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We outline the development of a computational procedure for finite-element analysis of suction-caisson behavior, highlighting its unique features and capabilities. The procedure is based on a description of clayey soil as a two-phase medium: a water-filled porous solid. Nonlinear behavior of the solid phase is represented by means of a bounding-surface plasticity model. An algorithm is developed for frictional contact in terms of effective normal stress. Furthermore, a special remeshing scheme is introduced facilitating the simulation of the installation process, tracking the caisson penetration path and avoiding numerical complications in the vicinity of the caisson-soil interfaces. To illustrate the use of the proposed computational procedure and examine its validity, complete simulations of available laboratory tests on model suction caissons are conducted. Results are presented and discussed for test-bed preparation (consolidation) followed by caisson installation by self-weight and suction, setup (reconsolidation), and axial pullout. The overall agreement between computations and measurements is good. Possible improvements are identified and recommendations are made regarding future studies. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000321 CE Database subject headings: Caissons; Porous media; Friction; Pullout; Finite element method; Numerical models. Author keywords: Caisson; Suction; Anchor; Offshore; Penetration; Porous medium; Porous media; Friction; Consolidation; Setup; Pullout; Axial capacity; Finite element.

This paper presents the results of a numerical investigation into the performance of geosynthetic-encased stone columns (GESCs) installed in soft ground for embankment construction. A three-dimensional finite-element model was employed to carry out a parametric study on a number of governing factors such as the consistency of soft ground, the geosynthetic encasement length and stiffness, the embankment fill height, and the area replacement ratio. The results indicate among other things that additional confinement provided by the geosynthetic encasement increases the stiffness of the stone column and reduces the degree of embankment load transferred to the soft ground, thereby decreasing the overall settlement. It is also shown that the geosynthetic encasement has a greater impact for cases with larger stone column spacing and/or weaker soil. Also revealed is that unlike isolated column loading conditions, full encasement may be necessary to ensure maximum settlement reduction when implementing GESCs under an embankment loading condition. Practical implications of the findings are discussed in detail. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000316 CE Database subject headings: Geosynthetics; Stones; Columns; Soil consolidation; Soil stabilization; Finite element method; Embankments. Author keywords: Geosynthetic; Stone column; Consolidation; Ground improvement; Finite-element method.

Understanding the complex mechanisms of stress transfer and strain accumulation in layers of track substructure under repeated wheel loading is essential to predict the desirable track maintenance cycle as well as the design of the new track. Various finite element and analytical techniques have been developed in the past to understand the behavior of composite track layers subjected to repeated wheel loads. The mechanical behavior of ballast is influenced by several factors, including the track confining pressure, type of aggregates, and the number of loading cycles. A field trial was conducted on an instrumented track at Bulli, New South Wales, Australia, with the specific aims of studying the benefits of a geocomposite installed at the ballast-capping interface, and to evaluate the performance of moderately graded recycled ballast in comparison to traditionally very uniform fresh ballast. It was found that recycled ballast can be effectively reused if reinforced with a geocomposite. It was also found that geocomposite can effectively reduce vertical and lateral strains of the ballast with obvious implications for improved track stability and reduced maintenance costs. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000312 CE Database subject headings: Railroad tracks; Ballast; Cyclic loads; Deformation; Geosynthetics. Author keywords: Railroad tracks; Ballast; Cyclic loads; Deformation.

This paper focuses on the design and performance of a very tall mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall. Expansion of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport called for the construction of a third runway west of the two existing runways. A significant volume of compacted earth fill was required to raise the grade as much as 50 m to meet the level of the existing airfield. Nominal 2H: 1V fill slopes were used where possible, but MSE retaining walls were used where fill slopes would have encroached into existing wetlands. Consequently a four-tier 46-m-tall MSE wall was constructed along a portion of the western edge of the embankment. Performance monitoring included strain gauge-instrumented reinforcing strips, inclinometer installations with sondex settlement rings, optical survey of the wall facing for vertical and lateral movements, and piezometers. This paper describes wall design issues, aspects associated with the instrumentation of the wall, and the observed performance. Monitoring indicates satisfactory performance of the MSE wall and compares reasonably well with predicted performance. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000294 CE Database subject headings: Soil stabilization: Retaining walls; Performance characteristics; Instrumentation; Design; Displacement; Washington; Airport and airfield runways. Author keywords: Soil stabilization; Retaining walls; Performance; Instrumentation; Design; Displacement.

Liquefaction-induced ground deformation has caused major damage to bridge and wharf structures in past earthquakes. Large lateral ground displacements may induce significant forces in the foundation and superstructure, which may lead to severe damage or even collapse. A performance-based earthquake engineering (PBEE) approach can provide an objective assessment of the likely seismic performance, so that agencies can evaluate bridge or wharf structures, compare retrofit strategies, and rank them within their overall system. In this paper, a probabilistic PBEE design procedure that incorporates findings from recent research on this problem is presented. The proposed approach can provide answers in terms that are meaningful to owners, such as expected repair costs and downtimes. The methodology is validated through its application to a well-documented case history. Results show that the proposed approach provides a good estimate of the seismic performance of pile-supported structures at sites with liquefaction-induced lateral displacement. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000226 CE Database subject headings: Displacement; Soil liquefaction; Pile foundations; Earthquakes; Bridges; Harbors. Author keywords: Bridges; Displacement; Lateral spreading; Liquefaction; Performance-based design; Pile foundations.

Performance-based procedures for evaluation of liquefaction potential have been shown to provide more consistent and accurate indications of the actual likelihood of liquefaction in areas of different seismicity than conventional procedures. The process of performing a complete site-specific performance-based evaluation of liquefaction potential, however, requires numerous calculations involving quantities that many geotechnical engineers are not familiar with. This paper shows how the results of complete performance-based analyses can be expressed in terms of a scalar parameter corresponding to a particular element of soil in a reference soil profile, and presents procedures for adjustment of that parameter to account for site-specific conditions that differ from those of the reference profile. The procedures are shown to closely approximate the results of complete site-specific performance-based evaluations. Engineers can then use mapped values of the scalar parameter, along with the recommended adjustment procedure, to realize the benefits of a performance-based evaluation without having to actually perform the performance-based calculations. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000191 CE Database subject headings: Earthquakes; Soil liquefaction; Sand, soil type; Penetration tests; Hazards. Author keywords: Earthquakes; Liquefaction; Sands; Standard penetration tests; Hazard analysis.

A procedure is presented for analyzing postconstruction deformation of seepage barriers due to changes in the pore pressure regime after seepage barrier construction. The procedure uses the changes in pore pressures calculated by finite-element seepage analyses to calculate changes in buoyancy and seepage forces that occur as a result of seepage barrier construction. When the buoyancy and seepage forces are applied to a finite-element soil-structure interaction model, the result is an effective-stress analysis that rigorously models seepage effects. This paper discusses application of the procedure to five dams to calculate postconstruction deformation and stresses in seepage barriers. The results of the analyses indicate that deformation due to pore pressure regime changes is a likely mechanism causing cracking in rigid seepage barriers. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000241 CE Database subject headings: Seepage; Barriers; Deformation; Dams; Finite element method; Cracking; Pore pressure. Author keywords: Seepage barrier; Cutoff; Seepage; Deformation; Dam; Finite element.