foundation_design_bridge_column -- 2

See attached pdf for details
The initial bridge design proposes a simple multi-span bridge with spans of 12m between individual
pillars. A typical section of the bridge at a pillar location is given in Figure 2, while the presented
uniform load of 300kN/m2
represents both the dead and the live load of the bridge and has already
been properly factored. It can be directly used to calculate the total load acting on the foundation
system by assuming that it also accounts for the weight of the pillar itself. Figure 3 shows a plan
view of the bridge deck which has a width of 7m. The length of the pillar is 5m and its width 0.70m.
In terms of loading, apart from the vertical load, the structural analyses indicates that the bridge
imposes to the foundation system moments equal to 30% of the vertical load in both directions.
For the provided data you are asked to consider various foundation systems, to properly design
those performing the required calculations and to make a final and justified decision on the
foundation system that you are going to propose as a geotechnical design team at the next design
progress meeting within your company.
Minimum tasks to be accomplished
 TASK 1: From the given in situ testing (SPT) results, as well as based on the provided index
properties, you are asked to determine any necessary strength and compressibility
parameters for the two soil layers. Your design calculations (i.e., selected methodologies)
will dictate the parameters needed. You are expected to use empirical equations from the
literature to provide proper estimates for the missing values. Provide references and pay
attention to the assumptions and limitations of any correlations used.
 TASK 2: Consider the possibility of a shallow foundation and design it properly performing
bearing capacity calculations under both drained and undrained conditions (if needed) and
estimate the expected settlements. Use appropriate methodologies, apply reasonable safety
factor values and compare the calculated settlements with suggested values from the
international literature or relevant design codes.
 TASK 3: Consider the possibility of a deep foundation system and perform the appropriate
bearing capacity calculations.
 TASK 4: Compare the two systems; consider their engineering performance, feasibility and
economic criteria in order to reach your final design

Deliverable
The outcome of your coursework should be a technical report which:
a) describes your design concepts and clearly states all the data utilized and all the assumptions
made.
b) presents all the relevant calculations to an acceptable extend.
c) provides proper drawings - sketches of the considered solutions and of the final design.
Useful notes for your project
 Computer typewriting and CAD drawings - sketches instead of handwritings will be highly
appreciated. In any case pay attention to:
o use of appropriate technical language
o neatly present your calculations
o provide clear drawings-sketches with dimensions
 Provide proper justification for any assumptions made, including parameters and relations
from the literature; properly reference the utilized resources.
 You are encouraged to use simple computer “programming” in the form of spreadsheets to
perform your calculations. In case you select to do so you must provide the excel files with
your submission and to describe the mathematical operations performed within each
spreadsheet in your technical report.
 There is no page limit or word limit for your report. However, keep in mind that:
o your work will be marked based on its quality and not on its quantity;
o technical writing must be concise and avoids verbalism;
o appropriate sketches, drawings, graphs and tables are by far more suitable in
presenting concepts and designs. You are expected to make efficient use of those
elements within your text. Use appropriate labels, numbering and cross-referencing
within the text;
 You can structure your technical report as you wish