Evolution of foundation works and implications of lateral loading on piles for tall structures

Abstract

For several millennia, constructing strong foundations has been a core responsibility of builders, architects and engineers. All structures eventually transfer their load to the ground, and over time we have found methods by which to improve foundations, making the structures safer. This thesis traces foundation works from the Neolithic Period through to the 21st century, observing the changes in form and function. Many civilizations had already made use of a form of foundations in their buildings before there was a recognized field of study that dealt with foundation engineering. Karl Terzaghi is acknowledged as being the Father of Soil Mechanics. After his work in the fields of soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering, a more scientific practice of foundation design and construction was established. Keeping the aforementioned historical and cultural context in mind, the conception and construction of deep pile foundations for a tall tower development in Malaysia will be investigated. The focus on loadings from the tall structure is especially relevant to today’s engineering, architecture and construction industries, as we constantly strive to build taller more reliable buildings. The deep pile foundations on the Malaysian site are designed mainly for axial load. The goal is to determine whether there should be more emphasis placed on lateral loading during the design phase of the piles. The specified site is interesting because its footprint spans three geologic zones with very different strength and deformability properties. Moreover, the foundation and tall tower structures are found to overlap zones, which will prove the main focus of this paper’s engineering investigation. An LPile modeling analysis of one of the structures located in a zone overlap will reveal some of the implications of lateral loading, which can then be discussed more quantitatively. It will be possible to analyze to what extent lateral deflection is a significant factor for pile design. Furthermore, some estimation methods will be introduced on analysis of social and environmental impacts of pile foundation construction.