Shallow foundations are used when designing subsea structures on the seafloor of deep water Gulf of Mexico. In order to design these subsea shallow foundations it is important to understand the behavior of the undrained shear strength of the shallow soils (i.e. upper ten to twenty feet of soil). The objective of this research is to analyze a database of soil data from deep water Gulf of Mexico originally produced by Cheon (2011) with a focus on shallow soils. The purpose of this analysis is to gain a better understanding of the soil and how it will be usable with regards to shallow foundation design. The methodology of this analysis involves studying raw data collected from different measurements taken to aid in the creation of design profiles of undrained shear strength versus depth. Within the existing database there are 18 locations with a high resolution of point data from in-situ tests (Halibut Vane) and non in-situ tests (Minivane and Torvane) that provide the clearest picture of undrained shear strength in the shallow region. The data shows that the design profiles originally created for these locations for deep foundations are generally not representative of the strength in the shallow region. They also show that in-situ test data show more variability than non in-situ data. There are also 25 Cone Penetration Tests in the existing database that show very high resolution data in the shallow region. These Cone Penetration Tests also indicate a crust that appears to be about 1 ft thick and exists along the edge of the continental shelf. Recommended future activities to build upon this work include re-evaluating the design profiles at these 43 locations at which high resolution studies have been performed in the shallow region, collecting these design profiles as well as any new design profiles and organizing them into a new database focused on shallow soils, generating a new generic profile base on the data within the new database, and creating a model that uses spatial variability analysis to calculate undrained shear strengths at new locations based on the data in the database. / text

Earthquakes have been historically perceived as one of the most damaging natural hazards. Seismic soil liquefaction is often one of the major sources of damage and disruptions, and has been observed to severely affect key lifelines. Settlement and tilting of shallow foundations resting on saturated sandy/silty soils has been repeatedly observed throughout the world as a consequence of liquefaction or softening of the foundation soil. Such settlements and tilts can render structures unusable, and homes uninhabitable, causing significant economic losses. Despite the undoubted relevance of this phenomenon, field data on the liquefaction induced settlement of shallow foundations are scarce. New data from 24 buildings that suffered settlement and tilting as a consequences of soil liquefaction during the February 27th 2010 Maule earthquake in Chile, are presented in this work to supplement the existing field cases database. Due to the complexity of this phenomenon, field data are not suffcient to fully understand the mechanisms controlling the settlement of structures resting on liquefied or softened ground.In this framework, centrifuge modelling provides a valuable tool for research by reproducing field conditions in a controlled environment. A series of 10 dynamic centrifuge tests were performed as part of this work. Thanks to the University of Dundee newly installed centrifuge-mounted servohydraulic earthquake simulator, scaled version of field earthquake motions were reproduced in the models tested, enhancing the reliability of experimental results. Particular attention was given to the effect of key parameters on the observed foundation settlement. These parameters are the bearing pressure of the foundation, the thickness of the liquefied soil layer and the soil's relative density. The effect of the soil layering pattern was also investigated, with particular attention to the effect of a low permeability soil crust overlying the liquefied soil. Results suggest that the excess pore pressure generation in the foundation soil is significantly influenced by the stress distribution due to the presence of the foundation itself. In particular, lower excess pore pressure where measured in soil subjected to high static shear stresses (i.e. below the edge of a footing). The soil stratification pattern, and the relative thicknesses of the liquefied and un-liquefied portions of the soil profile, were also found to play a crucial role in determining the seismic demand at foundation level and the type of failure mechanism leading to foundation settlement. Observed differences between centrifuge (i.e. field) and element testing soil response are also discussed. Experimental results are compared to field observations, with the aim of improving the current understanding of the behaviour of structures built on shallow foundations in the eventuality of seismic induced liquefaction of their foundation soil.

