Analytical Calibration Approach to Develop a Seepage Model for the London Avenue Canal Load Test
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 139, Issue 5
Abstract
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) conducted a load test along a portion of the London Avenue Canal as a part of an extensive study following the events of Hurricane Katrina to investigate the performance of I-walls and levees. A 45.7 m (150 ft) long section of the I-wall was hydraulically loaded, and pore pressures and displacements were measured in the vicinity of the I-wall through an extensive instrumentation system. The acquired data were assessed to develop a seepage model that would be applicable to the London Avenue Canal and areas where the soil conditions are similar. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional finite-element seepage analyses were conducted, a parametric study was performed, and a statistical calibration technique was developed to better estimate the actual field conditions in the numerical modeling. Based on this analysis, soil properties and finite-element boundary conditions are recommended for future analyses of the London Avenue Canal and other canals having similar subsurface conditions.
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Acknowledgments
The authors credit the members of the team that provided the technical supervision of the London Avenue Canal Load Test for their expertise and stamina in conducting the test during one of the hottest summers in New Orleans on record. This team included Dr. Ray Martin, Dr. Bob Bachus, Mr. Pat Conroy, Mr. Neil Schwanz, and Mr. Noah Vroman. Mr. John Ashley served as the project manager of the test, and MAJ Nicholas Nazarko was the Officer in Charge. Mr. Richard Pinner and Mr. Frank Vojkovitch, both of the New Orleans District of the Corps of Engineers, provided valuable technical assistance in the design and operation of the load test.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 139 • Issue 5 • May 2013
Pages: 788 - 796
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 25, 2011
Accepted: Jul 30, 2012
Published online: Aug 4, 2012
Published in print: May 1, 2013
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