GEO-TECHNICAL/STRUCTURAL COMPUTER MODELLING 2

[TRAVIS PUCHERT]

Is it possible to do a computer model on the effects of soldier piles with ground anchors on neighbouring ground as well as the effect of this on adjacent structures. So it is a combination of Geo - technical and structural modelling, showing stresses on the ground, under foundations, lateral ground displacement and the stresses and reaction of adjacent structures. What is the correct terminology for this, what programmes would specialists use and how can I make contact with such a person/company?
Thanks
Travis

 

[GeoPaveTraffic]

Yes it is possible and many people will say they can do the finite element modeling. The trick will be finding someone who is good at it.

Why are you wanting this kind of modeling done? What is the questions(s) you are trying to answer?

The modeling itself will be expensive, in my experience at least $25k US; and then there is the input data that will be needed. If the are has been well explored and there is a lot of good laboratory data, then maybe not much additional exploration and testing will be needed. Otherwise this part of the project could easily be over another $25k US.

Mike Lambert

 

[TRAVIS PUCHERT]

Thanks Mike, A few months ago I posted a issue I had with my neighbour inserting ground anchors illegally into my property. This forum was a great help, the Geo Technical Engineers on the forum advised me what I should do and explained what the effects on my property could potentially be. I took their advise, went the legal route. The courts appointed an Expert, and we have had numerous meetings on site and soil samples have been taken etc. I live in France, so they don't think out of the box, the feedback that I am getting from the Expert is that the cracking and movement of my structure is not necessarily from the insertion of the 17 ground anchors. My question to the Expert was, so is it just a coincidence that after 8 years of no cracks or movement they happen to appear when my neighbour impact piles 26 micro piles 3m from my boundary and then inserts 17 lateral ground anchors( 3 cable stranded anchors 8m unbonded + 8m bonded)into my property, he looked at me and shrugged his shoulders. So this is why I want to do computer modelling to support my theories or prove them wrong.

 

[BridgeSmith]

...the feedback that I am getting from the Expert is that the cracking and movement of my structure is not necessarily from the insertion of the 17 ground anchors.

Of course, no one can say with certainty one way or the other. Are the courts saying you don't have a valid claim because the "Expert" won't make a definitive statement that it is because of the ground anchors? Here in the US, I believe that the highest standard for a situation like this would be 'more likely than not' that the anchors are the source of the problems, which is what the expert's statement sounds like to me. In the civil courts in the US that I've had any contact with, the neighbor would need an expert to attest that it's unlikely the anchors caused the problem.

Rod Smith, P.E., The artist formerly known as HotRod10

 

[GeoPaveTraffic]

Ok, I vaguely remember your previous post but I did not follow it closely.

The type of modeling that I described above would be the only way that I know to calculate the affect of installing the ground anchors and micropiles. However the reality is that you could have three different, very competent engineers model the conditions and you will get three different answers. The answers will likely range from "the anchors caused the cracks" to "the anchors did not cause the cracks". There are just too many different parameters that have to be modeled and as a profession we have limited abilities to determine those parameters with a high degree of accuracy/confidence. I know this isn't a good answer for you, but it is what I believe is true.

I know absolutely nothing about how the French courts work, sorry. Best advice is can give based on my experience with the, very messed up, United States court system is:

1. Instead of asking the Expert if the anchors and micropiles caused the problem, ask the Expert if the anchors and micropiles did not cause the problem?
2. Ask the Expert what did cause the problem?
3. Tell the neighbor to remove the illegally installed anchors. You don't really want him to do this since it would likely cause more damage, but if you could force him to remove them then it might give you leverage to him to pay for your repairs. Frankly this is best that I expect you can hope for.

Best of luck and sorry for your troubles.

Mike Lambert

 

[TRAVIS PUCHERT]

Thanks Mike and Rod, much appreciated and a BIG help.
Have a good weekend
Travis

 

[PEinc]

Check the "expert's" qualifications and personal experience with anchored walls.

http://www.PeirceEngineering.com

 

[Ron]

You need a new expert! One that digs into the issues instead of shrugging his shoulders. I do forensic work for about 70-80 percent of my practice. We do what we can to chase down both sides of the issue. We have no problem admitting to our client that they have a problem if that's what the evidence shows; however, if our client is right, we will do everything we can legitimately do to prove that.

 

[TRAVIS PUCHERT]

Thanks Ron, that is what I would expect from a Court appointed EXPERT.
As I have no faith in the Expert that the courts have appointed, and I understand the Xenophobia that the French have towards Foreigners ( I have lived in France for 10 years), I have appointed a Geotechnical Engineer from my country of birth to produce a computer model of what is happening to my ground and structure.
Thanks again to all that have replied to my posts.