Obtaining Local Building Permits for Foundation Work

Obtaining Local Building Permits for Foundation Work

* Case Studies: Successful Residential Foundation Repairs with Carbon Fiber

* Understanding When a Building Permit is Required for Foundation Repair


Figuring out whether you need a building permit for foundation repair can feel like navigating a maze. Helical piers provide added support for homes needing foundation expert service professional foundation repair service structure. It's one of those things that's highly localized, meaning the rules change depending on where you live. Generally, any work that affects the structural integrity of your home, and foundation work definitely falls into that category, is likely to require a permit. Think of it this way: if you're just patching a small crack that's more cosmetic than structural, you might be okay without one. But if you're dealing with major settling, underpinning, or significant pier and beam repair, you're almost certainly going to need to get the green light from your local building department.

Why bother with the hassle? Well, permits ensure the work is done safely and up to code. Local authorities want to make sure your repairs meet certain standards to protect your house (and your neighbors' houses) from future problems. Skipping this step can lead to fines, having to redo the work later, or even difficulties when you try to sell your home.

The best approach is to contact your local building permit office directly. They can tell you exactly what's required for the specific type of foundation repair you're planning. Don't rely on hearsay or what someone else did in a different town. Every jurisdiction has its own quirks. It's always better to be safe than sorry and get the proper permits before starting any foundation work. It might seem like an extra step, but it's peace of mind knowing you're doing things right.

* Researching Local Building Codes and Regulations Specific to Foundation Work


Okay, so you're diving into the world of foundation work and permits. Smart move! Before you even think about digging, pouring concrete, or anything remotely construction-y, you've gotta wrestle with the local rules of the road. That means researching those building codes and regulations. Think of it like this: your foundation is the backbone of your project, and the building codes are the spine doctor making sure everything's aligned and strong enough to support the whole shebang.

Why is this research so crucial? Well, for starters, every municipality is different. What's perfectly acceptable in one town might be a big no-no just a few miles down the road. They might have specific requirements about soil testing, drainage, setback distances from property lines, the type of concrete mix you can use, or even the depth and width of your footings. Ignoring these nuances is a recipe for disaster. You could end up with rejected permits, fines, mandated rework (which translates to more time and money), or even legal headaches down the line. Nobody wants that!

Where do you even start? Your best bet is to visit your local building department or, even better, check out their website. Most of them will have downloadable PDFs of the relevant codes and regulations. Be prepared for some dense reading – it's not exactly beach reading material. Look for sections specifically dealing with foundations, footings, and structural requirements.

Don't be afraid to ask questions! The people at the building department are (usually) there to help. If you're confused about something, give them a call or schedule a meeting. It's much better to clarify things upfront than to make assumptions and risk a costly mistake later.

Think of this research as an investment. It might seem tedious, but it's an essential step in ensuring your foundation work is done correctly, safely, and legally. A little legwork now can save you a whole lot of stress (and money) later on. So, grab a cup of coffee, put on your reading glasses, and get ready to become intimately acquainted with your local building codes. Your future foundation will thank you for it.

* Preparing Necessary Documents for the Permit Application


Okay, so you're staring down the barrel of a foundation project, huh? Exciting! But before you can even think about mixing concrete or wrestling with rebar, there's the small matter of getting a building permit. And that, my friend, means paperwork. I know, I know, nobody *likes* paperwork. But trust me, a little legwork upfront can save you a mountain of headaches (and fines!) down the road.

Think of preparing your documents like packing for a trip. You wouldn't just throw a bunch of random stuff in a suitcase and hope for the best, would you? You'd make a list, figure out what you actually need, and pack it all nice and neat. Same deal here.

First, find out exactly what your local building department requires. Their website is usually a good place to start, or better yet, give them a call. Ask about everything - the application form itself (duh!), the number of copies they need, and any supporting documents.

Speaking of supporting documents, get ready to gather things like site plans showing where the foundation will be located, detailed blueprints outlining the dimensions and design, soil test results (especially important if you have unstable ground), and maybe even structural engineering calculations. Don't skimp on the details! The more information you provide, the smoother the review process will be.

Accuracy is key. Double-check everything. A typo or a missing measurement can cause delays or even rejection. Imagine having to resubmit everything because you transposed a couple of numbers. Ugh.

