Drilled shaft construction often requires the use of drill slurry to maintain borehole stability during excavation and concreting. While drill slurry may be composed of fluids ranging from air to petroleum, drilled shaft construction typically makes use of water based drilling fluids. Although clean water may be utilized as a drilling fluid, a premixed slurry consisting of water, minerals, and/or polymers is more commonly used. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) specifications require the use of mineral slurry for all primary structures. The slurry resists the intrusion of groundwater, slows the outward migration of drilling fluid from the excavation, and aids in the removal of suspended soil cuttings. The mechanisms by which mineral slurries work are quite different from those of polymer slurries. Due to these differences, it is unclear whether a mineral based slurry, which has been fortified with polymers by manufacturers or enhanced through the addition of polymers in the field, behaves more like a mineral slurry rather than polymer slurry. This thesis provides an overview of the methods used to measure physical slurry parameters of interest. These parameters include density, viscosity, pH, sand content, and filtration control. Methods employed to describe the slurry parameters include tools and instrumentation commonly used in both field and laboratory settings.

Recent interest in "greener" geothermal heating and cooling systems as well as developments in the quality assurance of cast-in-place concrete foundations has heightened the need for properly assessing thermal properties of soils. Therein, the ability of a soil to diffuse or absorb heat is dependent on the surrounding conditions (e.g. mineralogy, saturation, density, and insitu temperature). Prior to this work, the primary thermal properties (conductivity and heat capacity) had no correlation to commonly used soil exploration methods and therefore formed the focus of this thesis. Algorithms were developed in a spreadsheet platform that correlated input boring log information to thermal properties using known relationships between density, saturation, and thermal properties as well as more commonly used strength parameters from boring logs. Limited lab tests were conducted to become better acquainted with ASTM standards with the goal of proposing equipment for future development. Finally, sample thermal integrity profiles from cast-in-place foundations were used to demonstrate the usefulness of the developed algorithms. These examples highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of present boring log data quality leaving room for and/or necessitating engineering judgment.

Strut-and-tie modeling (STM) is a versatile, lower-bound (i.e. conservative) design method for reinforced concrete structural components. Uncertainty expressed by engineers related to the implementation of existing STM code specifications as well as a growing inventory of distressed in-service bent caps exhibiting diagonal cracking was the impetus for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to fund research project 0-5253, D-Region Strength and Serviceability Design, and the current implementation project (5-5253-01). As part of these projects, simple, accurate STM specifications were developed. This thesis acts as a guidebook for application of the proposed specifications and is intended to clarify any remaining uncertainties associated with strut-and-tie modeling. A series of five detailed design examples feature the application of the STM specifications. A brief overview of each design example is provided below. The examples are prefaced with a review of the theoretical background and fundamental design process of STM (Chapter 2). • Example 1: Five-Column Bent Cap of a Skewed Bridge - This design example serves as an introduction to the application of STM. Challenges are introduced by the bridge’s skew and complicated loading pattern. A clear procedure for defining relatively complex nodal geometries is presented. • Example 2: Cantilever Bent Cap - A strut-and-tie model is developed to represent the flow of forces around a frame corner subjected to closing loads. The design and detailing of a curved-bar node at the outside of the frame corner is described. • Example 3a: Inverted-T Straddle Bent Cap (Moment Frame) - An inverted-T straddle bent cap is modeled as a component within a moment frame. Bottom-chord (ledge) loading of the inverted-T necessitates the use of local STMs to model the flow of forces through the bent cap’s cross section. • Example 3b: Inverted-T Straddle Bent Cap (Simply Supported) - The inverted-T bent cap of Example 3a is designed as a member that is simply supported at the columns. • Example 4: Drilled-Shaft Footing - Three-dimensional STMs are developed to properly model the flow of forces through a deep drilled-shaft footing. Two unique load cases are considered to familiarize the designer with the development of such models. / text

