Impact of Construction Induced Ground Movements on Performance of Existing Piles

Kim Chan

Abstract

When new developments are located in close proximity to existing structures and facilities, one important consideration for design and construction is the potential impact of the new work on the existing facilities during and after construction.  In particular, this consideration is critical when the site is located in areas where the subsoils can displace significantly when loaded.

In recent years, a large amount of transportation projects involve constructing and duplicating highways and railway lines next to existing ones.  Many of these projects include building new bridges and associated approach embankments close to existing bridges.  Quite often, these bridges are founded on deep piled foundations surrounded by soft soils which can settle and displace laterally when subjected to new loading.

This talk will present some analytical methods to estimate the induced stresses and displacements on the ground using elastic solutions or numerical analyses. One field experiment is presented to assess the impact of installing rigid inclusions on lateral displacement of adjacent ground.

A case study is also presented to illustrate the design and monitoring work carried out for the construction of a new bridge and approach embankments close to an existing bridge in a soft ground environment.

About Kim Chan

Kim Chan has over 35 years of geotechnical experience and has worked on all facets of geotechnical engineering. Kim specialises in soft soil engineering, foundation design, numerical modelling, tunnels and underground openings, ground improvement techniques and reinforced soil design. In recent years, Kim was the Geotechnical Manager or Technical Director for a number of transportation projects, such as various sections of the Pacific Highway upgrade, Gateway Upgrade project in Brisbane and Epping to Chatswood Rail Link project.

Kim has a Bachelor of Science (Engineering) degree from the University of Calgary in Canada and a Master of Engineering Science degree from the University of Sydney.  He is now a Technical Executive and GHD’s Service Line Leader in Geotechnical Engineering.

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