Finally, presentation matters. Make sure everything is neat, organized, and easy to read. Think clear, concise language and well-labeled drawings. The easier you make it for the reviewer to understand your project, the better your chances of a quick approval.

Look, I get it. This part isn't glamorous. It's not about the actual building, it's about jumping through bureaucratic hoops. But consider it part of the process, a necessary evil if you will. And remember, a little preparation goes a long way. Get those documents in order, and you'll be one step closer to building your dream. Good luck!

* Navigating the Building Permit Application Process


Okay, so you're thinking about messing with your foundation, huh? That's a big deal, and before you even think about picking up a shovel, you're going to need a building permit. Trust me, skipping this step is a recipe for a headache bigger than any crack in your concrete.

Navigating the building permit application process can feel like wading through molasses. It's not always straightforward, and every town, city, or county has its own little quirks and requirements. But fear not, it's doable. First, figure out exactly which permits you need. Foundation work often involves structural permits, and possibly even permits related to excavation or drainage. Call your local building department. Seriously, just call them. They're usually surprisingly helpful, and they can point you in the right direction.

Expect to provide detailed plans. These aren't just sketches on a napkin; you'll likely need professional drawings stamped by a licensed engineer or architect. These plans demonstrate that your proposed work meets local building codes and won't, you know, cause your house to collapse. Be prepared to answer questions about soil conditions, drainage, and the impact on neighboring properties.

The application itself will probably be pretty straightforward, but pay close attention to the details. Missing information or inaccurate drawings are guaranteed delays. And delays mean money. Once you've submitted everything, be patient. It can take weeks, sometimes even months, for the permit to be reviewed and approved. Don't start work until you have that permit in hand.

Think of it this way: the building permit process is there to protect you, your neighbors, and the overall safety of your community. It's a pain, no doubt, but it's a necessary pain. Do your homework, be thorough, and don't be afraid to ask for help. With a little patience and persistence, you'll get that permit and be one step closer to a solid foundation, both literally and figuratively.

* Scheduling and Passing Foundation Inspections


Okay, so you've got your plans, you've dug your hole, and you're ready to pour the foundation. Fantastic! But hold on a second – before you get too excited about concrete, you need to think about scheduling and passing those foundation inspections. This isn't just some bureaucratic hurdle; it's a crucial step in ensuring your entire project rests on a solid, safe base. Think of it like this: your foundation is literally the *foundation* of everything to come. Mess it up, and you're setting yourself up for major headaches down the road.

The first thing to understand is that inspections aren't optional. Your local building department requires them for a reason. They want to make sure your work adheres to code, that the steel reinforcement is properly placed, that the forms are solid, and that everything is up to snuff to support the structure you're planning to build. Ignoring these inspections is a recipe for disaster and could lead to fines, delays, or even having to tear down and redo work. Nobody wants that.

Scheduling the inspection properly is key. Don't wait until the last minute! Contact your local building department well in advance and find out their procedures. Some require 24-hour notice, others might need more. A good strategy is to schedule the inspection for a specific day and time *before* you actually start the work. That way, you have a deadline to work towards and you're less likely to rush and make mistakes.

Passing the inspection is all about preparation. Before the inspector arrives, double-check everything against your approved plans. Make sure all the rebar is in the right place, the forms are securely braced, and that you've followed all the relevant codes. Have your plans readily available for the inspector to review. And most importantly, be present during the inspection! This gives you the opportunity to ask questions, address any concerns the inspector might have, and potentially resolve minor issues on the spot.

If, for some reason, you fail the inspection, don't panic. The inspector will provide a list of items that need correction. Address these issues promptly and schedule a re-inspection. Use it as a learning experience. Ask the inspector for clarification if you're unsure about anything. The goal isn't just to pass the inspection, but to build a solid and safe foundation that will last for years to come. Passing the inspection is a signal you've done the job right. It's a checkpoint, a confirmation that your foundation will stand the test of time and support your home, your family, and your future. So, take it seriously, prepare diligently, and build with confidence.

* Addressing Potential Issues and Revisions to the Permit


Okay, so you're staring down the barrel of getting a local building permit for foundation work. Exciting, right? Probably not. But before you dive headfirst into the trenches of inspections and regulations, let's talk about something crucial: addressing potential issues and revisions to the permit. Think of it as troubleshooting before your foundation even starts.

