The flat dilatometer (DMT) and piezocone penetration (CPTU) tests are likely to be among the most widely used in situ testing methods for soil characterization and indirect determination of geotechnical design parameters such as: strength, stiffness, permeability and compressibility. The flat dilatometer has proved to be a reliable, robust and adaptable tool, and the data obtained with this instrument is very repeatable, and easy to reduce and process. Furthermore, the addition of a seismic module to the standard flat dilatometer (SDMT) to measure the shear wave velocity (Vs) significantly complements the set of data typically obtained with a standard DMT test. Nonetheless, the experience in interpreting the combination between Vs and DMT data is fairly limited due to the recent introduction of the SDMT for commercial applications. Additionally, the estimation of the coefficient of earth pressure at rest (K₀) has been the most important application of the DMT since its introduction. However, a potential weakness of the DMT is that the derivation of K₀ is based upon empirical correlations developed some time ago and neither improvement work nor upgrade of these approaches has been performed in the last 10 years. Throughout the years several additional sensors have been developed in order to supplement the data collected with the CPTU test. Among the wide variety of sensor developed, the lateral stress module mounted behind a piezocone represents a promising tool for estimation of in situ lateral stress conditions from the interpretation of lateral stress penetration data. However, the popularity of the so called lateral stress cone has declined over the years due to constraints in both the instrumentation and the interpretation of measured data. Also, the application of this instrument remains limited to specific soils conditions and specific projects. However, the valuable experience gained throughout the years in the development and application of several lateral stress cones in combination with developments in electronics and understanding of soil behaviour allow the improvement of this type of technology. This thesis presents the results of a comprehensive laboratory and field testing programs performed by the author at several research sites located in the Lower Mainland of BC, undertaken in order to assess the performance of the seismic flat dilatometer and lateral stress seismic piezocone (LSSCPTU), built and develop at UBC. Firstly, the analysis of field measurements with the SDMT collected at several sites have demonstrated the potential for an improved soil characterization through the combination of DMT parameters and the small strain shear modulus (G₀). Additionally the usefulness of the DMT-C closing pressure for soil identification is shown. On the basis of several relationships identified from this data, a new soil type behaviour system based upon SDMT measurements is proposed. Furthermore, empirical correlations based upon fairly large and updated databases have been developed to estimate K₀ and Vs values from DMT parameters.

The flat dilatometer (DMT) and piezocone penetration (CPTU) tests are likely to be among the most widely used in situ testing methods for soil characterization and indirect determination of geotechnical design parameters such as: strength, stiffness, permeability and compressibility. The flat dilatometer has proved to be a reliable, robust and adaptable tool, and the data obtained with this instrument is very repeatable, and easy to reduce and process. Furthermore, the addition of a seismic module to the standard flat dilatometer (SDMT) to measure the shear wave velocity (Vs) significantly complements the set of data typically obtained with a standard DMT test. Nonetheless, the experience in interpreting the combination between Vs and DMT data is fairly limited due to the recent introduction of the SDMT for commercial applications. Additionally, the estimation of the coefficient of earth pressure at rest (K₀) has been the most important application of the DMT since its introduction. However, a potential weakness of the DMT is that the derivation of K₀ is based upon empirical correlations developed some time ago and neither improvement work nor upgrade of these approaches has been performed in the last 10 years. Throughout the years several additional sensors have been developed in order to supplement the data collected with the CPTU test. Among the wide variety of sensor developed, the lateral stress module mounted behind a piezocone represents a promising tool for estimation of in situ lateral stress conditions from the interpretation of lateral stress penetration data. However, the popularity of the so called lateral stress cone has declined over the years due to constraints in both the instrumentation and the interpretation of measured data. Also, the application of this instrument remains limited to specific soils conditions and specific projects. However, the valuable experience gained throughout the years in the development and application of several lateral stress cones in combination with developments in electronics and understanding of soil behaviour allow the improvement of this type of technology. This thesis presents the results of a comprehensive laboratory and field testing programs performed by the author at several research sites located in the Lower Mainland of BC, undertaken in order to assess the performance of the seismic flat dilatometer and lateral stress seismic piezocone (LSSCPTU), built and develop at UBC. Firstly, the analysis of field measurements with the SDMT collected at several sites have demonstrated the potential for an improved soil characterization through the combination of DMT parameters and the small strain shear modulus (G₀). Additionally the usefulness of the DMT-C closing pressure for soil identification is shown. On the basis of several relationships identified from this data, a new soil type behaviour system based upon SDMT measurements is proposed. Furthermore, empirical correlations based upon fairly large and updated databases have been developed to estimate K₀ and Vs values from DMT parameters.

