It is envisaged that flood plains will be put into more active usage to meet the increasing demands for road infrastructural development as well as relieve the pressure exerted on arable lands owing to infrastructural development activities. This is consequent upon the general shortfall in the availability of soils possessing the right engineering properties to carry infrastructures such as roads which consume large tracks of land. Expanding the global infrastructural base is inevitable due to the ever increasing human population and the need to meet their social, economic, political and transportation needs. However, owing to the prevailing environmental awareness campaigns fronted by different environmental agencies, there is the need to regulate and monitor the interaction of the processes involved in the provision of these needs with the limited resources as well as the environmental aftermath associated with such operations. The stabilization of flood plain soils for road embankment construction is envisaged to reduce the demand on the material resources required to build classical high embankments in flood prone areas as well as offer implied mitigating dimensions in the restoration of environmental integrity. This impliedly will reduce the use of traditionally unsustainable methods of soil stabilization such as, the excavation and importation of new materials, to a more robust system that will offer environmental friendliness amidst value engineering for better strength and durability results. The experimental processes involved the simulation of flooding scenarios in the laboratory, to monitor the strength and durability aspects of low-bearing-capacity soils (such as Lower Oxford Clay) stabilized with blended mixes of the traditional stabilizer of lime and the novel materials of lime and Ground Granulated Blastfumace Slag (GOBS) by-product combined. Preliminary investigations were carried out on the Lower Oxford Clay soil to establish the moisture and compaction requirements of the material. Different mix compositions were formulated by incrementally replacing the amount of lime in the system with GOBS. This was based on the premise that high stabilizer contents could offer better stabilization to flood susceptible geo-materials upon flooding. A high stabilizer level of 16% was therefore investigated. Regimes of different blending ratios were established as follows: 16%Lime-0%GGBS, 12%Lime-4%GGBS, 8%Lime-8%GGBS, 4%Lime-12%GGBS and 0%Lime-16%GGBS and tested at moisture contents of 23%, 28%, 33% and 38%. The two extremes 16%Lime-0%GGBS and 0%Lime-16GGBS were used as controls. A system of elimination based on strength criteria was employed, where only the 8%Lime- 8%GGBS and 4%Lime-12%GGBS mixtures were deemed fit to be investigated further to determine their resistance to challenging environmental factors of flooding. The test samples were cylindrical, measuring 50 mm in diameter and 100 mm long, and these were compacted using a static compaction apparatus to achieve Maximum Dry Density (MDD). Depending on the testing regime to be applied to a given specimen, a curing pattern was defined and samples were wrapped in cling film to minimise moisture losses. At the end of each curing period of 7, 14, 28, 56 and 90 days, one of the experimental procedures which ranged from Unconfined Compressive Strength, Water Absorption, Volume Stability, Permeability, Soaked Strength and Durability Index Assessment or Compressibility Assessment was carried out on the moist cured samples. Following these assessments, the 4%Lime-12%GGBS mix composition was appraised to have overall improved characteristics with the added benefit of reduced cost of material utilisation. Based on the available data, regression analyses were carried out and equations established for predicting the strength values of stabilized materials. Using these equations further extrapolations were made and the observable trends were those of the dependence of compressive strength on the age of moist curing and the compaction moisture contents at which samples were produced at given blended mixture. Cost-benefit-risk analysis was also carried out with a further cost annualisation of the capital and operational cost of a selected system. It is reassuring to learn that at replacement level of lime with GOBS of 4%Lime-12%GGBS it was possible to establish multi-binder mixtures that could be effectively used for sustainable construction in flood prone areas with enormous savings accruing from the possible higher strength and enhanced durability indices achievable over traditional unsustainable options of continued over-reliance on lime and Portland cement.

No description available.

Swedish transport administration initiated this Master Thesis project and the aim was to compare regulations for the design of high-speed railways from three European countries: France, Germany and Spain. The reason why this is of interest for the Swedish transport administration is the design of the first Swedish high-speed railway, called Ostlänken. Therefore, a literature study of the regulations and other literature regarding high-speed railway has been carried out. A basic description of railway components, slab track and ballasted tracks is presented. Ballasted embankments usually consist of a trackbed layer (ballast onto subballast), and the ultimate thickness of this layer is discussed, as there are a number of methods available to calculate the appropriate thickness, with a number of different design parameters. These design methods results in different trackbed thickness and choosing the “wrong” method might lead to an overestimation or underestimation of the trackbed layer. Constructing a ballastless railway line means that the ballast is replaced by another material, usually a slab made of reinforced concrete or asphalt, and the rail is cast onto this slab. Countries design their slab using different methods. Germany has constructed high-speed railway lines with a slab track solution, generally slabs with low flexible stiffness. France has until recently constructed their high-speed line ballasted but is now developing a new slab track technique, called NBT (New Ballastless Track) and Spain uses various methods. It is difficult to compare the regulations, however, there are some factors that at least begin to explain the differences between the countries: the frost hazard, the inherent ground quality, purpose with the railway (mixed traffic, solely passenger traffic, etc.), design parameters (life, axle load, etc.). Furthermore, the settlement requirements, soil classification and bearing capacity are factors that varies from country to country, but the origin for this variation is harder to detect.