Look, permits aren't set in stone. They're living documents, kind of like your favorite recipe – sometimes you need to tweak the ingredients to get the perfect result. The initial plan you submit might not be exactly what the inspector signs off on. Maybe they see a potential drainage issue you missed, or perhaps your proposed reinforcement method doesn't quite meet current code. Don't panic! This is normal.

The key is to be proactive and responsive. Before you even submit, do your homework. Talk to neighbors who've done similar work, research local building codes meticulously, and maybe even have a preliminary chat with someone at the permitting office. A little forethought can save you a mountain of headaches later.

Once the permit is in motion, be ready to address any questions or concerns promptly. A clear, concise response to the inspector is always better than a vague or dismissive one. If they suggest a revision, understand why they're suggesting it. Don't just blindly agree; ask questions, clarify the reasoning, and explore alternative solutions if you think there's a better way. Remember, you're the expert on your project; they're the expert on the code. Collaboration is key.

And what if you need to revise the permit itself? Again, be prepared. Have updated plans ready, clearly showing the proposed changes. Document everything meticulously, including any conversations you have with inspectors or other officials. A paper trail can be your best friend if disagreements arise.

Finally, remember that dealing with permits can be frustrating. Bureaucracy can be slow and confusing. But staying calm, polite, and persistent will go a long way. Treat the permitting process as a collaborative effort, not an adversarial one. By anticipating potential issues, being responsive to feedback, and documenting everything, you can navigate the permit process smoothly and ensure your foundation work is both safe and compliant. Good luck, you've got this!

* Consequences of Performing Foundation Work Without Proper Permits


Okay, so you're thinking about skipping the building permit when you're doing foundation work, huh? I get it. Permits can seem like a pain, extra hoops to jump through. But trust me, going rogue on your foundation without the proper paperwork can really bite you in the long run. Think of it this way: that permit isn't just some bureaucratic hurdle; it's actually there to protect you.

First off, there are safety concerns. Foundation work is serious business. We're talking about the literal base of your home! A licensed inspector is going to make sure the work being done meets code, ensuring it's structurally sound and won't collapse or cause other problems down the line. Without that inspection, you're banking on the contractor's word, and while most contractors are reputable, things can still be missed. A permit is basically a second set of eyes making sure everything is done right.

Then there's the whole property value thing. Let's say you decide to sell your house someday. A smart buyer is going to ask about any major work that's been done, and if you can't produce permits for that foundation repair or addition, red flags are going to go up. They might demand a hefty price reduction, or worse, walk away altogether. Title companies often sniff around for unpermitted work too, and that can throw a real wrench in the selling process.

And don't forget about the legal side of things. If the local authorities find out you did work without a permit, you could be looking at some hefty fines. They might even make you tear down the unpermitted work and start over, the right way, with a permit this time. Talk about a costly mistake!

Ultimately, getting a building permit for foundation work is about peace of mind. It's about knowing the job was done safely, correctly, and legally. It might seem like an extra step, but it's a step that can save you a lot of headaches (and money) down the road. So, do yourself a favor and go through the proper channels. You'll sleep better at night, I promise.



 

Basement waterproofing involves techniques and materials used to prevent water from penetrating the basement of a house or a building. Waterproofing a basement that is below ground level can require the application of sealant materials, the installation of drains and sump pumps, and more.

Purpose

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Waterproofing is usually required by building codes for structures that are built at or below ground level. Waterproofing and drainage considerations are especially important in cases where ground water is likely to build up in the soil or where there is a high water table.

Water in the soil causes hydrostatic pressure to be exerted underneath basement floors and walls. This hydrostatic pressure can force water in through cracks, which can cause major structural damage as well as mold, decay, and other moisture-related problems.

Methods

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Several measures exist to prevent water from penetrating a basement foundation or to divert water that has penetrated a foundation:

  • French Drain
    French drain
    Interior wall and floor sealers
  • Interior water drainage
  • Exterior drainage
  • Exterior waterproofing coatings
  • Box type waterproofing[1]
  • Foundation crack injections
  • French drains
  • Sump pump

Interior sealants

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In poured concrete foundations, cracks and pipe penetrations are the most common entry points for seepage. These openings can be sealed from the interior. Epoxies, which are strong adhesives, or urethanes can be pressure injected into the openings, thus penetrating the foundation through to the exterior and cutting off the path of the seepage.

