SEDL / STP / STP1384-EB / STP15280S

Compaction Control to Minimize Settlement of Fill Supporting a Shopping Center

Newman, FB
Geotechnical/Structural Group Manager and Staff Engineer, GAI Consultants, Inc., Monroeville, PA

Mazzella, SG
Geotechnical/Structural Group Manager and Staff Engineer, GAI Consultants, Inc., Monroeville, PA

Pages: 7    Published: Jan 2000

Download this paper for $25 PDF (116K)          View License Agreement
Abstract

A sloping site was regraded to a nearly level configuration for a strip shopping center. This resulted in one end of the building being underlain by rock at finished subgrade and the other end by up to 35 feet of compacted soil-rock fill. In addition, abandoned coal mine workings were present under the portion of the building with the rock subgrade. A portion of the building was supported by reinforced concrete drilled pier foundations through the abandoned mine to prevent damage due to mine subsidence. The other portion of the building was supported by spread footings bearing on compacted fill. This paper describes how ASTM testing methods were employed in controlling compaction of mixed soil-rock fill to limit total and differential settlements to tolerable values. Settlements after ten years have been minimal.