This MEng (Master of Engineering) research thesis evaluates the capabilities and limitations of line-scan thermography for the non-destructive evaluation of composite structures containing hidden defects. In simple terms, line-scan thermography is a state-of-the-art technique in which a focused line of thermal energy is transmitted into a material. Line-scan thermography has great potential for the rapid and low cost non-destructive inspection of composite structures for aircraft, automobiles and ships. In this project, theoretical research exploring the heat transfer physics was undertaken in conjunction with experimental studies to develop an optimum inspection regime for line-scan thermography. The capability of line-scan thermography to detect impact damage in carbon/epoxy laminates was experimentally investigated in Chapter 3. From the impact side, in all materials, line-scan thermography overestimated the size of the impact damage whereas flash thermography underestimated the size. There was a close relationship between the ultrasonic profile and the line-scan thermographic thermal response curve. New experimental data has been produced and analysed for the ability of line-scan thermography to determine the defect as well as the defect size. It was found that line-scan thermography was able to distinguish back drilled holes, but it was not possible to determine accurate defect sizing due to the depth of the holes from the inspected surface and the limitations associated with the line-scan thermographic apparatus itself. There was excellent correlation between the C-scan ultrasonics intensity curves and the line-scan thermographs as well as excellent correlation with the theoretical results. The relationship between line-scan thermography and foreign body objects were experimentally investigated for carbon/epoxy composites. A major limitation found with line-scan thermography is its limited depth penetration, which is highlighted in the foreign object study using 6 mm and 13 mm diameter Teflon® discs and 13 mm Teflon® strips embedded in carbon/epoxy laminates. Depth penetration allowed only 2 mm resolution for the 13 mm diameter discs and 1.5 mm resolution for the 6 mm discs in a composite panel. The results of the investigation of stainless steel shim objects in carbon/epoxy laminates reveal that line-scan thermography is capable of determining their presence and size close to the surface. There was also excellent correlation between the ultrasonic response curve and the line-scan thermographic intensity curve. The results of the investigation of thermoplastic film foreign body objects in carbon/epoxy laminates show that at present line-scan thermography does not have the capability to determin e such defects. Experimental results show that line-scan thermography is capable of detecting large voids, back drilled holes, some foreign body objects, and impact damage. However, the ability of line-scan thermography to measure the defect dimensions is dependent on the size and type of damage, the distance from the line source, the depth of the defect, and the type of composite material.

Construction of heavily loaded shallow foundations adjacent to deep foundation is generally avoided in common geotechnical engineering practice to minimize additional loads on deep foundations. However, with the growing trend of urbanization leading to a demand of new construction, it is not always possible to avoid such situation where a heavily loaded shallow foundation will be right next to the infrastructure resting on deep foundations. When this situation cannot be avoided, influence of soil pressures and deformations in soil, created by shallow foundation on adjacent deep foundation, must be evaluated. The study of interaction between deep foundations has been carried out by several researchers in terms of pile-soil-pile interaction. Similarly, there are many published studies on interaction between closely spaced shallow foundations in terms of bearing capacity and settlement. However, not much published literature is available for practicing engineers to analyze and design deep and shallow foundations when they are constructed adjacent to each other. Construction of heavily loaded mat adjacent to drilled shafts would cause complex interaction between the foundations. However, lateral stress and drag forces on the shafts resulting from the heavy load on the mat foundation are the two major factors that would affect the design and performance of shafts. Since there is not much literature and guidance available to analyze and design such kind of situation, a preliminary investigation was first carried out where magnitude of the drag forces and lateral forces on drilled shafts were estimated using simple geotechnical engineering principles. The limitations of preliminary analysis led to the need of more sophisticated analysis using finite element techniques. As a part of this research, a detailed parametric study using finite element techniques has been performed to better understand stress and deformation distributions, and develop simplified methods to analyze this type of problems. A stress bulb for lateral stresses under a uniformly loaded square foundation, similar to the pressure bulb for vertical stresses which is widely used in the geotechnical engineering practice, has been proposed, which provides a significant tool for practicing engineers to understand lateral stress distribution below a uniformly loaded square area and estimate lateral stresses on nearby deep foundations. Similarly, a deformation bulb under a uniformly loaded square foundation is proposed. A new term “Isodefers” has been proposed to refer the lines of equal deformation. Isodefers are also a significant tool for practicing engineers to understand vertical deformation distribution below a uniformly loaded square area and estimate drag forces on nearby deep foundations. A case study emerging from similar real life scenario has also been analyzed and results are discussed with suitable recommendations.

