Geotechnical Problem Solving
1. Edition March 2012
358 Pages, Hardcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
Short Description
Devised with a focus on problem solving, this volume 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 confidently approach problems. Where various competing solutions are proposed, the author systematically leads through each option, to ensure the reader can solve real-world problems in a similar manner.
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).
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 DoWe 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
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.