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Information presented in site investigation reports has a strong influence in design, project costs and safety. For this reason, both the quality and the reliability of site investigation reports are important. However in our country, geotechnical engineering is relegated to second place and site investigation studies, especially parcel-basis ground investigation works / do not receive the attention they deserve. In this study, site investigation reports, that are required for the license of design projects, are examined and the missing/incorrect site investigations, laboratory tests, geotechnical evaluations and geotechnical suggestions that occur in the reports are catalogued. Also, frequency of each mistake is statistically examined / for geotechnical engineers, recommendations and solutions are presented to help them avoid frequent problems.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / O dimensionamento de fundaÃÃes superficiais requer definiÃÃo de forma clara e objetiva, para o solo em estudo, da capacidade de carga e a previsÃo dos recalques a que se submete a estrutura, baseando-se nas propriedades mecÃnicas obtidas por ensaios de laboratÃrio e campo. O ensaio de placa à uma das formas mais seguras para se obter essas informaÃÃes, a partir de carregamento direto, que produz, em escala reduzida, o comportamento da futura fundaÃÃo. Os ensaios realizados nesta pesquisa foram executados em trÃs etapas: caracterizaÃÃo geotÃcnica (granulometria, determinaÃÃo da massa especÃfica, limite de consistÃncia, compactaÃÃo proctor normal e Ãndice de suporte califÃrnia (ISC)); ensaios especiais de laboratÃrio (adensamento e cisalhamento); e ensaios de campo (provas de carga). O objetivo deste trabalho à avaliar a partir da realizaÃÃo de provas de carga diretas com solo na umidade natural e inundado, se previsÃes de potencial de colapso e expansÃo, realizadas a partir de ensaios edomÃtricos simples e duplos sÃo capazes de dar indicaÃÃes concordantes. Foi observado que resultados de ensaios edometricos duplos, realizados no solo silto argiloso da cidade de IcÃ, proporcionaram estimativas mais concordantes para as situaÃÃes de colapso do solo. AlÃm disso, a tÃcnica da compactaÃÃo de solos problemÃticos se mostrou adequada para minorar, ou mesmo anular, problemas relacionados ao colapso e a expansÃo do solo estudado. / The design of shallow foundations requires defining clearly and objectively to the soil under study, the load capacity and the prediction of settlements that undergoes structure, based on the mechanical properties obtained from laboratory testing and field. The plaque assay is one of the safest ways to get this information from direct loading, which produces, in reduced scale, the behavior of the Future Foundation. The tests performed in this study were performed in three steps: geotechnical characterization (particle size, density determination, consistency limits, standard Proctor compaction and California bearing ratio (ISC)​​); Special laboratory tests (density and shear); and field trials (load tests). The objective of this study is to evaluate the evidence from conducting direct load with soil and flooded in natural moisture, if forecasts of potential collapse and expansion, made ​​from single and double edomÃtricos tests are able to give consistent evidence. It was observed that results of double edometricos trials, conducted in silty clay soil of the city Ico, provided more consistent estimates for situations of soil collapse. Furthermore, the technique of compression problematic soils was adequate to mitigate or even nullify, problems related to the collapse and expansion of the studied soil.

Shallow foundations can provide the most economical solution for supporting small-scale structures. The design approach is quite simple considering the ultimate bearing capacity and working-load settlement. Research has shown that settlement calculations, determined using a linear-elastic approach, usually govern the design but this approach is inappropriate because soil is highly non-linear, even at small strains. The result is that signifi cant discrepancies are observed between predicted and actual settlements. This uncertainty has seen the development of settlement-based approaches such as Mobilisable Strength Design (MSD). MSD uses an assumed undrained mechanism and accounts for soil non-linearity by scaling a triaxial stress-strain curve to make direct predictions of footing load-settlement behaviour. Centrifuge experiments were conducted to investigate the mechanisms governing the settlement of shallow circular foundations on clay and saturated sand models. Clay model tests were performed on soft or rm kaolin beds, depending on its pre-consolidation. Sand model tests were performed on relatively loose Hostun sand saturated with methyl-cellulose to slow consolidation. One-dimensional actuators were developed to apply footing loads through dead-weight or pneumatic loading. A Perspex window in the centrifuge package allowed digital images to be captured of a central cross-section, during and after footing loading. These were used to deduce soil displacements by Particle Image Velocimetry which were consistent with footing settlements measured directly. Deformation mechanisms are presented for undrained penetration, consolidation due to transient flow, as measured by pore pressure transducers, and creep. A technique was developed for discriminating consolidation settlements from the varying rates of short and long-term creep of clay models. Using MSD, a method for predicting the undrained penetration of a spread foundation on clay was proposed, using database results alone, which then provided estimates of creep and consolidation settlements that follow. The importance of the undrained penetration necessitated further investigation by using the observed undrained mechanism as the basis of an ellipsoidal cavity expansion model. An upper-bound energy approach was used to determine the load-settlement behaviour of circular shallow foundations on linear-elastic and non-linear clays, with yield defined using the von Mises' yield criterion. Linear-elastic soil results were consistent with those obtained from nite element analyses. The non-linear model, as described by a power-law, showed good agreement with both centrifuge experiment results and some real case histories. The single design curve developed through this model for normalised footing pressure and settlement could be used by practising engineers based on existing soil correlations or site investigations.

