In the state of Florida one of the primary factors which influences design of structures is the effect of hurricane force winds on structures. These forces can be greater than any other force encountered throughout the lifetime of said structure. For this reason, designing a structure to resist such forces can greatly increase the cost and time required for completing construction projects. Traditionally, large concrete footings have been utilized to resist wind-induced uplift forces. These footings do little more than act as large reaction masses to weigh down the building. An alternative and little-used method for resisting these large uplift forces is the use of mini-pile anchors. Mini-pile anchors generate side shear at the interface between the pile and the soil which resists the uplift forces.This thesis provides an overview of the design methods used to estimate wind-induced uplift forces and several foundation options used to withstand these forces. More traditional/less complicated foundations are compared to the more sophisticated mini-pile method which makes more efficient use of construction materials. The cost efficiency of each method is evaluated which provides a guideline for where and when a given foundation option is appropriate.Finally, a case study where the new method was used is presented which documents the design and construction procedures.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:USF/oai:scholarcommons.usf.edu:etd-3432 |
| Date | 01 June 2006 |
| Creators | Aguilar, Julio |
| Publisher | Scholar Commons |
| Source Sets | University of South Flordia |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Graduate Theses and Dissertations |
| Rights | default |
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