Introduction and research approach -- Findings -- Interpretation, appraisal, and applications -- Conclusions and suggested research -- Bibliography -- Appendixes.
The contributions contained in these proceedings are divided into three main sections: theme lectures presented during the pre-workshop lecture series; keynote lectures and other contributed papers; and a translation of the Japanese geotechnical design code.
The ground is one of the most highly variable of engineering materials. It is therefore not surprising that geotechnical designs depend on local site conditions and local engineering experience. Engineering practices, relating to investigation and design methods site understanding and to safety levels acceptable to society, will therefore vary between different regions.The challenge in geotechnical engineering is to make use of worldwide geotechnical experience, established over many years, to aid in the development and harmonization of geotechnical design codes. Given the significant uncertainties involved, empiricism and engineering
Model Uncertainties in Foundation Design is unique in the compilation of the largest and the most diverse load test databases to date, covering many foundation types (shallow foundations, spudcans, driven piles, drilled shafts, rock sockets and helical piles) and a wide range of ground conditions (soil to soft rock). All databases with names prefixed by NUS are available upon request. This book presents a comprehensive evaluation of the model factor mean (bias) and coefficient of variation (COV) for ultimate and serviceability limit state based on these databases. These statistics can be used directly for AASHTO LRFD calibration. Besides load test databases, performance databases for other geo-structures and their model factor statistics are provided. Based on this extensive literature survey, a practical three-tier scheme for classifying the model uncertainty of geo-structures according to the model factor mean and COV is proposed. This empirically grounded scheme can underpin the calibration of resistance factors as a function of the degree of understanding – a concept already adopted in the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code and being considered for the new draft for Eurocode 7 Part 1 (EN 1997-1:202x). The helical pile research in Chapter 7 was recognised by the 2020 ASCE Norman Medal.
This report contains proposed specifications for the design and construction of soil-nailed retaining structures. Despite their advantages in cut applications, these structures are not available to some state DOTs, due to the lack of guidance for their use in AASHTO's standard specifications based on load and resistance factor design (LRFD).
This synthesis report will be of interest to geotechnical, structural, and bridge engineers, especially those involved in the development and implementation of the geotechnical aspects of the AASHTO Bridge Code. The synthesis documents a review of geotechnical related LRFD specifications and their development worldwide to compare them with the current AASHTO LRFD Bridge Code. Design procedures for foundations, earth retaining structures, and culverts are summarized and compared with the methods specified by the AASHTO code. This TRB report provides information designed to assist engineers in implementing the geotechnical features of LRFD methods. Information for the synthesis was collected by surveying U.S. and Canadian transportation agencies and by conducting a literature search using domestic and international sources. Interviews were also conducted with selected international experts. The limited available experience in the United States and information from international practice are discussed to understand the problems that have arisen in order that solutions may be found. Based on the studies reported here, suggestions for improving the code are identified.