G MS THESIS_final version_Maxim Prokudin.pdf - Digital Repository ...

1CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTIONIndustry ProblemVariation in subsurface soil conditions provides site specific foundation designconsiderations for every job. This variability however also creates opportunities to identifyand utilize more efficient foundation systems that are optimized for the site and loadingconditions. Traditionally, deep steel piles, reinforced concrete piers, or shallow spreadfootings are the primary foundations used to support structures. However, there are often siteconditions where these two extremes (i.e. deep vs. shallow) are not necessarily an optimumsolution. Therefore, intermediate foundations are being increasingly studied. One suchsystem is Geopier ® Rammed Aggregate Piers (RAPs).When developing a foundation or footing support for a structure, the ability to utilizeavailable resources and materials in the most efficient manner is becoming increasinglyimportant. As a result a more sustainable and better engineered design can be utilized whilemaintaining the design guidelines and load requirements.In the past century, the alternative of performing research on scaled model systems hasgained popularity and has proven to be successful as long as all the physical properties of thefull-scale system are recreated. The following research will present the approach ofevaluating intermediate foundation support systems by investigating alternative methods ofconstruction and testing different foundation materials.Technical ProblemThere are many foundation systems currently available in the industry ranging from deeppiling to horizontal soil stabilization, dynamic compaction, and group improvement withintermediate pier systems. However, regardless of the system being utilized, the criticaltechnical concerns include the settlement and bearing capacity provided by the system.