In masonry foundations, interior sealers will not provide permanent protection from water infiltration where hydrostatic pressure is present. However, interior sealers are good for preventing high atmospheric humidity inside the basement from absorbing into the porous masonry and causing spalling. Spalling is a condition where constant high humidity or moisture breaks down masonry surfaces, causing deterioration and shedding of the concrete surfaces.

Other coatings can be effective where condensation is the main source of wetness. It is also effective if the problem has minor dampness. Usually, interior waterproofing will not stop major leaks.

Interior water drainage

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Although interior water drainage is not technically waterproofing, it is a widely accepted technique in mitigating basement water and is generally referred to as a basement waterproofing solution. Many interior drainage systems are patented and recognized by Building Officials and Code Administrators(BOCA) as being effective in controlling basement water.

A common system for draining water that has penetrated a basement involves creating a channel around the perimeter of the basement alongside the foundation footers. A French drain, PVC pipe, or other drainage system is installed in the newly made channel. The installed drain is covered with new cement.

The drainage system collects any water entering the basement and drains it to an internally placed sump pump system, which will then pump the water out of the basement. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends basement waterproofing with a water alarm and "battery-operated backup pump" as a preventive measure against the high cost of flooding.[2] Wall conduits (such as dimple boards or other membranes) are fastened to the foundation wall and extend over the new drainage to guide any moisture down into the system.

Exterior waterproofing

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Waterproofing a structure from the exterior is the only method the U.S. International Building Code (IBC) recognizes as adequate to prevent structural damage caused by water intrusion.

Waterproofing an existing basement begins with excavating to the bottom sides of the footings. Once excavated, the walls are then power washed and allowed to dry. The dry walls are sealed with a waterproofing membrane,[3] and new drainage tiles (weeping tiles) are placed at the side of the footing.

A French drain, PVC pipe, or other drainage system is installed and water is led further from the basement.

Polymer

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Over the past ten years, polymer-based waterproofing products have been developed. Polymer-based products last for the lifetime of the building and are not affected by soil pH. Polymer-based waterproofing materials can be sprayed directly onto a wall, are very fast curing, and are semi-flexible, allowing for some movement of the substrate.

Causes of water seepage and leaks

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Water seepage in basement and crawl spaces usually occurs over long periods of time and can be caused by numerous factors.

  • Concrete is one of the most commonly used materials in home construction. When pockets of air are not removed during construction, or the mixture is not allowed to cure properly, the concrete can crack, which allows water to force its way through the wall.
  • Foundations (footings) are horizontal pads that define the perimeter of foundation walls. When footings are too narrow or are not laid deep enough, they are susceptible to movement caused by soil erosion.
  • Gutters and downspouts are used to catch rain water as it falls and to discharge it away from houses and buildings. When gutters are clogged or downspouts are broken, rainwater is absorbed by the soil near the foundation, increasing hydrostatic pressure.
  • Weeping tile is a porous plastic drain pipe installed around the perimeter of the house. The main purpose of external weeping tile is preventing water from getting into a basement. However, these pipes can become clogged or damaged, which causes excess water to put pressure on internal walls and basement floors.
  • Water build up inside window wells, after heavy rain or snow, can lead to leaks through basement window seams. Window well covers can be used to prevent water from accumulating in the window well.
  • Ground saturation is another common form of basement leaks. When the footing drain fails the ground around the basement can contain too much water and when the saturation point is met flooding can occur.

Warning signs of water damage

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Signs that water is seeping into a basement or crawlspace often take years to develop and may not be easily visible. Over time, multiple signs of damage may become evident and could lead to structural failure.

  • Cracked walls: Cracks may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal or stair-stepped. Severe pressure or structural damage is evident by widening cracks.
  • Buckling walls: Usually caused by hydrostatic pressure. Walls appear to be bowed inward.
  • Peeling paint: Water seeping through walls may lead to bubbling or peeling paint along basement walls.[4]
  • Efflorescence: White, powdery residue found on basement walls near the floor.
  • Mold: Fungi that usually grow in damp, dark areas and can cause respiratory problems after prolonged exposure.

Foundation crack injections

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Foundation crack injections are used when poured concrete foundations crack, either from settlement or the expansion and contraction of the concrete. Epoxy crack injections are typically used for structural purposes while hydrophobic or hydrophilic polyurethane injections are used to seal cracks to prevent penetration of moisture or water. Concrete is both strong and inexpensive, making it an ideal product in construction. However, concrete is not waterproof.

