Redesigning Foundation Systems to Benefit from the High Bearing Capacity of Bedrock

摘要

Deep foundations can represent a significant cost toward the development of a site for new construction. By optimizing the foundation design, the construction project and realize a potential cost and schedule savings. The cost savings potential is particularly significant in bedrock. Bedrock bearing capacity is typically underutilized and often significantly exceeds the recommended values. Through the use of modern testing methods, additional geotechnical evaluation and drilling equipment, it is possible to develop further cost effective designs to benefit from this higher capacity. The use of O-Cell© testing, Mini-SID© and supplementary borings provide confirmation for higher end bearing and skin friction values. Modern drilling equipment allows for cost effective installation and accurate placement of foundation members into target bearing stratum without relying on natural fractures for termination points and a lengthy costly installation. The following case studies will include information from some high profile projects and test results where the proposed design and bedrock were evaluated and modifications to existing design reduced cost and compressed schedule.