoid unexpected internal failure of columns. The results of centrifuge tests were also simulated by 2D FEM to back-analyze the centrifuge experiments. A good agreement between the centrifuge experiments and the numerical simulations shows that by using a shallow layer reinforcing individual columns, the horizontal displacement at the embankment toe reduces by 60 % and the tilting failure is clearly indicated in columns without shallow layer. Although, no significant failure was observed under the current centrifuge condition, the failure pressure of improved ground was significantly increased with the columns reinforced by shallow layer.INTRODUCTIONCement or lime and soil mixing technique was firstly used in Japan and Nordic countries since 1970s. The technique is used to improve soft soil by increasing its mechanical properties including strength and consolidation characteristics (Kitazume and Terashi 2013). Various researches were done to investigate the characteristics of mixing material due to various factors including types of binder, condition of soil, mixing condition and curing condition (Terashi 1997). On the other hand, many studies focused on the application of in-situ mixing technique such as supporting embankment and underground structure as well as working as the foundation of building and factory (Kitazume and Terashi 2013). In term of embankment supporting, column-type improvement is taken into account for huge applications. Due to loading from embankment, the deep mixing columns tend to fail either external failure (Kitazume and Maruyama 2006) or internal failure (Kitazume and Maruyama 2007). However, the deep mixing columns do not fail simultaneously but instead one by one at different time (Kitazume and Maruyama 2007). Because the deep mixing columns work and fail individually, the strength and stiffness of all columns cannot be mobilized simultaneously. By using a shallow mixing layer fixing the top of deep mixing columns, individual columns may work simultaneously. A combined technology of shallow stabilization and floating-type cement treated columns is used to reduce settlement of a high embankment on soft ground (Ishikura et al. 2007). A research on effect of surface improvement layer on internal stability of group column type deep mixing improved ground under embankment load was reported in the Port and Airport Research Institute, Japan (Kitazume 2011). However, the failure pattern of shallow and deep mixing combined structure has not well studied. This research focuses on the external failure mechanism of the combined structure by centrifuge model tests and back-analyzed simulation using 2D finite element method. The effect of shallow layer on embankment displacement and the yield point of the improved ground is also discussed in this study."

Jan 1, 2015

By Edward C. Clukey

A deep mixing method (DMM) foundation was selected by the Project Team for a very largeLNG facility in West Africa. As described in a companion paper, this foundation consists of alarge number of columns installed by mixing cement with in-situ soils. The foundations arearrayed as a variety of honeycombed type configurations which, if installed to desiredspecifications, can provide a robust foundation alternative. The foundation is capable ofdistributing loads and limiting settlements even if some of the soil in the columns is not fullymixed during installation. An important part of the overall quality assessment program,therefore, involved developing a testing program to verify the methodology. In addition theimpact of potential defects in columns on the overall foundation integrity had to be assessed.This paper describes some of the preliminary work done to establish the requirements for thequality assurance program. A key component of this program involved the samplingfrequency used to assess potential defects in the columns. To verify the column integrity 104-mm samples were taken continuously at a selected frequency through the 23 m longcolumns. The preliminary work described in this paper demonstrated that the appropriatesampling frequency depends on both the desired reliability level as well as the number ofdefective columns encountered during testing. Initial finite element analyses were performed to assess the extent that defects could occur incolumns within the honeycombed structure without adversely affecting the overall foundationintegrity. The results from this work demonstrated that the spatial location of the defects wascritical to properly assessing the foundation integrity. In addition to column sampling a load test was performed as part of the foundationverification process. The methods used to apply appropriate loads so that loads at thebottom of the columns approached design values are discussed in the paper. The results obtained from this preliminary study were then used to help develop a morecomprehensive assessment program, described in a companion paper, to determine therobustness of the DMM foundations for both the LNG processing facilities and a condensatetank.

