Complex loading of buried structures and foundations

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The aim of this work will be the investigation of the behaviour of two types of buried foundation when subjected to complex combinations of vertical, horizontal and moment loads under static and cyclic conditions. The 'geotechnical structures' to be investigated are wind turbine foundations and tree root systems. Newly developed design methods utilised in the offshore foundation industry will be validated and calibrated for use with these new foundations, supported by data from field testing, scaled physical model testing and computer based finite element analysis. Refinement of wind farm turbine foundation design tools would be an extremely valuable and cost effective contribution to the renewable energy industry. Likewise, understanding the impact of extreme wind storms such as tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and winter storms on the built environment in Canada is significant. Understanding of the behaviour of these geotechnical foundation systems and optimisation of analytical methods will provide improvements in design and prediction of their behaviour, and provide progress in their areas of application. Over the funding period, data and knowledge accrued from the research will be utilized by engineers working in construction, geosciences, energy and the offshore industry. The proposed infrastructure will enable the creation of (i) knowledge of structures and geotechnical processes, (ii) databases of field-scale behaviour, (iii) design and construction information and (iv) data for numerical and analytical method validation. Due to the significant size of the industries supported by geotechnical engineering, optimization and development of geotechnical design and practice will have great economic advantages and reduce risks for people, business and property in Canada. Geotechnical engineers are highly sought after and there is a drastic shortage of trained individuals across Canada and North America. The requested funds would provide training and experience for 17 highly qualified personnel over the five years of the project.