A Dempster-type double-focussing mass spectrometer has been used to determine the relative abundances of the isotopes of neodymium using two samples, one irradiated in a strong neutron flux, the other, obtained from the same source, unirradiated. A comparison of these results permits the calculation of the cross-section of each isotope for the capture of pile neutrons. Results previously obtained have been extended to give definite cross-sections for three of the isotopes, two of which have not previously been reported, and to lower the upper limits for the remainder. / Thesis / Master of Science (MS)

Column-supported, geosynthetic-reinforced embankments provide effective geotechnical foundations for applications in areas of weak subgrade soils. The system consists of a soil bridging layer with one or more embedded layers of geosynthetic reinforcement supported by driven or deep mixed columnar piles. The geosynthetic promotes load transfer within the bridging layer to the columns, allowing for larger column spacings and varied alignments. This technique is generally used when differential settlements of the embankment or adjacent structures are a concern and to minimize construction time. Recent increase in the popularity of this composite system has generated the need to further investigate its behavior and soil-structure interaction. Current models of geosynthetics are oversimplified and do not represent the true three-dimensional nature of the material. Such simplifications include treating the geosynthetic as a one-dimensional cable as well as neglecting stress concentrations and pile orientations. In this thesis, a complete three-dimensional analysis of the geosynthetic is performed. The geosynthetic was modeled as a thin flexible plate in a single square unit cell of the embankment. The principle of minimum potential energy was then applied, utilizing central finite difference equations. Energy components from vertical loading, soil and column support, as well as bending and membrane stiffness of the geosynthetic are considered. Three pile orentation types were implemented: square piles, circular piles, and square piles rotated 45° to the edges of the unit cell. Each of the pile orientations was analyzed using two distinct parameter sets that are investigated in previously published and ongoing research. Vertical and in-plane deflections, stress resultants, and strains were determined and compared to other geosynthetic models and design guides. Results of each parameter set and pile orientation were also compared to provide design recommendations for geosynthetic-reinforced column-supported embankments. / Master of Science

Master of Science / Department of Civil Engineering / Dunja Peric / Piles have been used for many years in civil infrastructure as foundations for buildings, bridges, and retaining walls. Energy piles are thermo-active foundation systems that use geothermal energy for heating and cooling of buildings. Ground source heat is a very attractive, economical, efficient and sustainable alternative to current heating practices. Unlike the air temperature, the temperature below the Earth’s surface remains relatively constant throughout the year, somewhere between 10oC to 15oC below a depth of 6 m to 9 m (Kelly, 2011). This provides an opportunity for construction of thermo-active foundation systems with embedded geothermal loops. The main purpose of such thermo-active system is to transfer deep ground heat to a building through the fluid circulating within the geothermal loop. It is because these thermo-active foundation systems enable heat exchange between the deep ground and the building that is called the heat exchanger pile (HEP). The thermal energy supplied by a HEP can then supplement air-pump-based heating/cooling system. Although heat exchanger piles have been successfully implemented in Europe and Asia, their usage in U.S. remains uncommon. One reason for this might be currently limited understanding of the associated soil-structure interaction, thus unfavorably affecting the design procedures. To this end, a study was undertaken to investigate the predictive capabilities of computational models and to gain a better understanding of the load-transfer mechanisms of energy piles. Thus, coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical computational modeling of a single actual end bearing HEP was carried out for different loading scenarios including thermal and mechanical loads by using the finite element code ABAQUS/Standard 6.13-2. The results of the analyses of the heat exchanger pile with two different types of layered soil profile are presented: isotropic and anisotropic. The computational model was validated and verified successfully against field test results for all considered loading scenarios. Additional analyses were performed to gain a deeper insight into the effects of soil layering and on the behavior of energy piles. It was found that changes in the soil stiffness affected primarily the head displacement and vertical stresses and strains in the pile.