By James P. Hambleton, Sam A. Stanier

A perceived advantage of screw-type foundations is the ability infer aspects of foundation performance from quantities measured or observed during installation, especially the installation torque. A particular concept widely used in practice is to correlate installation torque to ultimate capacity. This notion has proven useful as a field verification technique despite the absence of validated models that relate key variables of interest, such as installation torque, axial (crowd) force, geometrical parameters, and soil strength. This paper considers previous work by the co-authors and collaborators on analytical, numerical, and physical modelling of screw piles to relate the quantities measured or controlled during installation (e.g., installation torque) to the ultimate capacity and soil strength. Attention is given to saturated clay as a particular soil type amenable to simplified analysis. An analytical model for a single-helix pile is considered as a means of directly relating the ultimate capacity and undrained shear strength to the installation torque, crowd force, plate pitch, plate diameter, shaft diameter, installation depth, and surface roughness. The connection between the installation variables and ultimate capacity—and the sensitivity to crowd force in particular, a quantity that is typically not measured during field installations—is also discussed. The theoretical predictions are compared against data obtained from small-scale laboratory experiments that suggest the installation torque relates to the remolded strength of the soil. INTRODUCTION Screw piles are deep foundations that are twisted into the ground through an applied torque. Advantages over driven piles or drilled foundations include the relative silence of the installation, with low ground vibrations, and the possibility of being easily decommissioned by reversing the direction of twisting. Screw piles are now routinely encountered as a flexible, low-cost solution for numerous applications (Figs. 1 and 2), and they are also being considered for applications in offshore energy production due to limitations being imposed with respect to decommissioning and underwater noise. Also known as “screw anchors,” “helical piles”, or “helical anchors,” screw piles consist of helices or helical plate elements attached to a central shaft. Figure 3a shows the components of a single-helix pile and key variables. The diameters of the shaft and helix are denoted by d and D, respectively, and p is the pitch of the helix. Variable H denotes depth of the helical plate, and T and N denote the torque and axial (crowd) force applied during installation. In typical applications, the pile includes multiple helical plates, and the shaft is composed of segments that allow for it to extend to large depths into the soil.

Jan 1, 2019

By Naoyuki Hanawa, Takeo Asanuma, Tatsuo Nagatsu, Sachihiko Tokunaga, Daisuke Nakagawa, Yoshiyuki Morikawa, Kazuhiko Ueno

"In the cement deep mixing (CDM) method, one approach to joint construction is creating a surface-contact joint. In this study, an unconsolidated-undrained triaxial compression test was performed on cement-treated soil specimens with joints artificially created by successive pouring. The effects of the presence or absence of such successive pouring joints on the strength of the specimens were then examined. The results showed that the compressive strength of the specimen decreased by approximately 0%–30% with a successive pouring joint.INTRODUCTIONIn the block type and wall type improvement patterns of the CDM(Cement Deep Mixing Method) application, an integrated body of soil-cement columns is constructed by partially overlapping individual treated soil columns. The overlapping operation should be implemented before the hardening of soils by cement progresses and thus, this operation is routinely performed in construction sites usually within 24 hours or within 48 hours at a maximum. However, when the operation is forced to be interrupted on account of a typhoon or any other adverse weather conditions, it is impossible to carry out the overlapping operation within the above time limitations. In such a case, it is necessary to improve the integrity between the treated soil columns solidified first and the treated soil columns to be constructed later.One of the methods that can be adopted is to prior agitate the target area by mixing blades “without cement”, integrating the preceding treated soil columns and the subsequently treated soil columns at construction joints. This method has been adopted so far in numerous sites because no additional materials or equipment are necessary. However, its effectiveness has scarcely been evaluated quantitatively in conventional studies.In the circumstances, the authors investigated in the present research the effect of the presence or absence of construction joints on the specimen strength by performing unconsolidated-undrained triaxial compression tests using specimens of cement treated soil artificially provided with surface-abutting construction joints.Therefore, this study examined the effects of the presence or absence of artificially created successive pouring joints on the strength of cement-treated soil specimens through an unconsolidated-undrained triaxial compression test."

Jan 1, 2015

By Terence P. Holman

Instrumented load testing of high capacity micropiles, followed by detailed analysis and numerical modeling, provided an opportunity for real foundation performance to be incorporated into the design of a complex urban high-rise structure. This paper discusses a design-based load testing program and subsequent analysis for micropiles incorporated into a piled raft foundation beneath a portion of a high-rise residential structure in Brooklyn, New York. Preliminary numerical analysis, performed using the commercial finite element package PLAXIS 3D Foundation, indicated that soil stiffening and transferring heavy core loads to greater depths was required to minimize the total and differential settlements. High capacity micropiles were modeled below the tower core mat to create a piled raft effect, reducing the settlements to acceptable levels. Final design of the foundation and micropiles, and final numerical analysis of the proposed foundation system required an instrumented load testing program to provide the Owner and design team with a level of comfort. The instrumented load test provided data on the evolution of load transfer, including the mobilization of significant tip resistance, frequently ignored in design, and micropile axial stiffness. Final numerical analysis of the foundation system involved refining the PLAXIS model based on the micropile behavior and load transfer mechanism observed during the load test program. The authors believe that the combination of design-based load testing and numerical analysis in this project yielded a more refined foundation system with realistic expectations of performance.

Jan 1, 2007

By D. E. Sherwood

Twelve toe grouted, and eleven ungrouted piles, founded in very dense sands have been analysed to establish how toe grouting enhances pile performance. It is shown that pile stiffness is greatly increased, and that pile bases work effectively. This is in contrast to ungrouted piles, where some milli­meters of base movement may be required before the base is mobilised. Grouting appears to recover most of the disturbance caused during construc­tion, but in general does not enhance the ultimate bearing capacity of undisturbed ground.

