The Importance of Lateral Stress in Geotechnical Design ...but How Do We Measure It?

摘要

There are many geotechnical problems that are dependent on lateral stresses. These include the stability of foundations, retaining wall, slopes and embankments. The SBT device may be the most useful tool for measurement of in situ lateral stresses for design and evaluation. The SBT concept, involving extrapolation of test data to obtain a pressure on a zero-blade thickness, has been validated in the laboratory and field tests. The field tests have also demonstrated the variability of in situ stresses and the SBT device appears to provide reliable data on these conditions. Compacted or overconsolidated zones are indicated by measure high lateral stresses that are relic from previously applied vertical loads. Underconsolidated, collapsible zones are indicated by low measured lateral stresses. The SBT device provides a method for lateral stress measurement that has become critical in the age of computer modeling. The ability to obtain lateral stress measurements increases the validity of our analytical procedures and expansion of the technology.