Improving Strain Wedge Model Capabilities in Analyzing Large Diameter Drilled Shafts Subjected to Lateral Loading in Cemented Soils

Cemented soils deposits located in Las Vegas valley have long been a challenge for engineers. These deposits can withstand considerable loads. They are, however, difficult to model or predict using typical site investigation techniques. For engineering purposes, these cemented soils, also commonly referred to as Caliche, are difficult to quantify their thickness, strength and lateral extent. This erratic and heterogeneous nature can result in inconsistent design and performance of foundations. This report presents a new material model for cemented soils in the Las Vegas region. The material model was developed using results obtained from unconfined compressive strength tests conducted on 53 cored samples, with different levels of cementation. The model, which generates the stress-strain relationship of cemented soils, recognizes three cementation levels and allows the user to account for closure of fractures if desired. Laboratory shear and primary wave velocities were measured for all samples. In addition, field shear wave velocity of the site where the samples were obtained, was assessed using Refraction Microtremor (ReMi) and Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) methods. Relationships between lab shear wave velocity, material unit weight, unconfined compressive strength and Young’s Modulus are presented. Furthermore, a preliminary correlation between field and lab shear wave velocities is introduced. The model along with the derived relationships were implemented in Strain Wedge Model (SWM) to assess the performance of laterally loaded shafts embedded in cemented soils. Comparison between SWM prediction and field performance of laterally loaded shafts during 1996 load test program is presented.

• Record URL:
  • https://www.nevadadot.com/home/showpublisheddocument?id=18952
• Record URL:
  • https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/63063
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Cover page indicates title: Analysis of Laterally-Loaded Large-Diameter Drilled Shafts Publication date on cover page is May 2018.
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Nevada, Reno

  1664 N Virginia Street
  Reno, NV  United States  89557

  Nevada Department of Transportation

  1263 South Stewart Street
  Carson City, NV  United States  89712
• Authors:
  • Elfass, Sherif
  • 0000-0003-3401-6513
  • Saint-Pierre, Evan
  • 0000-0001-7627-5279
  • Ashour, Mohamed
  • 0000-0001-6363-624X
  • Watters, Robert
  • 0000-0003-1484-1479
  • Norris, Gary
  • 0000-0003-3409-8344
• Publication Date: 2018-5-31

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 283p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cement treated soils; Compression tests; Computer models; Deformation curve; Drilling; Shafts (Machinery); Strain (Mechanics); Structural analysis
• Geographic Terms: Las Vegas (Nevada)
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01767582
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 667-15-803
• Contract Numbers: P667-15-803
• Files: NTL, TRIS, ATRI, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Mar 22 2021 10:36AM