Date of Award

Fall 2013

Project Type

Thesis

Program or Major

Civil Engineering

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Jean Benoit

Abstract

During the fall of 2012, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation built a test embankment for the new alignment segment of the proposed Exit 6 Southbound On-Ramp site off Route 4 in Newington-Dover, New Hampshire. The purpose of the test embankment is to determine effective and efficient treatment for the long-term ground settlement of the local soft marine clay native to the site. In addition to the test embankment, prefabricated vertical drains were installed to allow pore water from the soil to seep out and accelerate time-rate consolidation. Various in situ field testing methods were performed including: piezocone penetration, flat plate dilatometer and field shear vane. Additionally, consolidation testing was performed in the laboratory with undisturbed samples of the clay. Settlement calculations were performed to compare with field values. This research will benefit construction of the site, in addition to many other upcoming sites of construction in the local area.

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