Este trabalho aborda uma análise comparativa dos resultados obtidos em provas de carga à tração, com os diversos métodos de previsão de carga última de estacas tracionadas. Os ensaios foram realizados no campo experimental de fundações do Departamento de Geotecnia da USP/São Carlos, sobre estacas apiloadas, escavadas a trado helicoidal e do tipo Strauss, com diâmetros de 20 a 32 cm, e comprimentos de 6 e 9 m. Observou-se que os métodos que consideram a ruptura na interface solo-estaca são os que conduzem a resultados mais satisfatórios de previsão. Ademais, estudou-se a colapsibilidade da ligação solo-estaca, uma vez que as estacas analisadas têm seu fuste embutido em solo de estrutura comprovadamente colapsível. Para tanto, realizaram-se as provas de carga primeiramente com o solo em estado natural e, posteriormente, inundado por 48 h, na carga de trabalho. Constatou-se o colapso da ligação solo-estaca nas cinco estacas, sendo que em três delas - duas escavadas e uma apiloada -, o colapso deu-se na carga de trabalho, com tempos de inundação inferiores a 48 h; nas outras duas estacas, após 48 h de inundação, prossegui-se normalmente com os incrementos de carga, ocorrendo o colapso para 60 e 78% das cargas respectivas de ruptura. / This dissertation deals with an analysis by comparison of results obtained with piles submitted to axial uplift foreces using several prediction methods of ultimate loads. The pile tests were performed in the Experimental Site of the Departament of Geotechnical Engineering of USP/São Carlos, on bored, hammed and Strauss pile types, with diameters varying from 0,20 to 0,32 m and 6 to 9 m long. It was observed that the methods that took into account the pile-soil interface failure yelded better results. Moreover, the pile-soil interface colapsibility was analyzed, once the shaft of the studied piles were embedded in soil whose structure are truly collapsible. For this, pile testings were performed both in the natural soil conditions and soaked during 48 h for working load. Collapse was observed in the pile-soil interface in five piles. For three of them (two of which were bored and one hammed) the failure took place with working loads under 48 h soaking time; in two others, the failure, occured after 48 h soaking time with loads equivalents to 60% and 78% of natural soil\'s ultimate loads, respectively.

To investigate the lateral load distribution of each pile in a pile group, the bending moment distribution along the pile and the lateral group displacements with respect to pile location in the group, pile spacing, pile diameter and soil stiffness three dimensional finite element analysis were performed on 4x4 pile groups in clay. Different Elatic Modulus values, pile spacings, pile diameters and lateral load levels used in this study. In the analysis PLAXIS 3D Foundation geotechnical finite element package was used. It is found that, lateral load distribution among the piles was mainly a function of row location in the group independent from pile spacing. For a given load the leading row piles carried the greatest load. However, the trailing row piles carried almost the same loads. For a given load, bending moment values of the leading row piles were greater than the trailing row piles. On the other hand, as the spacing increased group displacements and individual pile loads decreased under the same applied load. However, this behavior was seen more clearly in the first and the second row piles. For the third and the fourth row piles, pile spacing became a less significant factor affecting the load distribution. It is also found that, pile diameter and soil stiffness are not significant factors on lateral load distribution as row location and pile spacing.

Baigiamajame magistro darbe apžvelgti metodai spraustinių polių laikomajai galiai nustatyti. Nagrinėtos dvi metodų grupės – analitiniai ir empiriniai, pagrįsti statinio zondavimo duomenimis. Pagrindinis darbo tikslas yra išanalizuoti ir palyginti nagrinėjamus metodus. Taip pat jie gretinami su eksperimento rezultatais, kas leidžia įvertinti ne tik skirtumus tarp jų, tačiau ir tinkamumą Lietuvos geologinėmis sąlygoms. Eksperimentinę – tiriamąją dalį sudaro geologinio kūno, kuriame įrengti bandomieji poliai, fizikinių – mechaninių savybių apibūdinimas ir polių bandymų įrangos, eigos ir rezultatų aprašymas. Nustatyti pagrindiniai metodų skirtumai, palygintos apskaičiuotos vertės su eksperimento duomenimis. Pateikiamos išvados ir siūlymai tolesniems tyrimams. Darbą sudaro tokios dalys: įvadas, polio apkrovos perdavimas pagrindui, analitinių polio laikomosios galios skaičiavimo metodų apžvalga, empirinių polio laikomosios galios skaičiavimo metodų apžvalga, metodų apibendrinimas, polių bandymas gniuždančia statine apkrova, apskaičiuotų ir eksperimentinių laikomųjų galių gretinimas, išvados ir pasiūlymai, literatūros sąrašas. Darbo apimtis – 64 p. teksto be priedų, 28 iliustr., 10 lent., 39 bibliografiniai šaltiniai. Pridedami darbo priedai. / In master thesis reviewed methods to determine bearing capacity of displacement piles. Two groups of methods analysed – analytical and empirical (based on cone penetration test data). The main aim of the thesis is to overlook and compare with highliting differences of the methods. Also the calculated data is compared with test results. This allows to evaluate the suitability of the methods for Lithuanian geological conditions. Experimental part consists of characteristation of physical – mechanical properties of the geological body where test piles was installed. Also description of test equipment, procedure and results made. Main differences of the methods obtained and test data with calculated values compared. Conclusions and proposals for further investigation represented. Structure: introduction, transmission of pile load to soil, review of analytical methods for determination of pile bearing capacity, review of empirical methods for determination of pile bearing capacity, pile tests on static axial load, comparison of calculated and measured from pile tests results values, conclusions and suggestions, references. Thesis consist of: 64 p. text without appendixes, 28 pictures, 10 tables, 39 bibliographical entries. Appendixes included.