Interação solo-estrutura é o objeto de estudo deste trabalho. O principal objetivo é verificar a verdadeira importância desse fenômeno na análise estrutural de edifícios usuais em concreto armado sobre fundações diretas. Inicialmente apresenta-se um estudo sobre o comportamento do solo. Logo após são descritos os processos de dimensionamento de fundações superficiais, com base na NBR 6122 (1996). Descrevem-se em seguida os elementos barra e sapata rígida, utilizados na modelagem do sistema superestrutura-subestrutura-maciço de solos. Discute-se a modificação do elemento sapata rígida, que representa fundação e solo, para a consideração de uma camada indeslocável no interior do solo. De acordo com a teoria apresentada, dois exemplos são submetidos a duas análises, com ou sem a consideração da interação sol-estrutura, para que os resultados sejam comparados. Aplicam-se separadamente as ações verticais e horizontais. A influência duma camada indeslocável no interior do solo e os efeitos da seqüência construtiva dos edifícios também são analisados. / Soil-structure interaction is the subject of this work. The foremost aim is to verify the real importance of that phenomenon on the structural analysis of usual reinforced concrete buildings on shallow foundations. At first, it is presented a study of soil behaviour. Design procedures of shallow foundations based on NBR 6122 (1996) are described afterwards. Then, the beam and rigid footing elements, used for modelling the superstructure-infrastructure-foundation soil system, are described. It is discussed the modification of the rigid footing element, which represents foundation and soil, to consider a rigid layer within soil. According to the theory above presented, two examples are subjected to two analysis, with or without the consideration of soil-structure interaction, in order to compare the results. Vertical and horizontal loads are separately applied. The influence of a rigid layer within soil and the effects of the sequence of buildings construction are also analysed.

Pesquisas recentes têm mostrado que a utilização de camada de reforço em solo-cimento é uma alternativa para o aumento da capacidade de carga e redução dos recalques de fundações superficiais em solos de baixa resistência. Os métodos para previsão da capacidade de carga em sistemas de dupla camada encontrados na literatura trazem implícita a premissa de que a camada superior é contínua ou suficientemente maior que a largura da fundação. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi desenvolver um novo método para o cálculo de capacidade de carga de fundações superficiais assentes sobre uma camada de reforço em solo-cimento, considerando sua extensão lateral. Para tanto, foram realizados ensaios em modelos reduzidos de fundações contínuas assentes sobre um solo arenoso fofo, bem como, análises numéricas através do método dos elementos finitos. Observaram-se dois tipos distintos de ruptura. No primeiro, a camada de reforço é puncionada para dentro do solo natural, sem apresentar fissuras, até o deslocamento correspondente à capacidade de carga do solo natural No segundo, após um recalque inicial, a camada de reforço rompe com o aparecimento de uma fissura, que pode localizar-se junto à borda ou no eixo da fundação, e se propaga de baixo para cima, à medida que aumentam os recalques. Verificou-se que a máxima tensão de tração na camada de reforço é função da reação do solo na base do reforço e da relação Tr/Hr, onde Tr é a distância horizontal entre a borda da fundação e a borda do reforço e Hr é a espessura do reforço. A partir destas observações, foi desenvolvido um novo método de cálculo com a premissa de que a ruptura ocorra no solo e não na camada de reforço. Assim, é possível calcular a capacidade de carga considerando que fundação e reforço atuam como um elemento único, apoiado na mesma profundidade de assentamento do reforço. Ao mesmo tempo, é apresentada uma equação para previsão da máxima tensão de tração que