Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/11681/20714
Title: Settlement of large hydraulic structures
Authors: Kaufman, Robert I.
Sherman, Walter C.
Keywords: Alluvial soils
Alluvial rivers
Morganza Control Structure
Old River Control Overbank Structure
Old River Control Low-sill Structure
Settlement
Foundations
Hydraulic structures
Publisher: U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station.
Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)
Description: Miscellaneous Paper
Abstract: A number of large hydraulic structures have been constructed as features of the project for flood control and improvement of the Lower Mississippi River. The structures are founded on alluvial soils and subjected to differential heads resulting from variations in river stage. Because of the relatively unfavorable foundation conditions and seasonal variations in foundation loadings, movements of these structures were observed during and after construction to determine their performance with respect to design assumptions. This paper presents the results of these observations on three selected structures (the Old River Control Overbank Structure, the Old River Control Low-sill Structure, and the Morganza Control Structure) and conclusions regarding their performance. Extensive instrumentation and careful observations of these large hydraulic structures in alluvial soils indicate that the structures are functioning as designed. It is concluded that proper design procedures based on current soil mechanics techniques can produce acceptable results. Generally, observed settlements were in the range of magnitude of those predicted in design. Preload fills were utilized and were successful in eliminating a large part of settlement which would otherwise occur at the structure abutments. With proper design procedures, settlements of large structures in alluvial soils can be controlled to reasonable values. However, some seasonal movement will occur due to variations in temperature and river stages. The structures have performed adequately since construction.
Rights: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/11681/20714
Appears in Collections:Miscellaneous Paper

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