PHYSICAL AND NUMERICAL MODELLING OF GROUTED NAILS IN CLAY by Jonathan David Morris A thesis submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Oxtord Magdalen College Hilary Term, 1999PHYSICAL AND NUMERICAL MODELLING OF GROUTED NAILS IN CL. J.D. Morris Magdalen College, University of Oxford A thesis submutted for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Hilary Term, 1999 ABSTRACT. The research described in this thesis focussed on the bond resistance of grouted soil nails in clay. Physical modelling took the form of large scale element tests in the laboratory of drilled and grouted nails in a stiff clay. Nails were installed under different boundary stresses; testing was conducted at different constant rates of pull-out and also under sustained load conditions. Observed behaviour was compared with that predicted by measurements of interface shear resistance obtained in a conventional shear box. Numerical modelling was carried out in an attempt to improve understanding of the effects of installation processes on nail performance, and to investigate the trends in behaviour observed during the laboratory tests. For this purpose, a one-dimensional finite element computer program was developed to include the effects of consolidation and the out-of plane soil displacements associated with nail axial loading The physical modelling showed that the loading rate has a significant effect on bond resistance. This has consequences for the interpretation of data from constant rate of displacement pull-out testing, the conventional method of verifying bond resistance in the field. It is suggested that this type of testing is inappropriate in low permeability soils, because capillary suctions develop which lead to increased bond resistance. Results from laboratory sustained load tests show that lower values of bond resistance are mobilised under the static load conditions more likely to exist in a real soil nailed structure. ‘The numerical modelling confirms the behaviour observed during the laboratory tests, and shows that the mechanisms by which bond is mobilised are complex. depending critically on the dilation and consolidation characteristics of the soil. Nail installation procedures are modelled, and grout pressures are shown to strongly influence bond resistance. Interface tests show trends in behaviour similar to those observed during pull-out testing. However, difficulties exist in the qualitative use of interface test data te predict nail bond resistance.Acknowledgements { would like to express sincere thanks to my present employers Kvaerner Cementation Foundations for their financial support over the last three years. In particular. I would like to thank Dr David Greenwood, who was instrumental in organising the sponsorship agreement, and was also the source of much encouragement. Thanks are also extended to the current members of the technical department, and in particular to Mr Rab Femie, Dr Martin Pedley and Mr Tony Suckling for their useful comments and support over the last vo months. Iam in the debt of many people in the Engineering Department at Oxford. First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my supervisors Dr Harvey Burd and Dr George Milligan (now of GCG in London). Their guidance and patience has been invaluable, and is greatly appreciated, 1 would also like to thank Professor Guy Houlsby for his advice and encouragement in all areas, and particularly in relation to the finite element work. Other people at Oxford whom [ would particularly like to thank are: Clive, Bob, Chris. Maurice, Ken and John H. for their help with the apparatus and other matters; Gwyn for proof reading the manuscript; Neil for asking awkward questions; Scott for Keble hunches; Charles for Friday beers; Nic for always being helpful; and Ramon for much needed escapes from Oxford in the summer months. Finally, { would like to thank Freya, my family and my friends for all the support they have given me over the last three years. Without you all, I would never have got this finished