atuará no reforço, a partir da qual, se pode dimensioná-lo com segurança. / Recent researches have shown that the use of soil-cement reinforcement layer is an alternative to increase bearing capacity and reduce settlements of shallow foundations in low resistance soils. The existing methods for predicting bearing capacity of double layer systems implicitly assume that the top layer is continuous or sufficiently greater than the foundation width. This study aims to develop a new method for bearing capacity calculation of shallow foundations supported by a soil-cement reinforcing layer, considering its lateral extension. Therefore, small scale tests of continuous foundations on a loose sandy soil, as well as, numerical analysis by the finite element method were carried out. It was observed two distinct types of failure. In the first, the reinforcement layer is punched through the sandy soil, without showing any cracking, up to a settlement which corresponds to the sand bearing capacity. In the second, after an initial settlement, the reinforcement layer breaks up, showing a fissure, which may be located near the edge or the axis of foundation, and propagates upward as the settlements continues. It was found that the maximum tensile stress in the reinforcement layer is a function of soil reaction on the reinforcement and the ratio Tr/Hr, where Tr is the horizontal distance between the edge of the foundation and the edge soil-cement layer and Hr is the thickness of the soil-cement layer. From these observations, it was developed a new calculation method, with the assumption that the failure occurs in the soil and not in the reinforcement layer. Thus, it is possible to calculate the bearing capacity considering that foundation and reinforcement act as a single element, supported at the same depth of the reinforcement base. In order to design the soil-cement layer, an equation for the maximum tensile stress prediction is provided.

Seismic response of a structure is influenced by the inertial interaction between structure and deformable medium, on which the structure rests, due to flexibility and energy dissipation capability of the surrounding soil. The inertial interaction analyses can be performed by utilizing simplified soil-structure interaction (SSI) analyses methods. In literature, it is noted that varying soil conditions and foundation types can be modeled by using these SSI approaches with springdashpot couples having certain stiffness and damping. In this study, the seismic response of superstructure obtained by using simplified SSI methods is compared with those of the fixed base systems. For this purpose, single and multi degree of freedom structural systems are modeled with both spring&ndash / dashpot couple and fixed base models. Each system is analyzed for varying structural and soil stiffness conditions under the excitation of three different seismic records. Next, the total base shear acting on the structural system and internal forces of load bearing members are investigated to observe the inertial interaction and foundation uplift effects on the superstructure. It is also aimed to examine the compatibility of the simplified SSI approaches utilized in the analyses. It is concluded that the structural and soil stiffness parameters are the most influential parameters that affect seismic structural response. Structures becomemore sensitive to varying soil properties as the structural stiffness increases. On the other hand, decreasing soil stiffness also increases the sensitivity of the structure to the seismic excitation. Calculated values of total base shear and internal member forces revealed that the inertial interaction might be detrimental for the superstructure. Contrary to general belief, the fixed base approach does not always yield to the results, which are on the safe side. Considering the analysis results, it is concluded that SSI analysis is very useful for more precise and economical design for the seismic behavior.