The flat dilatometer (DMT) and piezocone penetration (CPTU) tests are likely to be among the most widely used in situ testing methods for soil characterization and indirect determination of geotechnical design parameters such as: strength, stiffness, permeability and compressibility. The flat dilatometer has proved to be a reliable, robust and adaptable tool, and the data obtained with this instrument is very repeatable, and easy to reduce and process. Furthermore, the addition of a seismic module to the standard flat dilatometer (SDMT) to measure the shear wave velocity (Vs) significantly complements the set of data typically obtained with a standard DMT test. Nonetheless, the experience in interpreting the combination between Vs and DMT data is fairly limited due to the recent introduction of the SDMT for commercial applications. Additionally, the estimation of the coefficient of earth pressure at rest (K₀) has been the most important application of the DMT since its introduction. However, a potential weakness of the DMT is that the derivation of K₀ is based upon empirical correlations developed some time ago and neither improvement work nor upgrade of these approaches has been performed in the last 10 years. Throughout the years several additional sensors have been developed in order to supplement the data collected with the CPTU test. Among the wide variety of sensor developed, the lateral stress module mounted behind a piezocone represents a promising tool for estimation of in situ lateral stress conditions from the interpretation of lateral stress penetration data. However, the popularity of the so called lateral stress cone has declined over the years due to constraints in both the instrumentation and the interpretation of measured data. Also, the application of this instrument remains limited to specific soils conditions and specific projects. However, the valuable experience gained throughout the years in the development and application of several lateral stress cones in combination with developments in electronics and understanding of soil behaviour allow the improvement of this type of technology. This thesis presents the results of a comprehensive laboratory and field testing programs performed by the author at several research sites located in the Lower Mainland of BC, undertaken in order to assess the performance of the seismic flat dilatometer and lateral stress seismic piezocone (LSSCPTU), built and develop at UBC. Firstly, the analysis of field measurements with the SDMT collected at several sites have demonstrated the potential for an improved soil characterization through the combination of DMT parameters and the small strain shear modulus (G₀). Additionally the usefulness of the DMT-C closing pressure for soil identification is shown. On the basis of several relationships identified from this data, a new soil type behaviour system based upon SDMT measurements is proposed. Furthermore, empirical correlations based upon fairly large and updated databases have been developed to estimate K₀ and Vs values from DMT parameters. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Civil Engineering, Department of / Graduate

Esta pesquisa foi conduzida para o conhecimento da estrutura tridimensional de propriedades hidrográficas e de correntes na Baía de Guanabara (RJ, Brasil). Para atingir esse objetivo foi feita a análise de um conjunto de medições quase-sinóticas de propriedades hidrográficas e de velocidade em experimentos realizados na escala de tempo sazonal e de modulação da maré (quinzenal e semidiurna). Quatro estações fixas foram distribuídas na baía, no inverno e no verão austral (julho de 2000 e fevereiro de 2001); três seções latitudinais e uma longitudinal, e adicionalmente uma estação fixa, foram realizadas na baía em julho de 2003 e fevereiro de 2004. Os perfilamentos hidrográficos e de correntes foram feitos com equipamentos Condutividade-Temperatura-Pressão-Correntógrafo Acústico e um Perfilador Acústico Doppler. Em julho de 2000 os extremos de correntes de enchente e vazante, durante modulação quinzenal da maré, variaram de 0,70 m s-1 a -0,50 m s-1 e 0,80 m s-1 a -0,60 m s-1, na estação fixa localizada na entrada da baía. A salinidade (temperatura) apresentou distribuições verticais fracamente estratificadas e seus valores extremos foram modulados pelas correntes, durante o ciclo de maré de enchente e vazante, foram: 34,80 (21,50oC) e 35,8 (20,5 oC); a baía foi classificada como tipo 2a (parcial e fracamente estratificada), com pequena influência da modulação da maré, predominando a difusão da maré para o transporte de sal para o interior da baía. Em fevereiro de 2001, os máximos das intensidades de enchente e vazante variaram de 0,25 m s-1 a -0,50 m s-1 e 1,00 m s-1 a -0.70 m s-1, para as condições de quadratura e sizígia, respectivamente, e as intensidades das correntes secundárias foram pequenas (?u ?