LRFD Article 4: LRFD for Substructures – Consideration of Deterioration of Foundations and Retaining Walls
Document Info
Title: LRFD Article 4: LRFD for Substructures – Consideration of Deterioration of Foundations and Retaining Walls
Authored By: NCS GeoResources, LLC
Report Date: December 2016
Abstract
Most, if not all, foundation elements are buried in geomaterials. This is also true for most earth retaining structures. Thus, the long-term performance of the foundation and wall elements can be affected by the corrosion or degradation potential of the geomaterials. The term corrosion applies to metal components, and degradation applies to nonmetal components such as polymeric soil reinforcements in mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls. These mechanisms lead to a deterioration of the structural resistance of the buried support elements. The distress to a 400-foot long section of the Leo Frigo bridge in Green Bay, Wisconsin, due to corrosion of foundation steel piles is a well-known recent example of the consequences of deterioration of foundation elements. This article summarizes the available guidance through AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications (AASHTO LRFD, 2014) and other publications.
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