Several studies were undertaken by various investigators during the last five decades to better understand the engineering behaviour of unsaturated soils. These studies are justified as more than 33% of soils worldwide are found in either arid or semi-arid regions with evaporation losses exceeding water infiltration. Due to this reason, the natural ground water table in these regions is typically at a greater depth and the soil above it is in a state of unsaturated conditions. Foundations of structures such as the housing subdivisions, multi-storey buildings, bridges, retaining walls, silos, and other infrastructure constructed in these regions in sandy soils are usually built within the unsaturated zone (i.e., vadose zone). Limited studies are reported in the literature to understand the influence of capillary stresses (i.e., matric suction) on the bearing capacity, settlement and liquefaction potential of unsaturated sands. The influence of matric suction in the unsaturated zone of the sandy soils is ignored while estimating or evaluating bearing capacity, settlement and liquefaction resistance in conventional engineering practice. The focus of the research presented in the thesis has been directed towards better understanding of these aspects and providing rational and yet simple tools for the design of shallow foundations (i.e., footings) in sands under both static and dynamic loading conditions. Terzaghi (1943) or Meyerhof (1951) equations for bearing capacity and Schmertmann et al. (1978) equation for settlement are routinely used by practicing engineers for sandy soils based on saturated soil properties. The assumption of saturated conditions leads to conservative estimates for bearing capacity; however, neglecting the influence of capillary stresses contributes to unreliable estimates of settlement or differential settlement of footings in unsaturated sands. There are no studies reported in the literature on how capillary stresses influence liquefaction, bearing capacity and settlement behavior in earthquake prone regions under dynamic loading conditions. An extensive experimental program has been undertaken to study these parameters using several specially designed and constructed equipment at the University of Ottawa. The influence of matric suction, confinement and dilation on the bearing capacity of model footings in unsaturated sand was determined using the University of Ottawa Bearing Capacity Equipment (UOBCE-2011). Several series of plate load tests (PLTs) were carried out on a sandy soil both under saturated and unsaturated conditions. Based on these studies, a semi-empirical equation has been proposed for estimating the variation of bearing capacity with respect to matric suction. The saturated shear strength parameters and the soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) are required for using the proposed equation. This equation is consistent with the bearing capacity equation originally proposed by Terzaghi (1943) and later extended by Meyerhof (1951) for saturated soils. Chapter 2 provides the details of these studies. The cone penetration test (CPT) is conventionally used for estimating the bearing capacity of foundations because it is simple and quick, while providing continuous records with depth. In this research program, a cone penetrometer was specially designed to investigate the influence of matric suction on the cone resistance in a controlled laboratory environment. Several series of CPTs were conducted in sand under both saturated and unsaturated conditions. Simple correlations were proposed from CPTs data to relate the bearing capacity of shallow foundations to cone resistance in saturated and unsaturated sands. The details of these studies are presented and summarized in Chapter 3. Standard penetration tests (SPTs) and PLTs were conducted in-situ sand deposit at Carp region in Ottawa under both saturated and unsaturated conditions. The test results from the SPTs and PLTs at Carp were used along with other data from the literature for developing correlations for estimating the bearing capacity of both saturated and unsaturated sands. The proposed SPT-CPT-based technique is simple and reliable for estimation of the bearing capacity of footings in sands. Chapter 4 summarizes the details of these investigations. Empirical relationships were proposed using the CPTs data to estimate the modulus of elasticity of sands for settlement estimation of footings in both saturated and unsaturated sands. This was achieved by modifying the Schmertmann et al. (1978) equation, which is conventionally used for settlement estimations in practice. Comparisons are provided between the three CPT-based methods that are commonly used for settlement estimations in practice and the proposed method for seven large scale footings in sandy soils. The results of the comparisons show that the proposed method provides better estimations for both saturated and unsaturated sands. Chapter 5 summarizes the details of these studies. A Flexible Laminar Shear Box (FLSB of 800-mm3 in size) was specially designed and constructed to simulate and better understand the behaviour of model surface footing under seismic loads taking account of the influence of matric suction in an unsaturated sandy soil. The main purpose of using the FLSB is to simulate realistic in-situ soils behaviour during earthquake ground shaking. The FLSB test setup with model footing was placed on unidirectional 1-g shake table (aluminum platform of 1000-mm2 in size) during testing. The resistance of unsaturated sand to deformations and liquefaction under seismic loads was investigated. The results of the study show that matric suction offers significant resistance to liquefaction and settlement of footings in sand. Details of the equipment setup, test procedure and results of this study are presented in Chapter 6. Simple techniques are provided in this thesis for estimating the bearing capacity and settlement behaviour of sandy soils taking account of the influence of capillary stresses (i.e., matric suction). These techniques are consistent with the methods used in conventional geotechnical engineering practice. The studies show that even low values of capillary stresses (i.e., 0 to 5 kPa) increases the bearing capacity by two to four folds, and the settlement of footings not only decreases significantly but also offers resistance to liquefaction in sands. These studies are promising and encouraging to use ground improvement techniques; such as capillary barrier techniques to maintain capillary stresses within the zone of influence below shallow foundations. Such techniques, not only contribute to the increase of bearing capacity, they reduce settlement and alleviate problems associated with earthquake effects in sandy soils.