Geomechanics and Engineering

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Investigation on economical method of foundation construction on soft soils in seismic zones: A case study in southern Iran

  • Javad, Jalili (International Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Seismology) ;
  • Farajdollah, Askari (International Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Seismology) ;
  • Ebrahim, Haghshenas (International Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Seismology) ;
  • Azadeh, Marghaiezadeh (International Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Seismology)
  • Received : 2022.08.24
  • Accepted : 2023.01.09
  • Published : 2023.01.25
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Abstract

A comprehensive study was conducted to design economical foundations for a number of buildings on soft cohesive soil in the southern coastal regions of Iran. Both static and seismic loads were considered in the design process. Cyclic experiments indicated that the cohesive soil of the area has potential for softening. Consequently, the major challenge in the design stages was relatively high dimensions of settlement, under both static and seismic loadings. Routine soil-improvement methods were too costly for the vast area of the project. After detailed numerical modeling of different scenarios, we concluded that, in following a performance-based design approach and applying a special time schedule of construction, most of the settlement would dissipate during the construction of the buildings. Making the foundation as rigid as possible was another way to prevent any probable differential settlement. Stiff subgrade of stone and lime mortar under the grid foundation and a reinforced concrete slab on the foundation were considered as appropriate to this effect. In favor of an economical design, in case the design earthquake strikes the site, the estimations indicate no collapse of the buildings even if considerable uniform settlements may occur. This is a considerable alternative design to costly soil-improvement methods.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This study was supported partly by the International Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Seismology (IIEES) and partly by the Natural Disasters Research Institute (NDRI). The authors gratefully acknowledge the IIEES and NDRI as well as Mrs. Rakhshande for the valuable data she gathered from the field observations. Dr. M.K. Jafari and Dr. M. Davoudi are highly acknowledged for their valuable help during the research. The authors also thank Mr. M. Asgari, Mr. G. Hadavi and Mr. S. Azadmanesh for their assistance in conducting the tests.

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