Monitoring of Structures During Repair of Underground Utilities

by F. Dirk Heidbrink, (M.ASCE), Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc, Northbrook, United States,
John E. Pearson, (A.M.ASCE), Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc, Northbrook, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Structures Congress XII

Abstract:

A collapse of underground utilities at a power plant required the constant monitoring of the surrounding structures during excavation and replacement of the damaged pipes. A computer-based data acquisition system was developed to monitor the structures around the clock. If a structure exceeded a maximum allowable tilt value, the workers were informed to stop all activities by an audible alarm. Evaluation of the structures began at the start of excavation and remained in operation until the old piping was replaced with new piping and was buried. In addition to the tilt sensors, strain gages and load cells were monitored during the excavation. Strain gages were installed on strut piping which spanned the excavation and connected to sheet pile walls. Soil anchors were also used to hold back the sheet pile walls. Load cells were utilized to monitor the loading of the soil anchors.

Subject Headings: Underground structures | Subsurface utilities | Load factors | Excavation | Soil settlement | Power plants | Pipes

Services: Buy this book/Buy this article

 

Return to search