References

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  1. ^ Waheed, M. A. (11 July 2014). "Top tips to optimally use conventional waterproofing techniques". Business Standard India. Archived from the original on 5 July 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2021.
  2. ^ "FloodSmart | How to Prepare for a Flood and Minimize Losses". Archived from the original on 9 May 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
  3. ^ Carter, Tim. "How to redirect water around a damp garage". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 15 August 2016. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
  4. ^ Chodorov, Jill. "Basement flooding may put a damper on your home sale". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 18 May 2018. Retrieved 2 November 2015.

 

Boston's Big Dig presented geotechnical challenges in an urban environment.
Precast concrete retaining wall
A typical cross-section of a slope used in two-dimensional analyzes.

Geotechnical engineering, also known as geotechnics, is the branch of civil engineering concerned with the engineering behavior of earth materials. It uses the principles of soil mechanics and rock mechanics to solve its engineering problems. It also relies on knowledge of geology, hydrology, geophysics, and other related sciences.

Geotechnical engineering has applications in military engineering, mining engineering, petroleum engineering, coastal engineering, and offshore construction. The fields of geotechnical engineering and engineering geology have overlapping knowledge areas. However, while geotechnical engineering is a specialty of civil engineering, engineering geology is a specialty of geology.

History

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Humans have historically used soil as a material for flood control, irrigation purposes, burial sites, building foundations, and construction materials for buildings. Dykes, dams, and canals dating back to at least 2000 BCE—found in parts of ancient Egypt, ancient Mesopotamia, the Fertile Crescent, and the early settlements of Mohenjo Daro and Harappa in the Indus valley—provide evidence for early activities linked to irrigation and flood control. As cities expanded, structures were erected and supported by formalized foundations. The ancient Greeks notably constructed pad footings and strip-and-raft foundations. Until the 18th century, however, no theoretical basis for soil design had been developed, and the discipline was more of an art than a science, relying on experience.[1]

Several foundation-related engineering problems, such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, prompted scientists to begin taking a more scientific-based approach to examining the subsurface. The earliest advances occurred in the development of earth pressure theories for the construction of retaining walls. Henri Gautier, a French royal engineer, recognized the "natural slope" of different soils in 1717, an idea later known as the soil's angle of repose. Around the same time, a rudimentary soil classification system was also developed based on a material's unit weight, which is no longer considered a good indication of soil type.[1][2]

The application of the principles of mechanics to soils was documented as early as 1773 when Charles Coulomb, a physicist and engineer, developed improved methods to determine the earth pressures against military ramparts. Coulomb observed that, at failure, a distinct slip plane would form behind a sliding retaining wall and suggested that the maximum shear stress on the slip plane, for design purposes, was the sum of the soil cohesion, , and friction , where is the normal stress on the slip plane and is the friction angle of the soil. By combining Coulomb's theory with Christian Otto Mohr's 2D stress state, the theory became known as Mohr-Coulomb theory. Although it is now recognized that precise determination of cohesion is impossible because is not a fundamental soil property, the Mohr-Coulomb theory is still used in practice today.[3]

In the 19th century, Henry Darcy developed what is now known as Darcy's Law, describing the flow of fluids in a porous media. Joseph Boussinesq, a mathematician and physicist, developed theories of stress distribution in elastic solids that proved useful for estimating stresses at depth in the ground. William Rankine, an engineer and physicist, developed an alternative to Coulomb's earth pressure theory. Albert Atterberg developed the clay consistency indices that are still used today for soil classification.[1][2] In 1885, Osborne Reynolds recognized that shearing causes volumetric dilation of dense materials and contraction of loose granular materials.

Modern geotechnical engineering is said to have begun in 1925 with the publication of Erdbaumechanik by Karl von Terzaghi, a mechanical engineer and geologist. Considered by many to be the father of modern soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering, Terzaghi developed the principle of effective stress, and demonstrated that the shear strength of soil is controlled by effective stress.[4] Terzaghi also developed the framework for theories of bearing capacity of foundations, and the theory for prediction of the rate of settlement of clay layers due to consolidation.[1][3][5] Afterwards, Maurice Biot fully developed the three-dimensional soil consolidation theory, extending the one-dimensional model previously developed by Terzaghi to more general hypotheses and introducing the set of basic equations of Poroelasticity.

