Analysis and Immediate Treatment of Concrete Columns Loss and Soil Loss of Support under Structures.

Document Type : Research Studies

Authors

Structural Engineering Department., Faculty of Engineering., Zagazig University., Zagazig 44519

Abstract

This paper presents a simple and innovative technique for immediate treatment of two cases which induce many structural problems and may lead to overall structural failure. The idea is simply introduced by planting supports under the structures which suffer loss of support to soundly sustain the structure loads at the lost parts and block the accumulation of stresses induced by such loss of soil support. The same method also provides an immediate and suitable solution for the case of sudden loss of columns (due to sudden explosion) or removal for architectural or structural purposes, like reducing its overall dimensions or increasing its load carrying capacity.
The method is implemented by immediately placing a stiff metallic mould with easily adjustable height under the structure in the case of soil loss of support due to nearby excavation or soil erosion due to flooding or breaking in water mains. This stiff mould is quickly assembled under the structure. After which the structure lifting process is performed by lightening groups of nuts around threaded steel bars that could adequately resist the imposed structure loads to block further down movements of the structure. Concrete is then poured at the lower portion of the steel mould to increase its stiffness and affix it to the ground and the nut lightening continues till restoring the original position of the structure before that loss of support. In the case of sudden loss or removal of a column, the process is abssoulutely the same until restoring the original position before than removal then pouring concrete allover the steel mold section or covering it with suitable plastering for architectural purpose. Analytical and 3-D finite element model and analysis are presented in order to analyze a structure loosed one of its columns.

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