Neste trabalho apresentou-se a simulação numérica de aterros reforçado sobre argila mole com uso de drenos verticais pré-fabricados. O objetivo foi analisar o comportamento de um aterro reforçado com geossintético aliado ao uso de drenos verticais pré-fabricados. As análises numéricas de tensão-deformação foram realizadas pelo software PLAXIS 8.2. 2D. Pretendeu-se analisar as influências da rigidez do reforço, espaçamento entre drenos, velocidade de construção, construção do aterro em etapas, no comportamento dos aterros, como recalques verticais, deformações laterais e deformação do reforço. Foi utilizada a metodologia apresentada por Li & Rowe (2001), para a validação da modelagem dos aterros. A calibração do programa foi feita com a literatura de aterros reforçados. Nos resultados apresentados foram verificadas vantagens, como por exemplo: aceleração dos recalques e possibilidade da construção de aterros mais altos. O MEF mostrou que pode ser útil na escolha do reforço mais adequado para a condição de obra desejada, juntamente com espaçamento entre drenos. Foi possível verificar que a combinação de ambos os elementos pode ser bastante vantajosa em relação à utilização de apenas um deles. As deformações do reforço determinadas pelo MEF podem ser usadas para escolher o reforço adequado para um aterro sobre solo mole. Através dos resultados do método de elementos finitos pretendeu-se definir uma metodologia para calcular as deformações do reforço para uma altura de aterro determinada. / This paper presents the numerical simulation of reinforced embankment on soft clay with the use of prefabricated vertical drains. The objective is to analyze the behavior of a geosynthetic reinforced embankment along with the use of prefabricated vertical drains. The numerical analyzes of the stress-strain were performed by software PLAXIS 8.2. 2D. It was intended to analyze the influence of the stiffness of the reinforcement spacing between drains, construction speed, construction of the embankment in stages, the behavior of the landfill as settlements vertical, lateral deformations and deformation strengthening. We used the method presented by Li & Rowe (2001), to validate the modeling of landfills. The calibration was performed with the program literature reinforced embankments. In the following results were observed advantages such as: speeding up the possibility of repression and construction of embankments higher. MEF showed that may be helpful in selecting the most suitable for enhancing the desired work condition, with the spacing between drains. It can be seen that the combination of both elements can be quite advantageous over the use of just one. The deformation of the reinforcement determined by MEF can be used to choose the proper reinforcement for an embankment on soft soil. Through the results of the finite element method was intended to define a methodology to calculate the deformations of the reinforcement to a height of embankment determined.

Neste trabalho apresentou-se a simulação numérica de aterros reforçado sobre argila mole com uso de drenos verticais pré-fabricados. O objetivo foi analisar o comportamento de um aterro reforçado com geossintético aliado ao uso de drenos verticais pré-fabricados. As análises numéricas de tensão-deformação foram realizadas pelo software PLAXIS 8.2. 2D. Pretendeu-se analisar as influências da rigidez do reforço, espaçamento entre drenos, velocidade de construção, construção do aterro em etapas, no comportamento dos aterros, como recalques verticais, deformações laterais e deformação do reforço. Foi utilizada a metodologia apresentada por Li & Rowe (2001), para a validação da modelagem dos aterros. A calibração do programa foi feita com a literatura de aterros reforçados. Nos resultados apresentados foram verificadas vantagens, como por exemplo: aceleração dos recalques e possibilidade da construção de aterros mais altos. O MEF mostrou que pode ser útil na escolha do reforço mais adequado para a condição de obra desejada, juntamente com espaçamento entre drenos. Foi possível verificar que a combinação de ambos os elementos pode ser bastante vantajosa em relação à utilização de apenas um deles. As deformações do reforço determinadas pelo MEF podem ser usadas para escolher o reforço adequado para um aterro sobre solo mole. Através dos resultados do método de elementos finitos pretendeu-se definir uma metodologia para calcular as deformações do reforço para uma altura de aterro determinada. / This paper presents the numerical simulation of reinforced embankment on soft clay with the use of prefabricated vertical drains. The objective is to analyze the behavior of a geosynthetic reinforced embankment along with the use of prefabricated vertical drains. The numerical analyzes of the stress-strain were performed by software PLAXIS 8.2. 2D. It was intended to analyze the influence of the stiffness of the reinforcement spacing between drains, construction speed, construction of the embankment in stages, the behavior of the landfill as settlements vertical, lateral deformations and deformation strengthening. We used the method presented by Li & Rowe (2001), to validate the modeling of landfills. The calibration was performed with the program literature reinforced embankments. In the following results were observed advantages such as: speeding up the possibility of repression and construction of embankments higher. MEF showed that may be helpful in selecting the most suitable for enhancing the desired work condition, with the spacing between drains. It can be seen that the combination of both elements can be quite advantageous over the use of just one. The deformation of the reinforcement determined by MEF can be used to choose the proper reinforcement for an embankment on soft soil. Through the results of the finite element method was intended to define a methodology to calculate the deformations of the reinforcement to a height of embankment determined.