Este trabalho aborda uma análise comparativa dos resultados obtidos em provas de carga à tração, com os diversos métodos de previsão de carga última de estacas tracionadas. Os ensaios foram realizados no campo experimental de fundações do Departamento de Geotecnia da USP/São Carlos, sobre estacas apiloadas, escavadas a trado helicoidal e do tipo Strauss, com diâmetros de 20 a 32 cm, e comprimentos de 6 e 9 m. Observou-se que os métodos que consideram a ruptura na interface solo-estaca são os que conduzem a resultados mais satisfatórios de previsão. Ademais, estudou-se a colapsibilidade da ligação solo-estaca, uma vez que as estacas analisadas têm seu fuste embutido em solo de estrutura comprovadamente colapsível. Para tanto, realizaram-se as provas de carga primeiramente com o solo em estado natural e, posteriormente, inundado por 48 h, na carga de trabalho. Constatou-se o colapso da ligação solo-estaca nas cinco estacas, sendo que em três delas - duas escavadas e uma apiloada -, o colapso deu-se na carga de trabalho, com tempos de inundação inferiores a 48 h; nas outras duas estacas, após 48 h de inundação, prossegui-se normalmente com os incrementos de carga, ocorrendo o colapso para 60 e 78% das cargas respectivas de ruptura. / This dissertation deals with an analysis by comparison of results obtained with piles submitted to axial uplift foreces using several prediction methods of ultimate loads. The pile tests were performed in the Experimental Site of the Departament of Geotechnical Engineering of USP/São Carlos, on bored, hammed and Strauss pile types, with diameters varying from 0,20 to 0,32 m and 6 to 9 m long. It was observed that the methods that took into account the pile-soil interface failure yelded better results. Moreover, the pile-soil interface colapsibility was analyzed, once the shaft of the studied piles were embedded in soil whose structure are truly collapsible. For this, pile testings were performed both in the natural soil conditions and soaked during 48 h for working load. Collapse was observed in the pile-soil interface in five piles. For three of them (two of which were bored and one hammed) the failure took place with working loads under 48 h soaking time; in two others, the failure, occured after 48 h soaking time with loads equivalents to 60% and 78% of natural soil\'s ultimate loads, respectively.

Much research has been done to study the effects of spacing in laterally loaded pile groups and how the pile spacing affects lateral resistance of the piles. In this test a 9-pile group of steel piles was installed in a 3x3 configuration in sand. The piles were spaced from center-to-center at a distance of 5.65 pile diameters in the direction of the load. The pile group was laterally loaded and instrumented to collect deflection, load, and strain data. A separate single pile was similarly instrumented and tested for comparison to the pile group. The soil profile consisted of a top layer of sand about 2.5 meters deep underlain by alternating layers of fine grained soil and sand. Analysis was done in order to determine p-multipliers for the rows in the pile group. The pile group consistently resisted lower average loads than those of the single pile at the same peak deflection. Row 1 resisted equal loads to those resisted by the single pile but Row 2 and Row 3 resisted smaller loads successively. The maximum bending moments were greatest in Row 1 and decreased successively in Row 2 and Row 3, however they occurred at the same depth for the same peak deflection. Maximum bending moments for the single pile were similar to those for Row 1 in the pile group at each deflection. Group effects were more significant at greater loads with larger deflections. Higher deflection caused increased shear zone interaction and a decrease in lateral resistance. The test on the single pile was modeled using the computer program LPILE Plus version 4.0 (Reese et al., 2000). The soil profile was calibrated by alternating the input soil parameters until the curves matched between the measured and the calculated results. The new soil profile was then used to model the test on the pile group using GROUP version 4.0 (Reese and Wang, 1996). A match was made between the measured test results and those calculated using GROUP by defining p-multipliers for each of the rows. For Cycle 1 the p-multipliers were found to be 1.0, .55, and .5 for Row 1 through Row 3 respectively. For Cycle 10 the p-multipliers were found to be the same as those for Cycle 1.