In his 1948 book, Donald Taylor recognized that the interlocking and dilation of densely packed particles contributed to the peak strength of the soil. Roscoe, Schofield, and Wroth, with the publication of On the Yielding of Soils in 1958, established the interrelationships between the volume change behavior (dilation, contraction, and consolidation) and shearing behavior with the theory of plasticity using critical state soil mechanics. Critical state soil mechanics is the basis for many contemporary advanced constitutive models describing the behavior of soil.[6]

In 1960, Alec Skempton carried out an extensive review of the available formulations and experimental data in the literature about the effective stress validity in soil, concrete, and rock in order to reject some of these expressions, as well as clarify what expressions were appropriate according to several working hypotheses, such as stress-strain or strength behavior, saturated or non-saturated media, and rock, concrete or soil behavior.

Roles

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Geotechnical investigation

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Geotechnical engineers investigate and determine the properties of subsurface conditions and materials. They also design corresponding earthworks and retaining structures, tunnels, and structure foundations, and may supervise and evaluate sites, which may further involve site monitoring as well as the risk assessment and mitigation of natural hazards.[7][8]

Geotechnical engineers and engineering geologists perform geotechnical investigations to obtain information on the physical properties of soil and rock underlying and adjacent to a site to design earthworks and foundations for proposed structures and for the repair of distress to earthworks and structures caused by subsurface conditions. Geotechnical investigations involve surface and subsurface exploration of a site, often including subsurface sampling and laboratory testing of retrieved soil samples. Sometimes, geophysical methods are also used to obtain data, which include measurement of seismic waves (pressure, shear, and Rayleigh waves), surface-wave methods and downhole methods, and electromagnetic surveys (magnetometer, resistivity, and ground-penetrating radar). Electrical tomography can be used to survey soil and rock properties and existing underground infrastructure in construction projects.[9]

Surface exploration can include on-foot surveys, geologic mapping, geophysical methods, and photogrammetry. Geologic mapping and interpretation of geomorphology are typically completed in consultation with a geologist or engineering geologist. Subsurface exploration usually involves in-situ testing (for example, the standard penetration test and cone penetration test). The digging of test pits and trenching (particularly for locating faults and slide planes) may also be used to learn about soil conditions at depth. Large-diameter borings are rarely used due to safety concerns and expense. Still, they are sometimes used to allow a geologist or engineer to be lowered into the borehole for direct visual and manual examination of the soil and rock stratigraphy.

Various soil samplers exist to meet the needs of different engineering projects. The standard penetration test, which uses a thick-walled split spoon sampler, is the most common way to collect disturbed samples. Piston samplers, employing a thin-walled tube, are most commonly used to collect less disturbed samples. More advanced methods, such as the Sherbrooke block sampler, are superior but expensive. Coring frozen ground provides high-quality undisturbed samples from ground conditions, such as fill, sand, moraine, and rock fracture zones.[10]

Geotechnical centrifuge modeling is another method of testing physical-scale models of geotechnical problems. The use of a centrifuge enhances the similarity of the scale model tests involving soil because soil's strength and stiffness are susceptible to the confining pressure. The centrifugal acceleration allows a researcher to obtain large (prototype-scale) stresses in small physical models.

Foundation design

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The foundation of a structure's infrastructure transmits loads from the structure to the earth. Geotechnical engineers design foundations based on the load characteristics of the structure and the properties of the soils and bedrock at the site. Generally, geotechnical engineers first estimate the magnitude and location of loads to be supported before developing an investigation plan to explore the subsurface and determine the necessary soil parameters through field and lab testing. Following this, they may begin the design of an engineering foundation. The primary considerations for a geotechnical engineer in foundation design are bearing capacity, settlement, and ground movement beneath the foundations.[11]

Earthworks

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A compactor/roller operated by U.S. Navy Seabees

Geotechnical engineers are also involved in the planning and execution of earthworks, which include ground improvement,[11] slope stabilization, and slope stability analysis.

Ground improvement

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Various geotechnical engineering methods can be used for ground improvement, including reinforcement geosynthetics such as geocells and geogrids, which disperse loads over a larger area, increasing the soil's load-bearing capacity. Through these methods, geotechnical engineers can reduce direct and long-term costs.[12]

Slope stabilization

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Simple slope slip section.

