DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF FOUNDATIONS FOR PROTECTIVE STRUCTURES

Abstract : The behavior of footings subjected to dynamic forces is the subject of continuing research. Significant contributions were made to available knowledge through a combination of theoretical and experimental research. Prior analytic studies were based on an engineering approach which extended standard soil mechanics approaches to include dynamic behavior. This approach is reviewed and comparisons re made with experimental results. To improve the theoretical results, the influence of soil compressibility was investigated. Specific technical results are presented on the following experimental studies: three-dimensional static and dynamic tests of footings with overpressure on the surrounding soil surface, two-dimensional static and dynamic tests on inclined footings with overpressure on one side (a situation simulating that encountered in footings for arches and/or domes), and three dimensional static and dynamic tests with improved instrumentation to verify earlier results and to provide improved data. Included is a presentation on the Dynamic Soil Facility.