京都大学 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(工学) / 甲第23484号 / 工博第4896号 / 新制||工||1765(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院工学研究科社会基盤工学専攻 / (主査)教授 渦岡 良介, 教授 木村 亮, 准教授 澤村 康生 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) / Kyoto University / DGAM

Ground vibrations due to pile driving are part of a complex process. Vibration is generated from the pile driver to the pile. As the pile interacts with the surrounding soil, vibrations are transferred at the pile-soil interface. The vibration propagates through the ground and interacts with structures, both above ground and underground. The vibration continues into the structure where it may disturb occupants and/or damage the structure. In this thesis the study of the vibration transfer process due to pile driving is limited to the vibration source and the wave propagation in the soil. Vibration transmission to adjacent buildings and structures is not studied. However, impact of vibrations on buildings is briefly discussed in the literature study. It is important to accurately predict the magnitude of ground vibrations that result from pile driving in urban areas, both over- and underestimated vibration levels lead to increased costs. A lot of research has been performed within this field of knowledge, but a reliable and acknowledged prediction model for vibrations induced by pile or sheet pile driving is still needed. The objective of the research project is to increase the knowledge and understanding in the field of ground vibrations due to impact and vibratory driving of piles and sheet piles. This research project also aims to develop a reliable prediction model that can be used by practising engineers to estimate vibration due to pile driving. This licentiate thesis presents the first part of the research project and aims to increase the knowledge and understanding of the subject and to form a basis for continued research work. The most important findings and conclusions from this study are: The main factors influencing vibrations due to pile and sheet pile driving are; (1) the vibrations transferred from the pile to the soil, (2) the geotechnical conditions at the site and (3) the distance from the source. The vibrations transmitted from the pile to the soil depend on the vibrations transferred to the pile from the hammer, the pile-soil interaction and the wave propagation and attenuation in the plastic/elasto-plastic zone closest to the pile. There is today no prediction model that fulfils the criteria of the “perfect” prediction model; reliable but yet easy to apply. Future research should study the transfer of vibrations at the pile-soil interface, including the generation of a plastic/elasto-plastic zone in the area closest to the pile and how that affects the transfer of vibrations from the pile to the soil. / Markvibrationer på grund av pålning är del av en komplex process. Vibrationer genereras från pålmaskinen till pålen. När pålen kommer i kontakt med den omgivande jorden överförs vibrationer mellan påle och jord. Vibrationerna fortplantar sig som vågor genom marken och träffar byggnader och andra konstruktioner, både ovan och under jord. Vibrationerna fortsätter in i byggnaden där de kan orsaka störningar eller skador. I denna avhandling begränsas studien av vibrationsöverföringsprocessen till vibrationskällan och vågutbredningen i jord. Vibrationsöverföringen till intilliggande byggnader eller konstruktioner har inte studerats. Påverkan av vibrationer på byggnader diskuteras dock kort i litteraturstudien. Det är viktigt att på ett tillförlitligt sätt kunna förutsäga markvibrationerna på grund av pålning i stadsmiljö, både över- och underskattade vibrationsnivåer leder till ökade kostnader. Forskning har tidigare utförts inom detta område, men en tillförlitlig och allmänt accepterad prognosmodell för vibrationer på grund av pålning eller spontning saknas fortfarande. Syftet med forskningsprojektet är att öka kunskapen och förståelsen för markvibrationer som uppkommer vid installation genom slagning eller vibrering av pålar och spont. Forskningsprojektet syftar också till att utveckla en tillförlitlig prognosmodell som kan användas av yrkesverksamma ingenjörer för att uppskatta vibrationsnivåer orsakade av pålning. Denna licentiatavhandling presenterar den första delen av forskningsprojektet och syftar till att öka kunskapen och förståelsen inom ämnesområdet samt att skapa en plattform för det fortsatta forskningsarbetet. De viktigaste resultaten och slutsatserna från denna studie är: De huvudsakliga faktorer som påverkar vibrationer orsakade av pålning är; (1) de vibrationer som överförs från källan till jorden, (2) de geotekniska förhållandena på platsen och (3) avståndet från vibrationskällan (pålen). Vibrationerna som överförs från pålen till jorden beror på de vibrationer som överförs från pålmaskinen till pålen, påle-jord interaktionen samt vågutbredning och dämpning i den plastiska/elasto-plastiska zonen som bildas närmast pålen. Det finns idag ingen prognosmodell som uppfyller kriterierna för den ”perfekta” prognosmodellen; tillförlitlig men ändå lätt att tillämpa. Framtida forskning bör undersöka överföringen av vibrationer mellan påle och jord, innefattande uppkomsten av en plastisk/elasto-plastisk zon närmast pålen och hur det påverkar vibrationsöverföringen från påle till jord. / <p>QC 20130314</p>