Jan 1, 1989

By R. K. Filip

"Steel bearing piles have long been used to carry high compressive, tensile and lateral loads. Such piles are most commonly tubular or ""H"" profile and are typically installed using percussive techniques. The noise and vibration associated with such installation techniques tends to preclude the use of steel bearing piles in urban and other sensitive areas.This paper describes the design and construction of an innovative new road bridge in Milton Keynes, UK. The steel bearing piles were required to continue out of the ground to form the bridge columns and abutments and then be cast directly into the soffit of the reinforced concrete bridge deck. This project was to be the first time in the UK, that this form of bridge design had been used.The paper shows how new installation techniques allowed the designers to use these high capacity steel elements in a sensitive urban environment without the use of percussive or vibratory installation techniques. Finally the paper shows how these quiet and vibration-less installation techniques can be extended to other applications.A UNIQUE BRIDGE SUPPORTED ON ""BOXED SHEET PILES""CONCEPT HISTORYThere are over 700 bridges in Milton Keynes. Concrete is the dominant construction material, most are single span with massive parallel wing wall retaining abutments. All have a certain uniformity of aesthetic design. Pell Frischmann Consultants Ltd (PFC) proposed to the client, English Partnerships (EP), that an ""integral bridge"" with a slender open appearance would be an appropriate aesthetic form for a new highways bridge, within the district of Westcroft (figure 1). The concept required that the bearing piles be continued up out of the ground to form the bridge columns and abutments. Four rows with four piles in each row were suggested. Each would then be cast directly into the reinforced concrete bridge deck forming a moment connection (figure 2). This concept meant that a single continuous steel structural member would replace traditional reinforced concrete bored piles, pile caps and piers. This member would carry vertical and lateral loads. The conceptual design was intended to meet the following client requirements:"

Jan 1, 2005

By Hitoshi Ogura, Koichi Kobayashi, Sadao Yabuuchi

"In Japan, most pile foundations using pre-cast concrete piles are installed by the bored pre-cast piling method, wherein pre-cast piles are installed in holes that have been excavated beforehand and filled with cement milk (term used for cement water slurry in Japan). The bored pre-cast piling method with enlarged base, in which the portion near the toe is enlarged during boring operation, is widely used because of the cost benefits and the increased vertical bearing capacity that this method offers.The EX MEGATOP method, further developed as an improved bored pre-cast piling method with enlarged base, is reported here. The features of this method are: (1) High vertical bearing capacity; (2) High degree of freedom in design; (3) Excellent workability; and (4) Friendly to the environment. In particular, high vertical bearing capacity can be obtained using nodular piles and by enlarging the area at the pile toe and shaft. This method can gave a vertical bearing capacity coefficient at the toe of a=430, more than twice the corresponding value of a = 200 of a conventional bored pre-cast pile. Moreover, the shaft resistance can be several times larger than that of a conventional bored pre-cast pile. This report gives an overview of the EX MEGATOP method, evaluation of vertical bearing capacity, and examples of application of the method.1.lntroductionMost pile foundations in Japan are installed by the bored pre-cast piling method, that is, in holes that have been excavated beforehand and filled with cement water slurry, referred to as 'cement milk'. The ""bored pre-cast piling method with enlarged base"" is frequently used. In this method an enlarged excavation is used near the pile toe to increase the vertical bearing capacity.The EX MEGATOP method is a variation of the bored pre-cast piling method. Its features include the use of nodular piles and a long, enlarged excavation. The vertical bearing capacity of the EX MEGATOP method is described in this report."

Jan 1, 2005

By Pratter P., Boley C.

Polymers are well established in geotechnical applications, for example in ground improvement, where the polymers act as a binder that, when cured, holds the grains together by adhesive and cohesive forces. The subject of this research work is an innovative composite of polymers and gravel, which differs from conventional grouting materials due to its adjustable material properties. With these specific properties, the semi-rigid material can be optimally adapted to the local ground conditions and the individual framework conditions of a construction project. For the characterization of the composite material, stateof- the-art methods, such as image processing by segmentation, are presented. Segmentation is suitable for quality assurance and monitoring of laboratory samples and soil samples directly from ground improvement on the construction site. The load-bearing capacity of the innovative material can even be increased to the order of magnitude of concrete. For this reason, the soil mechanical laboratory tests in this research had to be modified and even expanded by rock mechanical laboratory tests. Based on the experimental investigations, the importance of this innovative material for practical application is demonstrated by a calculation example from construction practice, which shows that even difficult ground conditions can be handled with it.

May 1, 2022