A Case History of Settlement of an Embankment on Lagoonal Deposits Influenced by Artesian Conditions

Huang, An-Bin; Wong, Bob Y. K.; ,

A Case History of Settlement of an Embankment on Lagoonal Deposits Influenced by Artesian Conditions

by An-Bin Huang, (M.ASCE), Natl Chiao-Tung Univ, Hsinchu, Taiwan,
Bob Y. K. Wong, (M.ASCE), Natl Chiao-Tung Univ, Hsinchu, Taiwan,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Vertical and Horizontal Deformations of Foundations and Embankments

Abstract:

A geotechnical engineering investigation was performed for the Pearl Kai Center, a shopping center in the Pearl Harbor area of the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The proposed commercial development consisted of light, wood framed single-story structures. In order to construct a parking lot in the central area of the site, it was necessary to place up to 2.1 m thick fill to match the elevation of the adjacent Kamehameha Highway. A lagoonal marine deposit which was approximately 18 to 27 m thick was encountered throughout the site, underlying a crust of existing fill material. Possible settlement induced by the weight of the new fill was a major concern in development of design recommendations. Water level measurements during drilling indicated that there was an artesian head of 2.8 to 3 m in excess of the hydraulic water pressure at the project area. Total settlement due to the new fill was estimated to be 0.8 to 1.4 m. Extensive field instrumentation which included inclinometers, piezometers and settlement plates were installed. Field measurements indicated that settlement ranging from 0.03 to 0.41 m occurred within six months after completion of the fill and remained stable thereafter. This paper presents a case history of the project and discusses the reasons for the relatively small settlement recorded at the site as compared with estimates made prior to construction.

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