Browsing by Subject "Soil mechanics"

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    Cone Penetration Test Design Guide for State Geotechnical Engineers
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2018-11) Dagger, Ryan; Saftner, David; Mayne, Paul
    The objectives of this project are focused on a new cone penetration testing (CPT) geotechnical design manual for highway and transportation applications based on recent research and innovation covering the period from 2000 to 2018. A step-by-step procedure is outlined on how to use CPT data in the analysis and design of common geotechnical tasks. Previous manuals are either very outdated with information from 1970-1996, or not appropriately targeted to transportation works. This design document introduces modern and recent advancements in CPT research not otherwise captured in legacy manuals from the 1990's and earlier. Examples and case studies are provided for each topic interpreted using CPT measures. In the manual, a step-by-step procedure is outlined on how to use CPT data in analysis and design for typical geotechnical practices. These topics, which are applicable both to state highways and local roads, include bridge foundations (including shallow footings and deep foundations) and soil characterization (including determination of standard soil engineering properties).
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    Minnesota Steel Culvert Pipe Service-Life Map
    (Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2015-06) Heitkamp, Barbara; Marr, Jeffrey
    The goal of this project was to develop a series of steel pipe service-life maps for the state of Minnesota. The California Method 643 is utilized to estimate steel pipe service life at locations throughout the state. Over 560 soil resistivity and pH samples were collected statewide during summer 2014 along embankments of state-trunk and county highways. Concurrent observations of soil texture, surrounding landscape, roadway type, and water presence were also made; water pH and conductivity measures were made where applicable. Data verification efforts to build confidence in field-measured soil pH and soil resistivity included comparing data to other available datasets including geology, soil pH, electrical conductivity, and soil texture, as well as observations available from district and county engineers. Field-measured soil pH data, with some exceptions in Districts 2 and 6, generally aligned with the available STATSGO soil pH data, indicating that this layer could reasonably be used in service-life calculations as it has greater resolution than provided by field data. In the absence of a statewide soil resistivity or electrical conductivity map, field-classified soil textures and the statewide STATSGO soil texture map were used to estimate soil resistivity values. Calculations of service life using the above data were completed for 18-, 16-, 14-, 12-, 10- and 8-gage galvanized and aluminized steel pipe across Minnesota. These maps were then compiled into a zone map and table that presents the 90th percentile service- life estimate for various gages and types of steel pipe. Caveats and limitations to this analysis are also discussed.