Integrating laboratory and field testing into advanced geotechnical design

Abstract

Contemporary geotechnical design often requires the use of advanced numerical analysis, if it is to take account of the complex nature of many geotechnical problems. One crucial aspect of such analyses is the realistic representation of the facets of soil behaviour that are dominant in any given problem, which in turn requires a careful selection of an appropriate constitutive model and derivation of model parameters from the available, and often disparate, experimental data. This paper uses the authors' experience of advanced numerical analysis and constitutive modelling to emphasise the importance of close integration of the process involved with interpreting experimental data with the process of selecting and calibrating advanced constitutive models, in successfully predicting the response of geotechnical structures. IS-Glasgow 2019Session: Case studiesfrom laboratory testing to real world performance Keynote paper IS-Glasgow 2019 Session: Case studiesfrom laboratory testing to real world performance Keynote paper 3 Undrained problems in stiff low-plasticity clays 2.1 BackgroundThe selected example considers the design of a large-scale pile testing programme under monotonic lateral loading, in a stiff low-plasticity overconsolidated clay till at Cowden, UK, as part of the PISA (PIle-Soil Analysis) Joint Industry Project (JIP). Numerical analyses, ground investigation and in-situ pile testing were integral parts of the PISA project, concerned with the development of new design methods for laterally loaded monopiles, as foundation systems for offshore wind turbines. The existing codified p-y methodology (API, 2010; DNV-GL, 2016) was experienced by the relevant industry not to work well for large diameter monopiles with low length to diameter ratios ( / ). Central to the new development was academic research, comprising

Investigating the Effects of Cement and Polymer Grouting on the Shear Behavior of Rock Joints

“…As it was highlighted earlier, grouting is exploited in diverse geotechnical engineering practices, nevertheless, in rock engineering, it is simply used to improve the mechanical and hydraulic behavior of a rock mass by adhering blocks separated with intersected joints or filling up interconnected conduit-like joints to stop water-stream from flowing into an underground space [ 10 , 21 , 40 ]. The solution to be employed in the grouting operation must fulfill certain requirements such as high tensile and shear strength, adequate viscosity, short initial setting duration together with maintaining proper additives to help with the durability if the highest safety and functionality of the structure is a circumstance of concern [ 12 , 19 , 41 , 42 ]. Cement has long been used in grouting due to its impressive strength and competitive cost in comparison with other substances.…”