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Title: Field evaluation of grillage foundation uplift capacity

Abstract

This study presents the results of eight full-scale field uplift tests on steel grillage foundations. The two field sites where the tests were conducted in New York State are described, along with the three grillage types found at these sites. Structural and construction details of the grillages are given. Soil characterization of the sites was conducted using a variety of in-situ test methods including the standard penetration, cone penetration, pressuremeter, borehole shear, drive cone, and dilatometer tests. Laboratory classification and strength tests also were performed to aid in the characterizations. The field testing equipment and the test procedures used for the uplift tests are described. The load-displacement results are given, as well as the ground movements in the zones above the grillages. The vertical shear model reported in EPRI EL-2870 is used to predict the uplift capacities, and comparisons are made with the field measurements. The vertical shear model, coupled with well-documented geotechnical properties, can be used to predict accurately the uplift capacity of grillage foundations. For grillages in granular soils, the incorporation of side shearing resistance is important. The field test results indicated that, for D/B ratios from 1 to 3, roughly 55 to 80 percent of the upliftmore » capacity is attributable to side resistance, with only 20 to 45 percent of the capacity resulting from soil weight. This result is important when deciding on the allowable loadings that may be imposed from upgradings and increased tower heights. The use of existing foundations may result in substantial cost savings over new foundations, provided that adequate subsurface exploration and geotechnical data are incorporated into the planning and design stages. 63 refs., 224 figs., 82 tabs.« less

Authors:
;  [1]
  1. Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY (USA). Geotechnial Engineering Group
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (USA); Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY (USA). Geotechnial Engineering Group
Sponsoring Org.:
EPRI
OSTI Identifier:
6621506
Report Number(s):
EPRI-EL-6965
Resource Type:
Technical Report
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION; 36 MATERIALS SCIENCE; FOUNDATIONS; DESIGN; POWER TRANSMISSION TOWERS; CONSTRUCTION; SOILS; FIELD TESTS; BOREHOLES; DYNAMIC LOADS; EXPERIMENTAL DATA; HEIGHT; MEASURING METHODS; MECHANICAL PROPERTIES; POWER TRANSMISSION LINES; SAMPLING; SITE CHARACTERIZATION; STRENGTH FUNCTIONS; TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT; CAVITIES; DATA; DIMENSIONS; FUNCTIONS; INFORMATION; MECHANICAL STRUCTURES; NUMERICAL DATA; SUPPORTS; TESTING; TOWERS; 240303* - Power Transmission Lines & Cables- Overhead Lines- (1990-); 360603 - Materials- Properties

Citation Formats

Stewart, H E, and Kulhawy, F H. Field evaluation of grillage foundation uplift capacity. United States: N. p., 1990. Web.
Stewart, H E, & Kulhawy, F H. Field evaluation of grillage foundation uplift capacity. United States.
Stewart, H E, and Kulhawy, F H. 1990. "Field evaluation of grillage foundation uplift capacity". United States.
@article{osti_6621506,
title = {Field evaluation of grillage foundation uplift capacity},
author = {Stewart, H E and Kulhawy, F H},
abstractNote = {This study presents the results of eight full-scale field uplift tests on steel grillage foundations. The two field sites where the tests were conducted in New York State are described, along with the three grillage types found at these sites. Structural and construction details of the grillages are given. Soil characterization of the sites was conducted using a variety of in-situ test methods including the standard penetration, cone penetration, pressuremeter, borehole shear, drive cone, and dilatometer tests. Laboratory classification and strength tests also were performed to aid in the characterizations. The field testing equipment and the test procedures used for the uplift tests are described. The load-displacement results are given, as well as the ground movements in the zones above the grillages. The vertical shear model reported in EPRI EL-2870 is used to predict the uplift capacities, and comparisons are made with the field measurements. The vertical shear model, coupled with well-documented geotechnical properties, can be used to predict accurately the uplift capacity of grillage foundations. For grillages in granular soils, the incorporation of side shearing resistance is important. The field test results indicated that, for D/B ratios from 1 to 3, roughly 55 to 80 percent of the uplift capacity is attributable to side resistance, with only 20 to 45 percent of the capacity resulting from soil weight. This result is important when deciding on the allowable loadings that may be imposed from upgradings and increased tower heights. The use of existing foundations may result in substantial cost savings over new foundations, provided that adequate subsurface exploration and geotechnical data are incorporated into the planning and design stages. 63 refs., 224 figs., 82 tabs.},
doi = {},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/6621506}, journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Wed Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1990},
month = {Wed Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1990}
}

Technical Report:
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