The main objective of this research is to estimate the sizes of riprap (loose rock) on highway or railroad embankments approaching bridges, that would be stable in major floods. Two assumptions about the flow direction were made: one horizontal to the bridge abutment and the other normal to the projection of the bridge abutment. Three dynamic conditions of stability of riprap were observed and classified as shaking, some movement, and large movement (washing out). Shaking is the most conservative criteria for design because it indicates more stability than is necessary, requires larger rock, and is less cost efficient. Some movement suggests a conservative design criteria and is the most desirable because it requires smaller riprap and is therefore less expensive. Large movement or washing out means the least stable condition; it may leave the structure as well as human lives exposed to danger.

Thesis. 1975. M.S.--Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Civil Engineering. / Bibliography: leaves 112-114. / M.S.

The whole of this thesis is my work unless specifically indicated to the contrary in the text, and has not been submitted in part or in whole to any other University. Some thirty years ago the author operated a deep sounding machine, one of the first in the country, on a misty lake in Ireland and marvelled at the way subsoil information could be garnered. The magic of the moment never entirely passed and when the opportunity arose to use the technique in Natal the die was cast. The development of the national road system surged in the early 1970's and since many of these roads on the Natal coastal routes crossed extensive recent alluvial deposits, the geotechnical problems of instability and settlement became major factors in the road design. Traditional methods of investigation consisted of boreholes with sampling and laboratory testing. Whilst these were satisfactory, provided they were of adequate quality, they were relatively expensive if sufficiently detailed models of the subsoil were to be obtained for design purposes. Cone penetration testing provided a potential a solution and this led to research work conducted over a period of twenty five years which continues today. The initial development of ideas for improvements to the mechanical equipment took place whilst the author was carrying out preliminary investigations for freeway routes over the coastal alluvial deposits. This was followed by a period devoted largely to cone penetration testing research and deVelopment and to embankment design methods at the National Institute for Transport and Road Research, and to the initial registration for a Master's degree under the supervision of Professor K Knight in 1975. This research programme was completed as originally envisaged, but not submitted because during its course the author conceived the idea of the piezometer cone. This proved to be such an exciting prospect that the research and development continued for a number of years until piezometer cone testing has now become almost routine for geotechnical investigations on alluvial deposits. In 1983, due to Professor Knight's retirement from the University, Mr Phillip Everitt was appointed as the supervisor. At that stage piezometer testing was becoming accepted internationally and new aspects and information frequently appeared. It was apparent, however, that the essential proof of the system for the prediction of embankment performance was to use it at embankments where the performance had been monitored. Eventually grants were provided by the Department of Transport for this, which enabled two research projects to be conducted during 1989 - 1990 and 1991 - 1992. After completion of the first of these a presentation of the author's work on cone penetration testing since the mid 1960's was made to the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Natal. The Executive Committee of the University Senate subsequently approved, in August 1991, that the registration be upgraded to doctoral status. Mr Everitt's encouragement during this extended period has been a vital factor in ensuring an outcome for this task and the author wishes to express his gratitude for this. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1992.

Many embankments on the soft, highly variable, recent alluvial deposits along the South African coast have suffered large settlements necessitating ongoing costly repairs. Due to the soft variable soils, borehole sampling is difficult and laboratory testing requires to be extensive for adequate subsoil modelling; cone penetration testing was considered to be a potential means to overcome these problems. Twenty five years ago in South Africa, as elsewhere, cone penetration testing equipment was relatively crude and the methods of interpretation were simplistic. The application of cone penetration testing to recent alluvial deposits therefore required improvements to both the equipment and the derivation of soil parameters. The equipment was upgraded by introducing strain gauge load cells capable of measuring cone pressures in soft clays with adequate accuracy. Hence, correlations of cone pressures with compressibility and shear strength became possible. Predictions of settlement times and magnitudes are of equal importance and a consolidometer-cone system was developed to assess both of these. A piezometer was incorporated into a cone to ascertain whether the settlements were due to consolidation. The piezometer cone performed so well that it superseded the consolidometer-cone and by 1977 a field piezometer cone was in regular use. Developments in piezocone interpretation have taken place concurrently with those in equipment; coefficients of consolidation are evaluated from pore pressure dissipations, and soils identified from the ratio of pore and cone pressures. These developments have been validated in two recent research projects, by comparing measured and predicted settlements at eleven embankments monitored for up to fifteen years. The data shows that for embankments on the recent alluvial deposits the constrained modulus coefficient, am is : am = 2,6 ± 0,6 The data also shows that coefficients of consolidation from piezometer cone dissipation tests are correlated with those from laboratory tests and back analysed embankment performance as follows : Embankment c = 3 CPTU c = 6 Lab cv It is concluded that piezometer cone penetration testing is particularly suitable for the geotechnical investigation and the subsequent design of embankments on recent alluvial deposits and should be considered as complementary to boreholes with sampling and laboratory testing. The existing database of embankment performance should be expanded with particular emphasis on long term measurements and on thorough initial determination of basic soil parameters / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1992.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Wollongong, 2004. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references: leaf 243-252.