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A Self-Learning Manual - Institution of Engineers Mauritius

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A <strong>Self</strong>-<strong>Learning</strong> <strong>Manual</strong><br />

Mastering Different Fields <strong>of</strong> Civil Engineering Works (VC-Q&A Method) Vincent T. H. CHU<br />

3. What are the differences in function between rock anchors and<br />

rock sockets? (FD3)<br />

Rock anchors are used primarily for resisting uplift forces. On the contrary,<br />

rock sockets serve three main purposes:<br />

(i) Rock socket friction and end bearing to resist vertical load;<br />

(ii) Passive resistance <strong>of</strong> rock sockets contribute to resistance <strong>of</strong> lateral<br />

load; and<br />

(iii) Socket shaft friction is also used for resisting uplifting forces. But only<br />

70% <strong>of</strong> this capacity should be used because <strong>of</strong> the effect <strong>of</strong> negative<br />

Poisson ratio.<br />

Note: Rock anchors, which may consist <strong>of</strong> a high tensile bar or a stranded<br />

cable, are provided for tension piles when there are insufficient soil covers<br />

to develop the required uplifting resistance.<br />

4. What is the difference between capping beams and ground beams<br />

for piles? (FD4)<br />

Capping beams for piles aim at transferring loads from closely spaced<br />

columns or walls into a row <strong>of</strong> piles. On the other hand, ground beams are<br />

beams provided between adjacent pile caps and they perform as<br />

compression struts or ties in an attempt to prevent lateral displacement or<br />

buckling <strong>of</strong> piles under uneven distribution <strong>of</strong> loads on pile caps. Both <strong>of</strong><br />

them have to be specially designed to cater for differential settlement <strong>of</strong><br />

piles.<br />

Capping beam performs the same functions as pile caps. However, ground<br />

beams are structural elements to connect adjacent pile caps to improve the<br />

stability <strong>of</strong> foundation.<br />

5. What is the purpose <strong>of</strong> setting maximum spacing <strong>of</strong> piles? (FD5)<br />

One <strong>of</strong> the factors that affect the distribution <strong>of</strong> loads from the structures to<br />

each pile is the assumption <strong>of</strong> flexibility <strong>of</strong> the pile caps in design. A pile cap<br />

can be modeled as a flexible or a rigid element based on their relative<br />

stiffness. For the pile cap to be assumed as rigid the stiffness <strong>of</strong> pile cap is<br />

infinite relative to that <strong>of</strong> pile/soil system and the deformations within the<br />

cap are not considered owing to its rigidity. On the other hand, for the pile<br />

cap to be designed as flexible, internal deformations <strong>of</strong> pile cap would<br />

occur.<br />

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