Geotechnical Problem Solving

Devised with a focus on problem solving, Geotechnical Problem
Solving bridges the gap between geotechnical and soil mechanics
material covered in university Civil Engineering courses and the
advanced topics required for practicing Civil, Structural and
Geotechnical engineers. By giving newly qualified engineers the
information needed to apply their extensive theoretical knowledge,
and informing more established practitioners of the latest
developments, this book enables readers to consider how to
confidently approach problems having thought through the various
options available. Where various competing solutions are proposed,
the author systematically leads through each option, weighing up
the benefits and drawbacks of each, to ensure the reader can
approach and solve real-world problems in a similar manner

The scope of material covered includes a range of geotechnical
topics, such as soil classification, soil stresses and strength and
soil self-weight settlement. Shallow and deep foundations are
analyzed, including special articles on laterally loaded piles,
retaining structures including MSE and Tieback walls, slope and
trench stability for natural, cut and fill slopes, geotechnical
uncertainty, and geotechnical LRFD (Load and Resistance Factor
Design).

Auteur

Dr John Lommler is a practicing geotechnical engineer with
44 years experience in teaching, consulting and mentoring in
Structural and Geotechnical Engineering. Dr Lommler is
principal geotechnical engineer for AMEC in New Mexico and
Texas. He began his career in Ohio in 1967 as a student
structural engineer working on power plant projects. His
career changed from structural to geotechnical engineering after
studying under and mentoring received from Dr David Timmerman at
the University of Akron.

Dr Lommler taught and practiced consulting geotechnical
engineering in Ohio until 1991. When he moved to New Mexico
to help his wife's health, the move introduced him to arid,
unsaturated, collapsible soils with Bob Booth and George Beckwith,
which reinvigorated his career. In Albuquerque, he connected
with Dr Ralph Peck, who inspired, mentored and encouraged him to
continue geotechnical consulting practice past retirement age,
mentor younger engineers, and write his book, Geotechnical
Problem Solving.

Dr Lommler has written or co-authored over 1100 geotechnical
reports and studies for commercial, municipal, state and federal
government clients. He is author and co-author of several
reports on Uranium Mill Tailings disposal cell design available
from federal publishing sources, and is co-author of several
geotechnical papers published in conference proceedings available
from ASCE and the Geo-Institute.

Résumé
Devised with a focus on problem solving, Geotechnical Problem Solving bridges the gap between geotechnical and soil mechanics material covered in university Civil Engineering courses and the advanced topics required for practicing Civil, Structural and Geotechnical engineers. By giving newly qualified engineers the information needed to apply their extensive theoretical knowledge, and informing more established practitioners of the latest developments, this book enables readers to consider how to confidently approach problems having thought through the various options available. Where various competing solutions are proposed, the author systematically leads through each option, weighing up the benefits and drawbacks of each, to ensure the reader can approach and solve real-world problems in a similar manner The scope of material covered includes a range of geotechnical topics, such as soil classification, soil stresses and strength and soil self-weight settlement. Shallow and deep foundations are analyzed, including special articles on laterally loaded piles, retaining structures including MSE and Tieback walls, slope and trench stability for natural, cut and fill slopes, geotechnical uncertainty, and geotechnical LRFD (Load and Resistance Factor Design).

Contenu

Preface vii

1 General Topics 1

1.1 How to Use This Book 2

1.2 You have to See It to Solve It 5

1.3 My Approach to Modern Geotechnical Engineering Practice - An Overview 12

1.4 Mistakes or Errors 26

2 Geotechnical Topics 35

2.1 Soil Classification - Why Do We Have It? 36

2.2 Soil Stresses and Strains 61

2.3 Soil Shear Strength 73

2.4 Shear Strength Testing - What is Wrong with the Direct Shear Test? 84

2.5 What is the Steady State Line? 94

2.6 Static Equilibrium and Limit States 105

2.7 Unsaturated Soils 110

3 Foundations 127

3.1 Settlements of Clays 128

3.2 Settlements of Sands 139

3.3 Self-Weight Settlement of Sandy Soils 161

3.4 Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundations 169

3.5 Load Capacity of Deep Foundations 179

3.6 Laterally Loaded Piles and Shafts 205

4 Retaining Structures - Lateral Loads 221

4.1 Lateral Earth Pressure 222

4.2 Retaining Walls - Gravity, Cantilevered, MSE, Sheet Piles, and Soldier Piles 234

4.3 Tieback Walls 255

5 Geotechnical LRFD 267

5.1 Reliability, Uncertainty and Geo-Statistics 268

5.2 Geotechnical Load and Resistance Factor Design 278

5.3 LRFD Spread Footings 282

5.4 LRFD Pile Foundations 295

5.5 LRFD Drilled-Shaft Foundations 303

5.6 LRFD Slope Stability 312

6 Closing 321

6.1 The Big Picture 322

6.2 V and V and Balance 327

6.3 The Biggest Problem 330

6.4 Topics Left for Later 332

Index 335