< 0,30 m s-1). Devido ao aquecimento sazonal e ao aumento da descarga fluvial, a estratificação vertical aumentou e as temperaturas e salinidades variaram de 20,0oC a 27,0oC e 33,0 a 35,5; a análise de massas de água indicou sinais da intrusão da Água Central do Atlântico Sul na baía. Devido à modulação da maré a classificação variou dos tipos 2b ao tipo 2a (parcialmente misturados com alta e fraca estratificação vertical, respectivamente) e no primeiro tipo, a difusão da maré e o efeito baroclínico foram responsáveis pelo transporte de sal para o interior da baía. xiii Em julho de 2003 e fevereiro de 2004, os componentes de velocidade longitudinal e transversal (secundário), o transporte de volume e sal através das seções latitudinais foram analisados para as condições de maré de sizígia e quadratura e na enchente e vazante. Nesses experimentos, o componente longitudinal da corrente nas seções transversais apresentou cisalhamentos verticais e laterais. As correntes mais intensas foram observadas na maré de sizígia, atingindo valores de até 0,80 m s-1 e -0,70 m s-1 para as correntes de enchente e vazante na entrada da baía. Os componentes transversais foram em geral menos intensos (?u ?< 0,40 m s-1), mas ocasionalmente valores maiores foram observados, provavelmente devido a efeitos topográficos. A variação do transporte de volume durante o ciclo de maré mostrou-se assimétrico, indicando a saída de água da baía, com defasagem de aproximadamente uma hora em relação à maré; o transporte de volume resultante apresentou os seguintes valores: -(4.15±1.85)x103 m3 s-1 a -(7.31±2.16)x103 m3 s-1, e -(1.37±2.08)x103 a -(0.23±1.59)x103 m3 s-1 para julho e fevereiro, respectivamente; esses resultados indicam que em fevereiro a renovação da água da baía foi mais eficiente. Levando-se em conta valores climatológicos da descarga fluvial na baía os valores da razão de fluxo (<0,05) indicaram que a maré é a principal forçante da dinâmica da baía. Tal como em fevereiro de 2001, a análise do diagrama T-S indicou que a ACAS foi um componente importante para a formação da massa de água nessa época do ano, penetrando na baía até cerca de 15 km. Os componentes do transporte advectivo de sal, calculados para a seção localizada na boca da BG e durante a maré de sizígia, tiveram ordem de grandeza muito próxima entre si (?2,6x105 kg s-1). Os resultados indicaram que o cisalhamento lateral de correntes é de importância fundamental para o estudo de processos de transporte na Baía de Guanabara. / This research leads to a new knowledge on the tridimensional hydrographic and current structure in the Guanabara Bay (RJ, Brazil). To reach this goal, an analysis was made from a data set of horizontal and vertical nearly-synoptic hydrographic and current measurements, from experiments realized in seasonal and tidal modulation time scales (fortnightly and tidal cycles). Four anchor stations were occupied in the austral winter and summer (July, 2000 and February, 2001); three latitudinal and one longitudinal cross-sections were made along the bay and additionally one anchor station were sampled in July, 2003, and February, 2004. The hydrographic and current profiles were sampled with a Conductivity-Temperature-Depth-Acustic-currentmeter and an Acustic Doppler Profiler. In July, 2000, the flood and ebb current highest intensities varied from 0.70 m s-1 to -0.50 m s-1 and 0.80 m s-1 to -0.60 m s-1 in the bay mouth. Salinity (temperature) structures were weakly stratified and its extreme values modulated by the currents, during the ebb-flood tidal cycle, were 34.8 (21.5oC) and 35.8 (20.5oC); the bay was classified as type 2a (partially mixed and weakly stratified), almost independently of the tidal modulation and tidal diffusion was the main mechanism for the salt intrusion into the bay. In February, 2001, flood and ebb current highest intensities varied from 0.25 m s-1 to -0.50 m s-1 and 1.00 m s-1 to -0.70 m s-1; transversal (secondary) components had low intensities (?u?