01023632

Component

Field data was collected on several bridge foundation sites in Pennsylvania, in close proximity to geotechnical boring locations. Profiles determined from these field measurements were plotted against drilling data and notable similarities were discovered. In addition, foundation construction data was collected at each of the sites and compared with refraction test results determined prior to construction. In particular, top of rock revealed by an excavation, and pile tip elevations at driving refusal, were compared with predictions made using refraction test results. From these data it appears that seismic wave tomograms can accurately characterize the soil/rock interface, and that it is possible to predict expected design pile lengths based upon a measured P-wave velocity tomogram. It can be concluded from these site comparisons that geophysical techniques such as seismic refraction tomography can provide significant additional information to site characterization for bridge foundations in karst terrain. However, these techniques should not be viewed as a replacement, but should be conducted during design stage site investigation to aid selection of borehole locations and other testing needs.

01020180

06-2273

English

20p

2006

Transportation Research Board 85th Annual Meeting

CD-ROM

Figures (8) ; References (14)

Bridge design; Bridge foundations; Elastic waves; Foundation soils; Geophysics; Karst; Refraction; Tomography

Bridges and other structures; Geotechnology; Highways; I42: Soil Mechanics

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2006 Paper #06-2273

BTRIS, TRIS, TRB

Mar 3 2006 10:56AM