Thermal Integrity Profiling (TIP) is a relatively new non-destructive test method for evaluating the post-construction quality of drilled shafts. Therein anomalies in a shaft are indicated by variations in its thermal profile when measured during the curing stages of the concrete. A considerable benefit with this method is in the ability to detect anomalies both inside and outside the reinforcement cage, as well as provide a measure of lateral cage alignment. Similarly remarkable, early developments showed that the shape of a temperature profile (with depth) matched closely with the shape of the shaft, thus allowing for a straightforward interpretation of data. As with any test method, however, the quality of the results depends largely on the level of analysis and the way in which test data is interpreted, which was the focus of this study. This dissertation presents the findings from both field data and computer models to address and improve TIP analysis methods, specifically focusing on: (1) the analysis of non-uniform temperature distributions caused by external boundary conditions, (2) proper selection of temperature-radius relationships, and (3) understanding the effects of time on analysis. Numerical modeling was performed to identify trends in the temperature distributions in drilled shafts during concrete hydration. Specifically, computer generated model data was used to identify the patterns of the non-linear temperature distributions that occur at the ends of a shaft caused by the added heat loss boundary in the longitudinal direction. Similar patterns are observed at locations in a shaft where drastic changes in external boundary conditions exist (e.g. shafts that transition from soil to water or air). Numerical modeling data was also generated to examine the relationship between measured temperatures and shaft size/shape which is a fundamental concept of traditional TIP analysis. A case study involving a shaft from which 24hrs of internal temperature data was investigated and compared to results from a computer generated model made to mimic the field conditions of the shaft. Analysis of field collected and model predicted data was performed to examine the treatment of non-linear temperature distributions at the ends of the shaft and where a mid-shaft change in boundary was encountered. Additionally, the analysis was repeated for data over a wide range of concrete ages to examine the effects of time on the results of analysis. Finally, data from over 200 field tested shafts was collected and analyzed to perform a statistical evaluation of the parameters used for interpretation of the non-linear distributions at the top and bottom of each shaft. This investigation incorporated an iterative algorithm which determined the parameters required to provide a best-fit solution for the top and bottom of each shaft. A collective statistical evaluation of the resulting parameters was then used to better define the proper methods for analyzing end effects. Findings revealed that the effects of non-uniform temperature distributions in drilled shaft thermal profiles can be offset with a curve-fitting algorithm defined by a hyperbolic tangent function that closely matches the observed thermal distribution. Numerical models and statistical evaluations provided a rationale for proper selection of the function defining parameters. Additionally, numerical modeling showed that the true temperature-to-radius relationship in drilled shafts is non-linear, but in most cases a linear approximation is well suited. Finally, analysis of both model and field data showed that concrete age has virtually no effect on the final results of thermal profile analysis, as long as temperature measurements are taken within the dominate stages of concrete hydration.

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) of deep foundations has become an integral part of the industry’s standard manufacturing processes. It is not unusual for the evaluation of the integrity of the concrete to include the measurement of ultrasonic wave speeds. Numerous methods have been proposed that use the propagation speed of ultrasonic waves to check the integrity of concrete for drilled shaft foundations. All such methods evaluate the integrity of the concrete inside the cage and between the access tubes. The integrity of the concrete outside the cage remains to be considered to determine the location of the border between the concrete and the soil in order to obtain the diameter of the drilled shaft. It is also economic to devise a methodology to obtain the diameter of the drilled shaft using the Cross-Hole Sonic Logging system (CSL). Performing such a methodology using the CSL and following the CSL tests is performed and used to check the integrity of the inside concrete, thus allowing the determination of the drilled shaft diameter without having to set up another NDT device. This proposed new method is based on the installation of galvanized tubes outside the shaft across from each inside tube, and performing the CSL test between the inside and outside tubes. From the performed experimental work a model is developed to evaluate the relationship between the thickness of concrete and the ultrasonic wave properties using signal processing. The experimental results show that there is a direct correlation between concrete thicknesses outside the cage and maximum amplitude of the received signal obtained from frequency domain data. This study demonstrates how this new method to measuring the diameter of drilled shafts during construction using a NDT method overcomes the limitations of currently-used methods. In the other part of study, a new method is proposed to visualize and quantify the extent and location of the defects. It is based on a color change in the frequency amplitude of the signal recorded by the receiver probe in the location of defects and it is called Frequency Tomography Analysis (FTA). Time-domain data is transferred to frequency-domain data of the signals propagated between tubes using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). Then, distribution of the FTA will be evaluated. This method is employed after CSL has determined the high probability of an anomaly in a given area and is applied to improve location accuracy and to further characterize the feature. The technique has a very good resolution and clarifies the exact depth location of any void or defect through the length of the drilled shaft for the voids inside the cage. The last part of study also evaluates the effect of voids inside and outside the reinforcement cage and corrosion in the longitudinal bars on the strength and axial load capacity of drilled shafts. The objective is to quantify the extent of loss in axial strength and stiffness of drilled shafts due to presence of different types of symmetric voids and corrosion throughout their lengths.

Almost 50 % of drinking water in Sweden comes from aquifers. The sustainability of groundwater resources in Stockholm County is threatened by increased salinity although most of the drinking water comes from Lake Mälaren. For a region known to be located within the areas covered by seawater after the last glaciation, the health and socio-economic development of the county is in a balance as development plans are challenged by high risk of salt groundwater. It is therefore important to know the extent and spread of salinity within the areas and the factors that correlate well with the salinity in the first attempt to study the risk of the areas to high salt content of groundwater. This paper looks at the distribution of salinity within the county and analyses the correlation between salinity and several natural factors. Using well co-ordinates and chemical data (compiled by Stockholm County Administration), and digital topographical, geological and land use data (from SGU and Swedish Land Survey), it is possible to project and visualize wells and salinity over the area, spatially develop and extract natural factor values to respective wells based on their co-ordinates, and finally perform statistical analyses on a resultant well attributes table, with the aid of Surfer, ArcGIS and Statistica Software. Results showing the spatial distribution of wells’ salinity and graphs of variance between the salinity of wells and respective natural factors of topography, depth, predominant soil cover, land use and distance from the sea, are further discussed.

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