<0,20 m s-1). Due to the seasonal heating and the increase in fresh water input, temperatures and salinities varied from 20.0oC to 27.0oC and 33.0 to 35.5; a signal of the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) intrusion into the bay was observed. Due to the tidal modulation the classification changed from types 2b (partially mixed and highly stratified) to 2a in neap and spring tidal conditions, respectively; in the neap tide condition, tidal diffusion and the baroclinic effects were responsible for the salt transport into the bay. In July, 2003, and February, 2004, the longitudinal and transversal (secondary) velocity components, the volume and salt transport across the latitudinal transects were analysed for spring-neap tidal cycle and at flood and ebb tidal stages. In both experiments the longitudinal current component in the xv cross-sections were characterized by lateral and vertical velocities shears. The strongest currents were observed, reaching values up to 0,80 m s-1 and -0,70 m s-1 for the flood and ebb currents, during the neap-spring tidal cycle in the bay mouth. The transversal (secondary) component were usually low (?u?<0.4 m s-1), but occasionally reached higher values probably due to topographic effects. Volume transport at the bay mouth was asymmetric, showing an outflow with a phase lag of one hour in relationship with the tidal cycle; the resultant volume transport during the neap-spring tidal cycle varied from -(4.15±1.85)x103 m3 s-1 to (-7.31±2.16)x103 m3 s-1, and -(1.37±2.08)x103 to -(0.23±1.59)x103 m3 s-1 for July and February, respectively; these results indicated the water mass renewal was more effective in February. Taking into account climatological values of the fresh water discharge, the flux rate values (<0.05) indicated that the tide is the main dynamic forcing. Like in the 2001 experiment, the analysis of the T-S diagram indicated that the SACW mass was the main component for the water mass formation during the austral summer, reaching at least 15 km into the bay. The components of the advective salt transport were dependent on the cross-section area and in the bay mouth and spring tide the salt transport components had almost the same order of magnitude ?2.6x105 kg s-1. Our results shows that lateral velocity shear must be taken into account in studying transport processes in the Guanabara Bay.

Esta pesquisa foi conduzida para o conhecimento da estrutura tridimensional de propriedades hidrográficas e de correntes na Baía de Guanabara (RJ, Brasil). Para atingir esse objetivo foi feita a análise de um conjunto de medições quase-sinóticas de propriedades hidrográficas e de velocidade em experimentos realizados na escala de tempo sazonal e de modulação da maré (quinzenal e semidiurna). Quatro estações fixas foram distribuídas na baía, no inverno e no verão austral (julho de 2000 e fevereiro de 2001); três seções latitudinais e uma longitudinal, e adicionalmente uma estação fixa, foram realizadas na baía em julho de 2003 e fevereiro de 2004. Os perfilamentos hidrográficos e de correntes foram feitos com equipamentos Condutividade-Temperatura-Pressão-Correntógrafo Acústico e um Perfilador Acústico Doppler. Em julho de 2000 os extremos de correntes de enchente e vazante, durante modulação quinzenal da maré, variaram de 0,70 m s-1 a -0,50 m s-1 e 0,80 m s-1 a -0,60 m s-1, na estação fixa localizada na entrada da baía. A salinidade (temperatura) apresentou distribuições verticais fracamente estratificadas e seus valores extremos foram modulados pelas correntes, durante o ciclo de maré de enchente e vazante, foram: 34,80 (21,50oC) e 35,8 (20,5 oC); a baía foi classificada como tipo 2a (parcial e fracamente estratificada), com pequena influência da modulação da maré, predominando a difusão da maré para o transporte de sal para o interior da baía. Em fevereiro de 2001, os máximos das intensidades de enchente e vazante variaram de 0,25 m s-1 a -0,50 m s-1 e 1,00 m s-1 a -0.70 m s-1, para as condições de quadratura e sizígia, respectivamente, e as intensidades das correntes secundárias foram pequenas (?u ?< 0,30 m s-1). Devido ao aquecimento sazonal e ao aumento da descarga fluvial, a estratificação vertical aumentou e as temperaturas e salinidades variaram de 20,0oC a 27,0oC e 33,0 a 35,5; a análise de massas de água indicou sinais da intrusão da Água Central do Atlântico Sul na baía. Devido à modulação da maré a classificação variou dos tipos 2b ao tipo 2a (parcialmente misturados com alta e fraca estratificação vertical, respectivamente) e no primeiro tipo, a difusão da maré e o efeito baroclínico foram responsáveis pelo transporte de sal para o interior da baía. xiii Em julho de 2003 e fevereiro de 2004, os componentes de velocidade longitudinal e transversal (secundário), o transporte de volume e sal através das seções latitudinais foram analisados para as condições de maré de sizígia e quadratura e na enchente e vazante. Nesses experimentos, o componente longitudinal da corrente nas seções transversais apresentou cisalhamentos verticais e laterais. As correntes mais intensas foram observadas na maré de sizígia, atingindo valores de até 0,80 m s-1 e -0,70 m s-1 para as correntes de enchente e vazante na entrada da baía. Os componentes transversais foram em geral menos intensos (?u ?