Rectangular Foundations on a Sand Embankment over Mine Tailings
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 15, Issue 3
Abstract
This paper reports results from centrifuge model tests that provide insight into the behavior of rectangular foundations (representing earthmoving equipment) during penetration, with freedom in rotation, adjacent to a sand embankment (cover layer), into a weaker clay layer (representing mine tailings). A parametric study was used to explore the relevant range of the setback ratio, slope height ratio, normalized clay strength and its nonhomogeneity, and foundation base geometry. The effect of these nondimensional parameters on the penetration resistance profile is discussed in the context of the likelihood and severity of failure. The failure of a flat-based rectangular foundation was less severe than that associated with a strip foundation, and the corresponding measures reduced with the increasing setback ratio () and slope height ratio (). No rotational failure occurred for (where is the average normalized strength of the lower clay layer) or , regardless of strength nonhomogeneity and the normalized strength of the bottom clay layer. The addition of small skirts to the base of the rectangular foundation assisted in reducing the likelihood and severity of failure significantly, with the exception of and . Expressions were proposed for calculating the modified bearing capacity factors.
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Acknowledgments
Iluka Resources Ltd, supported the centrifuge testing reported in this paper. The first author is an ARC Postdoctoral Fellow (APDI) and is supported by the ARC Linkage Project LP110100174. This work forms part of the activities of the Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems (COFS), currently supported as a node of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Geotechnical Science and Engineering, through Centre of Excellence funding from the State Government of Western Australia and in partnership with the Lloyd’s Register Foundation. This support is gratefully acknowledged, as is the assistance of the drum centrifuge technician, Mr. Bart Thompson.
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Published In
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 15 • Issue 3 • June 2015
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 6, 2013
Accepted: Mar 5, 2014
Published online: Apr 24, 2014
Published in print: Jun 1, 2015
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