Geotechnical engineers can analyze and improve slope stability using engineering methods. Slope stability is determined by the balance of shear stress and shear strength. A previously stable slope may be initially affected by various factors, making it unstable. Nonetheless, geotechnical engineers can design and implement engineered slopes to increase stability.

Slope stability analysis
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Stability analysis is needed to design engineered slopes and estimate the risk of slope failure in natural or designed slopes by determining the conditions under which the topmost mass of soil will slip relative to the base of soil and lead to slope failure.[13] If the interface between the mass and the base of a slope has a complex geometry, slope stability analysis is difficult and numerical solution methods are required. Typically, the interface's exact geometry is unknown, and a simplified interface geometry is assumed. Finite slopes require three-dimensional models to be analyzed, so most slopes are analyzed assuming that they are infinitely wide and can be represented by two-dimensional models.

Sub-disciplines

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Geosynthetics

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A collage of geosynthetic products.

Geosynthetics are a type of plastic polymer products used in geotechnical engineering that improve engineering performance while reducing costs. This includes geotextiles, geogrids, geomembranes, geocells, and geocomposites. The synthetic nature of the products make them suitable for use in the ground where high levels of durability are required. Their main functions include drainage, filtration, reinforcement, separation, and containment.

Geosynthetics are available in a wide range of forms and materials, each to suit a slightly different end-use, although they are frequently used together. Some reinforcement geosynthetics, such as geogrids and more recently, cellular confinement systems, have shown to improve bearing capacity, modulus factors and soil stiffness and strength.[14] These products have a wide range of applications and are currently used in many civil and geotechnical engineering applications including roads, airfields, railroads, embankments, piled embankments, retaining structures, reservoirs, canals, dams, landfills, bank protection and coastal engineering.[15]

Offshore

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Platforms offshore Mexico.

Offshore (or marine) geotechnical engineering is concerned with foundation design for human-made structures in the sea, away from the coastline (in opposition to onshore or nearshore engineering). Oil platforms, artificial islands and submarine pipelines are examples of such structures.[16]

There are a number of significant differences between onshore and offshore geotechnical engineering.[16][17] Notably, site investigation and ground improvement on the seabed are more expensive; the offshore structures are exposed to a wider range of geohazards; and the environmental and financial consequences are higher in case of failure. Offshore structures are exposed to various environmental loads, notably wind, waves and currents. These phenomena may affect the integrity or the serviceability of the structure and its foundation during its operational lifespan and need to be taken into account in offshore design.

In subsea geotechnical engineering, seabed materials are considered a two-phase material composed of rock or mineral particles and water.[18][19] Structures may be fixed in place in the seabed—as is the case for piers, jetties and fixed-bottom wind turbines—or may comprise a floating structure that remains roughly fixed relative to its geotechnical anchor point. Undersea mooring of human-engineered floating structures include a large number of offshore oil and gas platforms and, since 2008, a few floating wind turbines. Two common types of engineered design for anchoring floating structures include tension-leg and catenary loose mooring systems.[20]

Observational method

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First proposed by Karl Terzaghi and later discussed in a paper by Ralph B. Peck, the observational method is a managed process of construction control, monitoring, and review, which enables modifications to be incorporated during and after construction. The method aims to achieve a greater overall economy without compromising safety by creating designs based on the most probable conditions rather than the most unfavorable.[21] Using the observational method, gaps in available information are filled by measurements and investigation, which aid in assessing the behavior of the structure during construction, which in turn can be modified per the findings. The method was described by Peck as "learn-as-you-go".[22]

The observational method may be described as follows:[22]

  1. General exploration sufficient to establish the rough nature, pattern, and properties of deposits.
  2. Assessment of the most probable conditions and the most unfavorable conceivable deviations.
  3. Creating the design based on a working hypothesis of behavior anticipated under the most probable conditions.
  4. Selection of quantities to be observed as construction proceeds and calculating their anticipated values based on the working hypothesis under the most unfavorable conditions.
  5. Selection, in advance, of a course of action or design modification for every foreseeable significant deviation of the observational findings from those predicted.
  6. Measurement of quantities and evaluation of actual conditions.
  7. Design modification per actual conditions

The observational method is suitable for construction that has already begun when an unexpected development occurs or when a failure or accident looms or has already happened. It is unsuitable for projects whose design cannot be altered during construction.[22]