< 0,40 m s-1), mas ocasionalmente valores maiores foram observados, provavelmente devido a efeitos topográficos. A variação do transporte de volume durante o ciclo de maré mostrou-se assimétrico, indicando a saída de água da baía, com defasagem de aproximadamente uma hora em relação à maré; o transporte de volume resultante apresentou os seguintes valores: -(4.15±1.85)x103 m3 s-1 a -(7.31±2.16)x103 m3 s-1, e -(1.37±2.08)x103 a -(0.23±1.59)x103 m3 s-1 para julho e fevereiro, respectivamente; esses resultados indicam que em fevereiro a renovação da água da baía foi mais eficiente. Levando-se em conta valores climatológicos da descarga fluvial na baía os valores da razão de fluxo (<0,05) indicaram que a maré é a principal forçante da dinâmica da baía. Tal como em fevereiro de 2001, a análise do diagrama T-S indicou que a ACAS foi um componente importante para a formação da massa de água nessa época do ano, penetrando na baía até cerca de 15 km. Os componentes do transporte advectivo de sal, calculados para a seção localizada na boca da BG e durante a maré de sizígia, tiveram ordem de grandeza muito próxima entre si (?2,6x105 kg s-1). Os resultados indicaram que o cisalhamento lateral de correntes é de importância fundamental para o estudo de processos de transporte na Baía de Guanabara. / This research leads to a new knowledge on the tridimensional hydrographic and current structure in the Guanabara Bay (RJ, Brazil). To reach this goal, an analysis was made from a data set of horizontal and vertical nearly-synoptic hydrographic and current measurements, from experiments realized in seasonal and tidal modulation time scales (fortnightly and tidal cycles). Four anchor stations were occupied in the austral winter and summer (July, 2000 and February, 2001); three latitudinal and one longitudinal cross-sections were made along the bay and additionally one anchor station were sampled in July, 2003, and February, 2004. The hydrographic and current profiles were sampled with a Conductivity-Temperature-Depth-Acustic-currentmeter and an Acustic Doppler Profiler. In July, 2000, the flood and ebb current highest intensities varied from 0.70 m s-1 to -0.50 m s-1 and 0.80 m s-1 to -0.60 m s-1 in the bay mouth. Salinity (temperature) structures were weakly stratified and its extreme values modulated by the currents, during the ebb-flood tidal cycle, were 34.8 (21.5oC) and 35.8 (20.5oC); the bay was classified as type 2a (partially mixed and weakly stratified), almost independently of the tidal modulation and tidal diffusion was the main mechanism for the salt intrusion into the bay. In February, 2001, flood and ebb current highest intensities varied from 0.25 m s-1 to -0.50 m s-1 and 1.00 m s-1 to -0.70 m s-1; transversal (secondary) components had low intensities (?u?<0,20 m s-1). Due to the seasonal heating and the increase in fresh water input, temperatures and salinities varied from 20.0oC to 27.0oC and 33.0 to 35.5; a signal of the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) intrusion into the bay was observed. Due to the tidal modulation the classification changed from types 2b (partially mixed and highly stratified) to 2a in neap and spring tidal conditions, respectively; in the neap tide condition, tidal diffusion and the baroclinic effects were responsible for the salt transport into the bay. In July, 2003, and February, 2004, the longitudinal and transversal (secondary) velocity components, the volume and salt transport across the latitudinal transects were analysed for spring-neap tidal cycle and at flood and ebb tidal stages. In both experiments the longitudinal current component in the xv cross-sections were characterized by lateral and vertical velocities shears. The strongest currents were observed, reaching values up to 0,80 m s-1 and -0,70 m s-1 for the flood and ebb currents, during the neap-spring tidal cycle in the bay mouth. The transversal (secondary) component were usually low (?u?<0.4 m s-1), but occasionally reached higher values probably due to topographic effects. Volume transport at the bay mouth was asymmetric, showing an outflow with a phase lag of one hour in relationship with the tidal cycle; the resultant volume transport during the neap-spring tidal cycle varied from -(4.15±1.85)x103 m3 s-1 to (-7.31±2.16)x103 m3 s-1, and -(1.37±2.08)x103 to -(0.23±1.59)x103 m3 s-1 for July and February, respectively; these results indicated the water mass renewal was more effective in February. Taking into account climatological values of the fresh water discharge, the flux rate values (<0.05) indicated that the tide is the main dynamic forcing. Like in the 2001 experiment, the analysis of the T-S diagram indicated that the SACW mass was the main component for the water mass formation during the austral summer, reaching at least 15 km into the bay. The components of the advective salt transport were dependent on the cross-section area and in the bay mouth and spring tide the salt transport components had almost the same order of magnitude ?2.6x105 kg s-1. Our results shows that lateral velocity shear must be taken into account in studying transport processes in the Guanabara Bay.

