ABSTRACT NZS 1170.5:2004 provides a subsoil classification system of classes A to E, which are determined by specific criteria of soil or rock characteristics. The fundamental site period, T, is a key parameter in the classification system and is particularly useful in deciding between soil…
ABSTRACT Expansive soils are present across the wider Auckland region and in many other parts of New Zealand, where residential buildings are increasingly supported on shallow slabs and footings in clay-rich soils subject to shrinking and swelling behaviour. Currently NZS3604 provides first-line guidance on the…
ABSTRACT Undetected cavities and large voids in rock can pose a significant problem to project progress or budgeting and are a potential health & safety concern. Often the problem arises from accidental detection during the project timeline which is less than ideal. Early detection of…
ABSTRACT Tensar uniaxial geogrids are molecularly oriented polymeric grid structures developed for tension resistant inclusions in soil walls and slopes. When stressed the geogrid must be capable of sustaining the load without rupture over the design life of the structure. The earliest use of high-density…
ABSTRACT This case study describes the design and construction of an MSE (Mechanically Stabilised Earth) wall in the geological environment of the Taupō Pumice Formation, a non-welded ignimbrite and reworked deposits from the 181 AD Taupō eruption. The engineering properties of the pumice and the…
ABSTRACT During recent construction of an overpass bridge on soft ground, piled ground improvements were used to reduce the settlement of the bridge abutments and approach embankments. The piles were installed prior to construction of the approach embankments, under which significant consolidation settlement would occur…
ABSTRACT Inner city developments generally include deep basements that require perimeter retention to facilitate the excavation. Ground anchors are readily selected as part of the retention system due to their ability to be stressed and prevent structural movement. Ground anchors comprise steel components and often…
ABSTRACT The use of steel tendons in soil nailing and ground anchoring has been commonplace for both permanent and temporary applications. Double corrosion protection (DCP) is required to ensure a serviceable design life, and these have evolved to become complicated assemblies comprising numerous components. This…
There is an overwhelming consensus among scientists that human-induced global warming has already caused profound alterations to natural and human ecosystems. Download to read more
ABSTRACT The Mw6.2 22 February 2011 and Mw6.0 13 June 2011 earthquakes caused significant and wide-spread damage to the Christchurch infrastructure networks, including the Christchurch water networks (potable, waste, and storm). The transient and permanent ground deformations generated by these two earthquakes severely damaged buried…