Nonlinear models of the soil base for slab culculations

The proposed algorithm for calculating the base of dense clay soils was used in the calculation of rigid airfield and automobile coverings, railway embankments and slab foundations of large structures and in the body of earthworks (earthwork of hydraulic structures, earthwork of railways and highways, earthen dams) under static influences. The results of their numerical calculations showed that the linear models of such structures differ significantly from the real behavior of the soil, taking into account their plastic and rheological properties (sediments are underestimated by 2–3 times). The modules of soil deformation G (shear resistance) decrease when using nonlinear models, which leads to an increase in rheological and plastic properties, this process depends on the rate of intensity of deformations and stresses. All this must be taken into account when constructing and operating large and responsible structures. This requires a deeper study of the soil properties, confirmed by experimental data. In this work the equations of the soil state, experimentally obtained using triaxial compression devices, were used and an algorithm for calculating the soil base was compiled on their basis. The advantage of this algorithm is that it allows to obtain solutions for 3 base models and evaluate their effect on the stress-strain state inside the considered array and under the sole of the slab foundation. This is especially important for predicting the sediment of foundations for large-scale buildings and structures and the operation of the body of earthwork

Optically-stimulated luminescence profiling and dating of historic agricultural terraces in Catalonia (Spain)

Dating agricultural terraces is a notoriously difficult problem for archaeologists. The frequent occurrence of residual material in terrace soils and the potential for post-depositional disturbance mean that conventional artefactual and lab-based dating methods often provide unreliable dates. In this paper we present a new technique using luminescence field profiling coupled with OSL dating to produce complete (relative) sequences of dates for sedimentary stratigraphies associated with agricultural terraces and earthworks. The method is demonstrated through a series of case-studies in western Catalonia, Spain, in which we reconstruct the formation sequence of earthwork features from the Middle Ages through to the present day. OSL profiling at the time of archaeological survey and excavation permitted spatially and temporally resolved sediment ‘chronologies’ to be generated, and provides the means to interpret the environmental and cultural archives contained in each. The case-studies presented here show that luminescence approaches are a valuable tool to reconstruct landscape histories

Iowa Department of Transportation Major Items - Preliminary Quantity Report, September 17, 2013; With Addendums

Weekly letting report

The support of structures using compacted earthworks materials

Where earthworks are required to provide a level construction platform for portal frame warehouse structures it is suggested they can be founded in fill. The use of end product and performance specifications for fill and a change in philosophy for the serviceability of structures will make this approach acceptable

Archaeological Investigation at the Marshall Powder Mill (41HS17), Confederate States of America 1863-1865, Harrison County, Texas: 1994 Season

The Northeast Texas Archeological Society, in conjunction with the East Texas, Dallas, and Tarrant County archeological societies, reinstated archaeological investigations at the Marshall Powder Mill (41HS17) in 1994 following several years of delicate negotiations with the landowner about the value of preserving this archaeological site. The Marshall Powder Mill manufactured gunpowder, small arms and cannon, and refurbished weaponry, and was one of several arsenals that served the Trans-Mississippi Department of the Confederate States of America from 1863 to 1865. None have been thoroughly investigated archaeologically, however, thereby ignoring a major aspect of the Confederacy\u27s war effort, and an important industrial enterprise. Building foundations, earthworks, roads, and an artificial channel race remain essentially undisturbed within the Loop 390 corridor and the privately-owned portions of the site; the eastern one-third of the site has been destroyed by a modern lumber mill. Although the site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, there is no concerted plan for preservation of this Civil War military-industrial complex. Little historical documentation exists as to the number and types of buildings, their locations, or the activities that were conducted at the Marshall Powder Mill. The single map in the National Archives was captured by Federal troops in 1864, and only indicates a few of the buildings and none of the earthworks. Apparently the Confederates were concerned with security, and the commander, Major George D. Alexander, destroyed or removed all records prior to Federal occupation of the site in 1865. Therefore, the archaeological remains speak the clearest about the Marshall Powder Mill\u27s buildings and their functions, and may be the only sure means of reconstructing the layout and design of the arsenal, as well as ancillary fortifications, buildings, and structures around Marshall that date to the Civil War period

Excavations and survey at Coats Hill, near Moffat, 1990-1

This report describes the results of the survey and sample excavations of small cairns, annular structures and other remains on Coats Hill, near Moffat. The difficulties of assessing the dates and functions of certain of the structures are discussed. The project formed part of the archaeological studies for the North Western Ethylene Pipeline (NWEP) Project for Shell Chemicals UK Ltd, which wholly funded the archaeological work and the publication of this report

Case History Illustrating the Challenges of Foundation Design and Construction in Karst Terrain

This paper discusses the challenges associated with design and construction of foundation systems for a Corporate Campus located in Chester County, Pennsylvania that is underlain by Karst terrain. A comprehensive subsurface investigation was implemented to develop adequate foundation systems and related site work precautions. Because there was evidence of sinkhole activity prior to any construction work, and the subsoils revealed some variability from a consistency/density standpoint, the selected foundation system design included a combination of soil improvement using compaction grouting for shallow foundations and deep drilled-pier foundations. After construction activities began, several occurrences of solution activity were documented and repaired. During construction of drilled-pier foundations at one of the structure locations, a significant number of voids and discontinuities in the rock were encountered. The impact of these discontinuities and voids was dramatic to the effort and time necessary to complete the drilled pier foundation construction for this structure. After careful consideration of potential cost and schedule impacts, the foundation design for remaining structures was modified to eliminate the use of drilled piers and incorporated only compaction grouting for support of shallow foundation systems. Interaction of the Geotechnical Engineer, Construction Manager, Owner, and Contractor began early in the construction process and this interaction became critical to the project success as work proceeded on this project

Process not product: Arc, Hull's architecture centre

This paper discusses the Arc project in Hull. It takes the form of a case study of a building conceived from the outset as having no fixed final form or indeed permanent location. The first iteration of the building, designed by Niall Mclaughlin Architects, was completed in 2006 and houses the events space and offices for Arc, the Architecture Centre for Hull and the Humber Region. The project grew out of an initiative formed by collaboration between academics from the two local Universities, plus Community and Business representatives. The intention was that the organization would act as a catalyst for change, and raise architectural aspirations underpinned by an ethos that local people were experts in their own lives. Arc did this through a series of interlinked programmes including Design Review, and the Learning and Public Realm programmes. In addition the building hosted exhibitions, debates and workshops. This is a timely moment to revisit this project as the particular set of circumstances that enabled the building to be realized have already passed into history. Arc both as a building and as organization can now be seen as representative of a particular political and cultural moment in the UK, one that is now firmly over