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.

Continental glaciers covered as much as thirty percent of the present-day inhabited earth during the Quaternary period. Traditionally, one-dimensional consolidation has been considered as the main process of formation for the soils deposited during glaciation. One of the outcomes of accepting one-dimensional consolidation as the main process of formation is that the geomechanical properties of soil in a horizontal plane are isotropic (known as cross-anisotropy). Recent measurements of subglacial pore pressure and preconsolidation pressure profile have indicated that this might not be the case. The role of subglacial shear action has probably been long neglected. The main objective of this research is to investigate the effects of subglacial shearing on the geomechanical properties of glaciated soils. <p> Recent research has found evidence of horizontal property anisotropy associated with the direction of the ice-sheet movement. A testing program was thus proposed to explore the relationship between the anisotropy of property and the direction of past glacier movement. The program involves several fundamental engineering parameters of soils. These parameters together with the corresponding test methods are as follows: (i) Conventional oedometer test yield stress anisotropy; (ii) Oedometer test with lateral stress measurement stiffness anisotropy; (iii) Load cell pressuremeter (LCPM) test in situ stress anisotropy. <p> The physical meaning of yield stress determined by conventional oedometer tests was interpreted as the critical state of structural collapse. The literature review and an experimental study on kaolin samples with a known stress history suggested that yield stress possesses certain dependency on the sampling direction. The anisotropy of yield stress for Battleford till from Birsay, Saskatchewan was also explored by testing directional oedometer samples. In addition, the anisotropy of stiffness was also investigated using a newly developed lateral stress oedometer that is capable of independent measurement of horizontal stresses at three different points with angles of 120 degrees. Preliminary evidence of a correlation between the direction of maximum stiffness in a horizontal plane and the known direction of glacial shear was observed. The correlation between the direction of maximum yield stress and known direction of glaciation was rather poor. Anisotropy of in situ stresses was investigated by conducting LCPM tests in Pot clay in the Netherlands. Based on the LCPM test results, it was concluded that the evidence of a correlation between the anisotropy of in situ stress and known direction of glacial advance is still rather obscure. <p> Although both the laboratory studies and field studies cannot sufficiently confirm the existence of lateral anisotropy of geomechanical properties and its relationship to the direction of the Quaternary ice-sheet movement, the effects of subglacial shearing should not be neglected in assessing the geotechnical properties of glaciated soils. In practice, it is usually found that the preconsolidation pressure profile does not follow the gravitational line as predicted by the one-dimensional consolidation theory and its magnitude is not compatible with the measured effective pressure values at the base of the glacier. It has been suggested that changes in seepage gradient (upward or downward) are responsible for the deviation of preconsolidation pressure profile away from the gravitational line. In this thesis, a new glacial process model consolidation coupled shearing was proposed. This model is based on the framework of traditional soil mechanics (critical state theory, Modified Cam-clay model and one-dimensional consolidation theory) and is consistent with the general geological and glaciological evidences. This model may provide an alternative explanation for the preconsolidation pressure patterns generally observed in practice. It can also be combined with groundwater flow characteristics to explain the diversity of the preconsolidation consolidation patterns. The proposed model was used successfully to obtain the preconsolidation pressure profile observed in Battleford till at Birsay and the subglacial shear-softening phenomenon.