See also

[edit]
  • Civil engineering
  • Deep Foundations Institute
  • Earthquake engineering
  • Earth structure
  • Effective stress
  • Engineering geology
  • Geological Engineering
  • Geoprofessions
  • Hydrogeology
  • International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering
  • Karl von Terzaghi
  • Land reclamation
  • Landfill
  • Mechanically stabilized earth
  • Offshore geotechnical engineering
  • Rock mass classifications
  • Sediment control
  • Seismology
  • Soil mechanics
  • Soil physics
  • Soil science

 

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Das, Braja (2006). Principles of Geotechnical Engineering. Thomson Learning.
  2. ^ a b Budhu, Muni (2007). Soil Mechanics and Foundations. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN 978-0-471-43117-6.
  3. ^ a b Disturbed soil properties and geotechnical design, Schofield, Andrew N., Thomas Telford, 2006. ISBN 0-7277-2982-9
  4. ^ Guerriero V., Mazzoli S. (2021). "Theory of Effective Stress in Soil and Rock and Implications for Fracturing Processes: A Review". Geosciences. 11 (3): 119. Bibcode:2021Geosc..11..119G. doi:10.3390/geosciences11030119.
  5. ^ Soil Mechanics, Lambe, T.William and Whitman, Robert V., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, John Wiley & Sons., 1969. ISBN 0-471-51192-7
  6. ^ Soil Behavior and Critical State Soil Mechanics, Wood, David Muir, Cambridge University Press, 1990. ISBN 0-521-33782-8
  7. ^ Terzaghi, K., Peck, R.B. and Mesri, G. (1996), Soil Mechanics in Engineering Practice 3rd Ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN 0-471-08658-4
  8. ^ Holtz, R. and Kovacs, W. (1981), An Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering, Prentice-Hall, Inc. ISBN 0-13-484394-0
  9. ^ Deep Scan Tech (2023): Deep Scan Tech uncovers hidden structures at the site of Denmark's tallest building.
  10. ^ "Geofrost Coring". GEOFROST. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  11. ^ a b Han, Jie (2015). Principles and Practice of Ground Improvement. Wiley. ISBN 9781118421307.
  12. ^ RAJU, V. R. (2010). Ground Improvement Technologies and Case Histories. Singapore: Research Publishing Services. p. 809. ISBN 978-981-08-3124-0. Ground Improvement – Principles And Applications In Asia.
  13. ^ Pariseau, William G. (2011). Design analysis in rock mechanics. CRC Press.
  14. ^ Hegde, A.M. and Palsule P.S. (2020), Performance of Geosynthetics Reinforced Subgrade Subjected to Repeated Vehicle Loads: Experimental and Numerical Studies. Front. Built Environ. 6:15. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2020.00015/full.
  15. ^ Koerner, Robert M. (2012). Designing with Geosynthetics (6th Edition, Vol. 1 ed.). Xlibris. ISBN 9781462882892.
  16. ^ a b Dean, E.T.R. (2010). Offshore Geotechnical Engineering – Principles and Practice. Thomas Telford, Reston, VA, 520 p.
  17. ^ Randolph, M. and Gourvenec, S., 2011. Offshore geotechnical engineering. Spon Press, N.Y., 550 p.
  18. ^ Das, B.M., 2010. Principles of geotechnical engineering. Cengage Learning, Stamford, 666 p.
  19. ^ Atkinson, J., 2007. The mechanics of soils and foundations. Taylor & Francis, N.Y., 442 p.
  20. ^ Floating Offshore Wind Turbines: Responses in a Sea state – Pareto Optimal Designs and Economic Assessment, P. Sclavounos et al., October 2007.
  21. ^ Nicholson, D, Tse, C and Penny, C. (1999). The Observational Method in ground engineering – principles and applications. Report 185, CIRIA, London.
  22. ^ a b c Peck, R.B (1969). Advantages and limitations of the observational method in applied soil mechanics, Geotechnique, 19, No. 1, pp. 171-187.

References

[edit]
  • Bates and Jackson, 1980, Glossary of Geology: American Geological Institute.
  • Krynine and Judd, 1957, Principles of Engineering Geology and Geotechnics: McGraw-Hill, New York.
  • Ventura, Pierfranco, 2019, Fondazioni, Volume 1, Modellazioni statiche e sismiche, Hoepli, Milano
[edit]
  • Worldwide Geotechnical Literature Database

 

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