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

2While different structures can tolerate different amount of total or differential settlement, thegoal for every geotechnical project is to minimize the amount of settlement that the footingand, consequently, the structure would undergo. Some of the established approaches ofestimating design settlement are utilized by approximating foundation element as an elasticspring, and using cavity expansion theory.The design bearing capacity is typically calculated by using Terzaghi’s bearing capacitytheory. Also some of the established methods of calculating settlement are represented bywork of Meyerhof, Bowles, and Schmertmann.Research GoalsThe goals of this project were to (1) develop an effective test pit and loading system toevaluate pier elements subjected to vertical load, (2) evaluate the engineering behavior ofscaled pier elements at length to diameter ratios varying between four and eight, and (3)identify similitude and scaling limitations of analyzed 1/10 th scale piers and makecomparisons to full-scale tests.The research was to be performed on scaled aggregate piers, cementitious grout columns,sand piers and other composition mixes constructed within the Western Iowa loess matrixsoil. The testing was to be carried out to evaluate settlement, bearing capacity and groupefficiency parameters.Research ObjectivesTo accomplish the goals of this research, the investigation of different foundation systemswas to be performed and the findings are to be presented by: