Characterization of gravelly soils in a reliable, cost-effective manner for routine engineering projects remains a challenge and methods such as the Cone Penetration Test and Standard Penetration Test are not considered appropriate. Even for large projects, such as dams and energy projects, characterization is expensive (if Becker testing is used) and problematic. With the majority…
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Feasibility Study of High-Performance Cut-off Walls for Levees in Seismic Regions: Dynamic Wall Analyses and Ductile Slurry Development.
The objective of this program is to develop a novel type of "slurry" cut-off wall for levees that possesses multiple risk mitigation applications,including seepage resistance, high seismic resistance, constructability, and sustainable fabrication. This interdisciplinary project is expected to bring about new approaches that addresses the performance of broad geotechnical infrastructure systems such as levees and…
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Effects of pile-driving induced vibrations on nearby structures and other assets.
This project is focused on better characterizing pile-driving induced vibrations and understanding their attenuation. Emphasis is given on quantifying the effect of soil type, hammer and pile combination and number of cycles on the soil settlement. This is achieved by a combination of field testing measurements and 3D finite element numerical analyses, to develop vibration…
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Seismic isolation of earth retaining structures using EPS-Geofoam compressible inclusions.
The objective of this project is to study the effectiveness of an EPS geofoam compressible inclusion as a seismic isolator against seismic lateral pressures. Twocentrifuge testshave been performed on small scale physical models of retaining structures with and without EPS compressible inclusions, generating the first centrifuge data that highlight the seismic isolation capabilities of the…
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Ground motion selection and modification criteria for the seismic design of earthen levees and other geotechnical infrastructure.
In this research project, ground motion intensity measures that are critical for predicting levee response have been established. The variability of levee response in terms of soil liquefaction triggering and seismic slope stability has been investigated and regressions have been developed to serve as guidelines for selection of ground motions for levee embankments. (more…)
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Development of a GIS-based tool and methodology to evaluate the seismic risk in regions protected against flooding by earthen levee systems.
This project focuses on developing a decision-making methodology that helps users prioritize mitigation efforts and predict levee system performance for selected seismic event scenarios.The proposed methodology will track uncertainties associated with (1) levee geometry, soil stratigraphy and soil properties, (2) the interpolation method, and (3) the calculation of the joint probability of failure due to…
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GeoWall team selected as national finalist
The U-M GeoWall team participated in the 2015 National GeoWall competition and was selected as one of the 20 national finalists. The team will travel to San Antonio in March 2015 to compete in the national finals. Notably, this is the first time in the department history that a team representing U-M has made it…
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