Continental glaciers covered as much as thirty percent of the present-day inhabited earth during the Quaternary period. Traditionally, one-dimensional consolidation has been considered as the main process of formation for the soils deposited during glaciation. One of the outcomes of accepting one-dimensional consolidation as the main process of formation is that the geomechanical properties of soil in a horizontal plane are isotropic (known as cross-anisotropy). Recent measurements of subglacial pore pressure and preconsolidation pressure profile have indicated that this might not be the case. The role of subglacial shear action has probably been long neglected. The main objective of this research is to investigate the effects of subglacial shearing on the geomechanical properties of glaciated soils. <p> Recent research has found evidence of horizontal property anisotropy associated with the direction of the ice-sheet movement. A testing program was thus proposed to explore the relationship between the anisotropy of property and the direction of past glacier movement. The program involves several fundamental engineering parameters of soils. These parameters together with the corresponding test methods are as follows: (i) Conventional oedometer test yield stress anisotropy; (ii) Oedometer test with lateral stress measurement stiffness anisotropy; (iii) Load cell pressuremeter (LCPM) test in situ stress anisotropy. <p> The physical meaning of yield stress determined by conventional oedometer tests was interpreted as the critical state of structural collapse. The literature review and an experimental study on kaolin samples with a known stress history suggested that yield stress possesses certain dependency on the sampling direction. The anisotropy of yield stress for Battleford till from Birsay, Saskatchewan was also explored by testing directional oedometer samples. In addition, the anisotropy of stiffness was also investigated using a newly developed lateral stress oedometer that is capable of independent measurement of horizontal stresses at three different points with angles of 120 degrees. Preliminary evidence of a correlation between the direction of maximum stiffness in a horizontal plane and the known direction of glacial shear was observed. The correlation between the direction of maximum yield stress and known direction of glaciation was rather poor. Anisotropy of in situ stresses was investigated by conducting LCPM tests in Pot clay in the Netherlands. Based on the LCPM test results, it was concluded that the evidence of a correlation between the anisotropy of in situ stress and known direction of glacial advance is still rather obscure. <p> Although both the laboratory studies and field studies cannot sufficiently confirm the existence of lateral anisotropy of geomechanical properties and its relationship to the direction of the Quaternary ice-sheet movement, the effects of subglacial shearing should not be neglected in assessing the geotechnical properties of glaciated soils. In practice, it is usually found that the preconsolidation pressure profile does not follow the gravitational line as predicted by the one-dimensional consolidation theory and its magnitude is not compatible with the measured effective pressure values at the base of the glacier. It has been suggested that changes in seepage gradient (upward or downward) are responsible for the deviation of preconsolidation pressure profile away from the gravitational line. In this thesis, a new glacial process model consolidation coupled shearing was proposed. This model is based on the framework of traditional soil mechanics (critical state theory, Modified Cam-clay model and one-dimensional consolidation theory) and is consistent with the general geological and glaciological evidences. This model may provide an alternative explanation for the preconsolidation pressure patterns generally observed in practice. It can also be combined with groundwater flow characteristics to explain the diversity of the preconsolidation consolidation patterns. The proposed model was used successfully to obtain the preconsolidation pressure profile observed in Battleford till at Birsay and the subglacial shear-softening phenomenon.

