Monopole foundation in swampy area
Monopole foundation in swampy area
(OP)
All-
I have a request to design a foundation in Ireland in what can only be described as a swamp. The client is insisting on a pad foundation, as piles (caissons) aren't typically used here. Coming from the US, I have rarely seen 'just' a pad used for a monopole, and never in bad soil conditions. The client has mentioned pile reinforcement under the pad to combat overturning.
My quandary is this:
There is 2m of fill (clay, brick and concrete) covering peat. The water table begins where the peat begins. 'Presumed rock or boulder' begins at about 4.5m. Rainfall varies heavily in this area, so shrinkage will occur. Even if a mat is designed with pile reinforcement, won't the shrinkage cause the mat to crack, possibly to the detriment of the stability of the monople? Wouldn't a large pile resting on or even drilled into the 'presumed rock or boulder' be a (structurally) better and presumably more cost effective solution?
I should mention that the client has no interest in replacing soil or the like. They just want to plop the monopole down and be done with it.
Many thanks-
Alex
I have a request to design a foundation in Ireland in what can only be described as a swamp. The client is insisting on a pad foundation, as piles (caissons) aren't typically used here. Coming from the US, I have rarely seen 'just' a pad used for a monopole, and never in bad soil conditions. The client has mentioned pile reinforcement under the pad to combat overturning.
My quandary is this:
There is 2m of fill (clay, brick and concrete) covering peat. The water table begins where the peat begins. 'Presumed rock or boulder' begins at about 4.5m. Rainfall varies heavily in this area, so shrinkage will occur. Even if a mat is designed with pile reinforcement, won't the shrinkage cause the mat to crack, possibly to the detriment of the stability of the monople? Wouldn't a large pile resting on or even drilled into the 'presumed rock or boulder' be a (structurally) better and presumably more cost effective solution?
I should mention that the client has no interest in replacing soil or the like. They just want to plop the monopole down and be done with it.
Many thanks-
Alex





RE: Monopole foundation in swampy area
RE: Monopole foundation in swampy area
RE: Monopole foundation in swampy area
RE: Monopole foundation in swampy area
I would also do a couple borings to determine if the layer is rock or if it is buolders. This will make a big difference in which ever deep foundation system you use.
RE: Monopole foundation in swampy area
Again, I appreciate the responses.
Alex