Application of Concrete Piles in Slope Stability Problems

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

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ABSTRACT

In this study, an attempt has been made to explore the concept of an application of concrete piles in slope stability problems. The main focus of the research is on the usage of piling as a remedial action for slope stability problems and the application of such piles and the internal reactions that occur in the system in as it would normally be constructed as well as with other piling methods. The research has even analysed “Finite element modelling” that plays a vital role in terms of internal reactions between the piles and the soil at the contact plane. Finally the research describes various factors which are responsible for the application of concrete piles in slope stability problems and the overall effect that it produces on the construction work. A Gantt chart has been created as well in this research to describe the overall roadmap for this research. Therefore, these are all the ways through which this research has been described in details.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

1.1 Background of the Study1

1.2 Problem Statement2

1.3 Research Aims and Objectives2

1.4 Rationale of the Study3

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW4

2.1 Introduction4

2.2 Background4

2.2.1 Slope Stability5

2.2.2 Pile Application6

2.2.3 Soil Properties7

2.2.4 Current Work8

2.2.5 Future Work8

2.3 Review9

2.4 Finite Element Modelling11

2.5 Conclusion13

CHAPTER 3: OVERVIEW OF VARIOUS CONCEPTS15

3.1 Importance of Concrete Piles15

3.2 History of Concrete Piles15

3.3 Development of Concrete Piles16

3.4 Assessment of Slope Stability of Soil17

3.5 Advantage for Selecting Piles to improve Slope Instability21

CHAPTER 4: CONCRETE PILE CONSTRUCTION METHOD23

4.1 Construction Methods23

4.2 Quality Control in Concrete Pile Construction25

CHAPTER 5: DESIGN OF THE PILES28

5.1 Design Criteria28

a. Isolated Plinths28

b. Footings29

c. Combined Footings29

d. Beams Foundation29

e. Concrete slabs29

f. Pile29

g. Caissons30

CHAPTER 6: CASE STUDIES FOR CONCRETE PILES APPLICATION31

Case Study One31

Geogrid-reinforced segmental retaining walls31

Case Study Two34

Widening of an existing roadway34

CHAPTER 7: CONCLUSION37

Review of the study37

Limitations38

Scope of the Research39

Recommendations39

REFERENCES40

APPENDICES43

List of Figures44

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Over the past years, advances in geological construction and technical research have enabled the industry to be able to cope with issues associated with the unforeseeable aspects encountered on the way to project completion. Agencies and councils all over the country have experienced an increase in pressure to provide new as well as maintain the old communal structures. This further leads to an increase in maintenance expenditure. One issue that stands out is the stabilization of slopes as it effects can be damaging if left unhinged. Large natural cliffs subject to intense scour and degradation can fail leading to a variety of failures that consume time and inflict financial and economical implications. There is also a demand to ...