Evaluations of stress history and the geostatic state of stress of soils are ascertained on the basis of field geophysical measurements that provide paired complementary types of shear waves. It is well-established that multiple types of shear waves occur in the ground due to their directional and polarization properties. The shear wave velocity (Vs) provides the magnitude of small strain stiffness (G0) which depends on effective stress, void ratio, stress history, and other factors (cementation, age, saturation). Herein, this study examines a hierarchy of shear wave modes with different directions of propagation and particle motion from in-situ geophysical tests (HH, VH, and HV) and laboratory bender element data. A special compiled database from well-documented worldwide sites is assembled where full profiles of stress state, stress history, and several paired modes of Vs profiles have been obtained from crosshole tests (CHT), downhole tests (DHT), and rotary crosshole (RCHT). Reference profiles of the lateral stress coefficient (K0) are available from direct in-situ measurements (self-boring pressuremeter, hydrofracture, and push-in spade cells). Stress history is documented in terms of yield stress ratio (YSR) from consolidation testing and careful engineering geology studies. A methodology is developed that relates both the YSR and K0 to stiffness ratios obtained from directional shear wave velocities. In further efforts, means to extract reliable shear wave profiles from continuous downhole testing via a new GT autosource and seismic piezocone testing are outlined and applied to results from three test sites in Windsor/VA, Norfolk/VA, and Richmond/BC. A driving impetus to this research involves the geologic conditions at the US Dept. of Energy's Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina. Here, the overburden soils in the upper 60 m depths consist of very old Miocene and Eocene sediments, primarily layered deposits of sands, clayey sands, silty sands, and interbedded clays which exhibit an apparent and unusual stress history profile. Special geologic conditions include the dissolutioning of old calcareous sediments (Santee Formation) at depths of 40 to 50 m below grade, similar to karstic limestone deposits. As a consequence, caves, voids, and infilled soft soil zones occur within the soil matrix at these elevations, probably resulting in localized collapse of the overlying soil column. Based on conventional laboratory and in-situ test data conducted during geotechnical investigations at SRS, available interpretative relationships for assessing the soil stress history and geostatic stress states show scattered and inconsistent results. Complications abound in the systematic assessments of these geomaterials due to effects of very old ageing, cementation, desiccation, and diagenesis, as evidenced by unusual in-situ shear wave velocity profiles that decrease in magnitude with depth, as measured by CHT and DHT. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that a new set of shear wave velocity measurements be made at SRS to obtain HH waves (and complementary VH waves) needed for an independent assessment of YSR in the upper soil column.

La rupture des barrages et des digues en terre est susceptible d’avoir des conséquences importantes en aval et dans les zones protégées. Nous avons mené une analyse hydro-mécanique de la formation et du développement de brèche destinée à améliorer la précision des approches actuelles. Dans le cas de l’érosion interne, un modèle d’agrandissement de conduit a été proposé pour modéliser la rupture des digues et barrages en terre par écoulement concentré. Ce modèle tient compte de l’érosion du sol par un écoulement de conduit turbulent. En ce qui concerne l’élargissement de la brèche, un modèle simple d’estimation de la longueur critique d’afouillement par “headcut” est proposé, fonction de la résistance du sol à la traction. Ce modèle est en bon accord avec les résultats numériques obtenus par équilibre limite. Un modèle simplifé pour la contrainte latérale sur les parois de la brèche a ensuite été proposé. Ce modèle tient compte des écoulements secondaires. Il montre que la contrainte latérale peut être plus grande que la contrainte de fond, suivant la situation. Finalement, une expérimentation de grande dimension de rupture de barrage par erosion de conduit a été modélisée avec le modèle d’érosion de conduit proposé, et quelques composantes des modèles d’élargissement de brèche proposés. L’élargissement de la brèche par paliers a été reproduite au début du processus. Les perspectives de validation et d'application des modèles proposés sont discutées. / The failure of embankment dams and levees can have serious consequence in floodplains. Hydro-mechanical analyses of the breach processes were conducted to develop the accurate estimation of the failure of embankment dams and levees. Considering the internal erosion process, a pipe enlargement model was proposed to simulate the failure of embankment dams and levees by concentrated leak erosion. In this model, the turbulent pipe flow with erosion mechanism was employed as well as the soil erosion law. Considering the breach enlargement process, a simple headcut migration model based on the soil tensile strength was presented to simulate the critical length of the headcut. Good agreements were obtained by comparing with the limit equilibrium numerical model. A simple model was eventually proposed to simulate the lateral shear stress on the breach sides, accounting for the secondary flow. The lateral shear stress can be greater than the bottom shear stress, depending on the situation. . Finally, a large-scale test of dam failure was simulated by using the pipe enlargement and some components of the breach widening models proposed. The simulation of the pipe enlargement process had good agreement with the measured data. Both of the pipe diameter and the discharge flow were well simulated. The stepwise enlargement of the breach width was also well simulated at the beginning of the breach widening process. Validation and application prospects of the proposed models are discussed.