Joint Philadelphia Chapter SEI/DVGI Event 

May 17, 2016

Monthly Technical Presentation and Dinner Meeting

 

TOPIC:

Caisson Foundations in Philadelphia - Past, Present, and Future

RSVP BY: 5/13/16

LOCATION:

Valley Forge Casino Resort Hotel 
1160 First Avenue
King of Prussia, PA 19406

COST:

SEI/DVGI members: $45.00,  Non-members: $50.00, Students:  $15.00  

DESCRIPTION:

Over the years, practices and techniques for the design and construction of drilled-in caissons in the Philadelphia area have changed and evolved.  In particular, there are differences of opinion regarding appropriate design and bearing support values, and there are suggestions that even larger bearing values are appropriate.  Also, caisson construction has become more problematic with frequent delays and cost extras, and some designers and contractors are reluctant to utilize caissons.

Reports of caisson loading tests indicate different aspects of the supporting capabilities and load deformation behavior of the schist and gneiss rock in Philadelphia.  These rocks are similar to the crystalline metamorphic rocks formations throughout the Piedmont Province that extends from New York City to Birmingham, Alabama.  The results from loading tests elsewhere in the Piedmont provide additional data relevant to the load supporting capabilities of caissons in Philadelphia.

The concepts of bearing capacity and settlement with respect to rock materials, including the transitional and variable zone of weathered rock, will be reviewed for caisson bearing support.   Also, characterizing the properties of the rock materials, such as by strength, core recovery, RQD and other rating systems, or as a single-value intermediate geomaterial, will be assessed.  Finally, some of the construction and construction evaluation practices will be reviewed.

All of these testing results indicate that it is possible to utilize greater supporting capacities and more efficient caisson designs.  Some of the analysis and design methods, such as LRFD, that are related to strength and elastic deformation provide a means for evaluating and using higher bearing capacities for caissons in Philadelphia.

 

PRESENTERS:

Richard E. Mabry, PE -- Mr. Mabry specializes in geotechnical engineering and has performed investigations and consultations for more than 2,000 projects encompassing a broad range of design and site conditions and utilizing an extensive variety of geotechnical techniques and applications.  Some of these projects where Mr. Mabry provided the geotechnical engineering services received design awards from several professional organizations.

The projects where Mr. Mabry performed investigations and consultations include major buildings and other facilities, commercial and industrial developments, transportation structures, and energy facilities.  He has also directed field inspection and construction monitoring for site development, foundation construction, and embankment projects.  Mr. Mabry has particular expertise with geotechnical practice related to mine and sinkhole subsidence, and refuse and waste engineering, and has been a consultant to other engineering organizations for special problems and for application reviews.  In addition, Mr. Mabry has been retained to perform forensic investigations related to insurance claims and litigation matters.

 

MEETING SCHEDULE:

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm  Social and Registration
6:30 pm - 7:15 pm  Dinner
7:15 pm - 8:30 pm  Program

For Questions:

For questions about the event or how to register email: James Deeney at jdeeney@gfnet.com.

For questions about payment contact: SEI Treasurer, Joseph Fazio (610)290-5126.    

PLEASE INDICATE YOUR DINNER SELECTION WHEN REGISTERING (CHICKEN, FISH, OR VEGETARIAN).        

PLEASE RSVP BY 5/13/16  

 

Register Now!