Learning from the Mexican Earthquake of September 19, 1985: Seismic Design and Analysis of Pile Foundations for Buildings

Investigator(s):

Jacobo Bielak (PI) ; Paul Christiano (Co-PI)

Sponsor:

Carnegie-Mellon University, PA 15213 4122688746

Start Date/Expiration Date

1986-07-01 to 1988-12-31 (amended 1987-08-10)

Awarded Amount to Date:

$197,314

Abstract: This research program considers dynamic structure-pile-soil interaction. It has two main objectives: (1) to unify existing methodologies for the design on pile foundations and then to compare the results of these predictive methods with the observed behavior of building foundations in Mexico City that experienced various degrees of damage; (2) to improve the understanding of the response of both friction and end-bearing poles to earthquake shaking, with the goal of developing more rational methods of design. Specifically, the program will attempt (1) to develop an analytical model to predict the response of pile foundations, and (2) to conduct an experimental program in Mexico City consisting of laboratory investigations and field observations.

NSF Org:

CMS - Division of Civil and Mechanical Systems

Award Number:

8611060

Award Instrument:

Standard Grant

Program Manager:

Clifford J. Astill
CMS Division of Civil and Mechanical Systems
ENG Directorate for Engineering

NSF Program(s):

ARCHITECTURE & MECHAN SYSTEMS, GEOTECHNICAL II, GEOTECHNICAL II

Field Application(s):

Disaster & Natural Hazard, Earthquake, Engineering-Civil

Program Element Code(s):

1497
GEOTECHNICAL II, 1496
, 1496