Mccoy;
Yes, I should have mentioned in the last post, there is pdf file on "beams on elastic foundations". This is my train of thought; In the geotechnical aspects-If the footings have length to width ratio of less than 5, I normally treat it as continuous footing and then check for bearing...
The following link and the associated website discusses this topic:
http://geotechnic.ucsd.edu/se243/
It feels good to join this distinguished group of geotechs!
As soon as I posted, I contacted Dr. Poulos. He has informed of a person that can help me purchase it direct from Australia. I Will keep you posted of progress.
BigH- I have tried for 3 years to locate this book and just can't find it. Any ideas, even international locations, of where I can get my copy of "Elastic Solutions" book by Poulos and Davis.
RobPE;
I have always sampled soil near the crest and near the toe and used the lower C and phi values at residual strength. Then I would take the maximum dry density(proctor) and assume that the slope will be no worse than 90% compaction. Based on those,c, phi and gamma, you may run a FS...
SPT readings are only reliable in sandy soil profiles. Even then you get consistency ranging from very loose(N<4)to very dense(N>50), your unit weights change only by a smaller amount. Unit weight will depend on denseness or looseness, but also on the gradation of the soils and the specific...
On 1) Engineering geologist should be involved to determine if the dips are adverse, neutral, out of plane etc. If they are adverse, you'll need a geotechnical to design a buttress or other stabilizing mechanisms.
On 2) The solution in 1) will incorporate this.
On 3) A bulk sample obtained...
The following doument has a comprehensive filter design criteria:
http://www.water.az.gov/dwr/content/Find_by_Program/Dam_Safety_and_Flood_Mitigation/Dam_Safety_Docs/1994_SCS_Filter_Design.pdf
When our supporting materials are rock, an experienced and licensed LOCAL engineering geologist should be involved. This professional will oversee drilling investigation, measure the bedding planes and research the site geology. He or she will also compute the dip, analyse if the bedding...
Could you drive sheetpiles a few meters away, then do stepped or benched slopes into the coal mine? What type of foundation material are beneath and also make the shoulder of the railway line?
I believe you have the main ingredients: you realized that constant training is needed and that you want to combine technical and business components of engineering.
The technical aspects, I believe you'll get the most by buying used technical books, downloading available free pdf files...
Most of the failures are with unreinforced slabs. I work in Orange county, CA and due to alkaline soils with higher soluble sulphates, Type V cement is mostly chosen. As a result, most owners are weary of paying for fibers or admixtures that increase concrete cost. My other battle with slabs...
