• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.82 no.3
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• pp.313-323
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• 2022

Steel laminated elastomeric bearings are commonly used in bridge structures to control displacements and rotations and transfer forces from the superstructure to the substructure. Proper knowledge of design, fabrication and erection procedures is important to ensure stability and adequate structural performance during the lifetime of the bridge. Difference in elevations sometimes leads to large size gaps between the bearing and the girder which makes the grout thickness that is commonly used for leveling deviate beyond standards. This paper investigates the structural response of High Strength Fiber Reinforced Cementitious (HSFRC) thin plinths that are used to close gaps between bearing pads and precast girders. An experimental program was developed for this purpose where HSFRC plinths of different size were cast and tested under vertical loads that simulate bridge loading in service. The structural performance of the plinths was closely monitored during testing, mainly crack propagation, vertical reaction and displacement. Analytically, the HSFRC plinth was analyzed using the beam on elastic foundation theory as the supporting elastomeric bearing pads are highly compressible. Closed form solutions were derived for induced displacement and forces and comparisons were made between analytical and experimental results. Finally, recommendations were made to facilitate the practical use of HSFRC plinths in bridge construction based on its enhanced load carrying capacity in shear and flexure.

• Journal of the Korean Geosynthetics Society
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.55-64
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• 2016

The construction of the road NATM tunnel, which undergoes the weathered zone of the mountain, was in process with the reinforcement methods such as the rock bolt, shotcrete depositing, and the multi step grout with large diameter steel pipe. The collapse from the ceiling, and on the ground surface area(sink hole), of which were measured to be 25m from the ground surface($V=12m(W){\times}14m(L){\times}5m(H)=840m^3$), as well as excessive displacements in the tunnel, had occurred. In order to execute the necessary reconstruction work, the causes of the surface collapses were inspected through the field investigation, in-situ tests, and numerical analysis. As a result, several proper solutions were suggested for both internal and external reinforcements for the tunnel. As a result of numerical analysis, the collapsed zone of the tunnel was reinforced up to 0.5D~1.0D laterally by the cement grouting on the ground surface, 0.5D longitudinally by the multi step grout with large diameter steel pipe in tunnel. With further reinforcement implemented by rebars in lining, the forward horizontal boring was executed to the rest of the tunnel to evaluate the overall status of the tunnel face. Appropriate reinforcement methods were provided if needed.

• Journal of the Korean GEO-environmental Society
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.29-35
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• 2024

This is an analytical study to confirm the passive resistance effect before post-tensioning of steel bar anchors. When using a steel bar as a permanent anchor, if displacement occurs within the slope even before the head load is applied, the displacement is suppressed by the passive resistance caused by the interaction between the steel bar, grout, and surrounding soil. Accordingly, the shape of the failure surface and changes in the safety factor were examined using limit equilibrium analysis and finite element analysis targeting sites where steel bar anchors were actually applied. It was found that the safety factor of the slope reinforced with steel bar anchors is 2.02 using finite element analysis, which is about 5.9% smaller than 2.14 using limit equilibrium analysis. Also, the location of the failure surface was found to be deeper compared to the unreinforced slope. Likewise, the factor of safety has a 153% and 163% increase using finite element method and limit equilibrium analysis, respectively. In addition, the maximum displacement occurs in the lower unreinforced section within the slope, and the displacement is found to be reduced by 42 to 83% at the location where the steel bar anchors are installed.