SLIDE 1 Considerations for Improving Performance at Geotechnical-Structural Interfaces
J-Rapid Symposium Sendai, Japan March 6 and 7, 2013
- J. David Frost, Ph.D., P.E., P.Eng., F.ASCE
Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology
SLIDE 2 Property Contrasts between Man-made Infrastructure and Surrounds
- Contrasts in material properties over short
distances:
– Strength – Deformability – Hydraulic conductivity – Erosion susceptibility
- Creates focal point for failure mechanisms
- Exacerbates poor system performance
SLIDE 3
Red Lines Show Tracks for Frost from Tokyo to Sendai and in Sendai Region Sendai Region Tracks
Opportunity for geotechnical engineer to travel with “Japanese and US bridge experts”
SLIDE 4
Abutment Settlement at Naruse River Bridge at Kilometer 30.1
Geotechnical-Structural Interface
SLIDE 5
Pier Settlement at Naruse River Bridge at Kilometer 30.1
Geotechnical-Structural Interface
SLIDE 6
Pier Settlement at Naruse River Bridge at Kilometer 30.1
SLIDE 7
Levee Damage/Scour at Koizumi O-hashi
Geotechnical-Structural Interface
SLIDE 8
Levee Damage/Scour at Koizumi O-hashi
Geotechnical-Structural Interface
SLIDE 9
Scour Around Unfailed Bridge Piers at Koizumi O-hashi
Geotechnical-Structural Interface
SLIDE 10
Scour Around Unfailed Bridge Piers at Koizumi O-hashi
Geotechnical-Structural Interface
SLIDE 11
Scour and Box Culvert Bridge Failure at Koizumi O-hashi Failed Section
SLIDE 12
Scour and Box Culvert Bridge Failure at Koizumi O-hashi
SLIDE 13
Scour and Box Culvert Bridge Failure at Koizumi O-hashi
SLIDE 14
Scour Induced Bridge Abutment Failure at Sodeogawa hashi Pre-tsunami Bridge Span Temporary Bailey Bridge Over Scour Zone Temporary Bailey Bridge Over Scour Zone
SLIDE 15
Scour Induced Bridge Abutment Failure at Sodeogawa hashi Pre-tsunami Bridge Span Piles Exposed Due To Scour
SLIDE 16
Scour Induced Tsunami Protection Gate Failure at Utatsu O-hashi
SLIDE 17
Scour Induced Tsunami Protection Gate Failure at Utatsu O-hashi
Geotechnical-Structural Interface
SLIDE 18
Traditional Approach to Accommodate “Load Transfer”
Geotechnical-Structural Interface
SLIDE 19
Strategies to Influence Geotechnical “Load Path”
Geotechnical-Structural Interface
Expanded Transition Zone with Intermediate Properties
SLIDE 20 Summary Comments
- Create transitional property zone that de-focuses
contrast between man-made materials and surrounding soils.
- Recognize that designs should consider not just
primary loads but also secondary factor loads.
- Consider opportunities for “designer” materials,
sections and surfaces to enhance performance.
- Relocate support structures to adjacent regions
and utilize wireless and other systems for control.
- Develop design methods that take systems
approach to influence “geotechnical load path”.
Thank You.
