Route 895 (Pocahontas Parkway, Richmond, VAAs part of our comprehensive involvement on this $300 million design-build effort, SITE-BLAUVELT's geotechnical group has played an important role in the progress of the project from the completion of an early conceptual study to regular involvement in the ongoing construction. The work of our staff has encompassed all major areas of geotechnical engineering, with more than ten separate geotechnical engineering reports being authored over the course of the project. All laboratory work has been completed in our AASHTO-accredited laboratory, while all test borings have been completed by our in-house drilling department.Based upon information gained from our conceptual study work, geotechnical feasibility studies were conducted to determine the maximum approach embankment heights and optimum abutment locations, the suitability of using Mechanically-Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls versus conventional or geogrid-reinforced steep embankments, and the potential usefulness of ground improvement programs. Additionally, stability and settlement analyses were performed for the approach fills and retaining walls that would be constructed over relatively soft, cohesive soils. Feasibility studies were also completed to select the most cost-effective foundation types for the grade-separation bridges, which eventually resulted in the selection of open-ended pipe piles for use in the varied subsurface conditions that were encountered. The final geotechnical study for the project involved additional investigations for the main river crossing and elevated ramps, nine grade-separation bridges, embankments, MSE walls, gravity retaining walls, major drainage structures and roadway cuts/fills. Seismic refraction testing was performed in contaminated areas to assess the depth to competent bedrock for the selection of pile lengths, while borehole packer tests were used to determine groundwater flow into the drilled shaft excavations. During construction, the involvement of our geotechnical staff has included the checking of shop drawings and review of contractor submittals for materials, construction processes, and testing. Among the submittals reviewed were the results of the Wave Equation Analyses, dynamic pile testing with the Pile Driving Analyzer, CAPWAP analyses, and foundation load testing schematics. Additionally, our engineers have provided field consultation during the testing and installation of piles and drilled shafts. |
|
|
© 2002, SITE-BLAUVELT Engineers, Inc. - A TRC Company. For more information please contact our webmaster. What We Do | Employment Information | Home | SITE Map |