Events & Courses

The course starts by looking at what can go wrong if foundation design is not carried out in a through and considered manner. The course introduces the codes and standards used to direct foundation design , these include BS code of practice for foundations BS 8004 and the Eurocode suite with particular reference to BS EN 1997 parts 1 and 2 ( shortly to become 1,2, and 3).

Emphasis is given to how to choose the parameters for use in the design process by providing an overview of the methods of obtaining soil samples and testing them as well as the use of Insitu tests. Consideration is given to the reliability of the results obtained and how to assess the design values.

The course then looks at the differences in the behaviour of cohesive and granular soils and how this influences the way foundations perform. The distribution of loading on the soil is discussed, leading to the introduction of Terzaghi’ s formula for the calculation of bearing capacity. The load distribution is also presented using Boussinesq stress distribution curves.

The various geotechnical design methods which are given in BS EN 1997 are discussed. The ULS and SLS design methods are presented and Partial factors are discussed. The use of method 1 with combinations of partial factors 1 and 2 are then used to look at the design of a pad foundation example. The calculations are determined to assess the suitability of the example scenario. The attendees will the carryout further calculations to assess the most economic foundation solution for the example scenario.
 
Having obtained the foundation size in terms of bearing capacity the settlement of the foundation is then determined. this discussion first looks at the stress distribution beneath the foundation, discusses how to determine the Cv and Mv values for a soil succession and the performs a calculation using the integral of vertical stress curves determined from the Boussinesq stress distribution curves and hence assess the settlement contribution for successive layers of the soils in a real life example is used to do this.

The course continues by looking at other foundation solutions and the various forms of pile foundation. An exercise is conducted to calculate a simple pile foundation design by determining the skin friction and base load of an example pile. This is carried out as group exercise.
 
The course concludes with a brief overview of ways to improve the ground, such as stone columns surcharging and grouting.

1. To understand the foundation design process and the codes which define the methods used
2. Be aware of the importance of data collection methods to obtain reliable parameters for design to determine bearing capacity and settlement 
3. To recognise the differences in the behaviour of cohesive and granular soils as founding mediums 
4. To understand the limitations of the results from laboratory and field test in the choice of appropriate parameters for design
5. To complete a basic foundation design calculations to determine foundation size bearing capacity and settlement and carryout a basic pile design 
6. To understand the process of foundation choice and what can be done to improve the ground

Peter Reading - Director at Peter Reading Geotechnical Consulting Ltd and visiting lecturer at The University of Portsmouth 

Peter has over 50 years of experience in the Geotechnical Industry predominantly within the Site Investigation sector. This experience is reinforced with academic qualifications and membership of geotechnical bodies. He is a Chartered Geologist and a Chartered Scientist and is a UK Registered Ground Engineering Adviser. He has held various positions from engineer to Director. This has given him a wealth of practical experience, being involved in numerous diverse engineering projects and producing design data both in the field and laboratory as well as designing foundations and ground engineering solutions for projects across the UK. 

He frequently provides lectures to both undergraduates and post graduate students at both Brunel University and the University of Portsmouth where he is currently a Visiting Reader.

Peter has been actively involved in a number of industry initiatives aimed at improving knowledge and practice in the geotechnical industry; he is a co-opted member of the executive committee of the BGA. As an independent specialist, he is part of an AGS Site Investigation working Group to report and guide on the state of geotechnical engineering in the UK.

Author of a number of technical papers Peter is currently writing a Handbook of Site Investigation for Engineers which is due to be published in 2022.

This course will be held over two days.

The first and main part of this course will be held at Burlington House, Piccadilly, London on 22 February, with a virtual follow up session on 29 February.

Approximate timings are listed below.

22 February (Burlington House):

9.45 - Register, and teas, coffees and breakfast pastries

10.00 - Course begins

11.30 - Tea break

11.45 - Course resumes

13.15 - Lunch

14.00 - Course resumes

15.30 - Tea break

17.00 - Course finishes (however it may run slightly over)

29 February (Online):

15.00-17.00 Course follow up and Q&A with speaker Pete Reading