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Geotechnical Analysis for Rock-Socketed Drilled Shaft

Date & Time: 
Mon, 05/23/2016 - 11:30am - 1:00pm
Location: 
E.L. Robinson Engineering, 1801 Watermark Drive, Suite 310, Columbus, OH 43215
  • Offered for free to Central Ohio Section ASCE Members
  • Seating is limited to the first 25 people
  • Bring your own lunch

Purpose and Background
Drilled shafts are a common foundation selection for all types of structures. When the soil is relatively poor quality and the structure loads are relatively large, the shafts are often drilled through the poor soils into underlying rock mass is present. These shafts could be founded or seated on the rock mass surface, or they could be drilled into the rock mass to form a rock socket. This webinar concentrates on the geotechnical analysis for drilled shafts that derive their axial and lateral resistance from rock sockets. The webinar is based upon Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) methodology as per the specifications of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). It discusses load transfer models for axial and lateral behavior of rock sockets. It also discusses selection of appropriate rock parameters and methods of axial and lateral load analysis.

RSVP to newsletter@centralohioasce.com by Thursday, May 17, 2016.

Primary Topics of Discussion

  • Concept of drilled shafts in soils versus rock
  • Side resistance
  • Tip (base) resistance
  • Lateral resistance
  • Strain compatibility between soil overburden and rock socket
  • Definition of rock strength – intact versus rock mass
  • Effect of relative strength of concrete and rock mass

Learning Outcomes

  • Become familiar with issues in evaluating capacity of rock socket foundations
  • Understand strain compatibility aspects between side and tip resistance
  • Understand resistance-mobilization models
  • Be able to choose and apply appropriate rock capacity models

Webinar Benefits

  • Be able to properly characterize properties of rock for drilled shaft designs
  • Understand the models of side, tip, and lateral resistance of rock sockets
  • Learn about the AASHTO requirements for rock socket designs in context of Load and Resistance Factor Designs
  • Be able to generate recommendations for rock socket designs

Intended Audience

  • Geotechnical specialists
  • Structural specialists
  • Contractors

Webinar Outline

  • Introduction and definition of variables
  • Definition of rock and site characterization
  • Axial loading
  • Lateral Loading
  • Construction
  • Conclusions
  • References
  • Questions

See the ASCE website for more info.


The Central Ohio Section of ASCE sponsors free continuing education webinars as a service to our members. These webinars are produced by ASCE and normally cost $250 or $300 for ASCE members. However, the Central Ohio Section is paying the registration fee and inviting any interested section members to attend for free. Just RSVP by the deadline. Seating is limited, so do not delay.

You can see the complete list of webinars available from ASCE National on their website. If you see one you like, let us know. If you and your company would like to host one, let us know that too. If you open it up to any interested Central Ohio ASCE section members to come, we will pay the registration fee.