Field testing of axially loaded piles in dense sand

Large areas of the Netherlands are dominated by deep, soft soil deposits, posing a challenge to engineers with respect to the design of axially loaded foundations. The design of these foundations is primarily based on methods which use cone penetration test (CPT) parameters, such as that outlined in the Dutch national standard NEN 9997-1. A...

Full-scale load testing on long prefabricated concrete piles in the Port of Rotterdam

In 2017 the Dutch national standardization institute (NEN) released a new version of the National Annex to NEN-EN 1997-1 Eurocode 7, including revised reduced pile base factors. This has a significant impact on the dimensions of pile foundations. Consequently, in situ load tests were considered in the Port of Rotterdam. In this study, full-scale...

Target reliability indices for existing quay walls derived on the basis of the LQI criterion

General frameworks for reliability differentiation have evolved over time and are mainly developed for new buildings. However, recommendations for existing quay walls are lacking. In this study target reliability indices for assessing existing quay walls were derived by economic optimisation and by evaluating the Life Quality Index criterion ...

Target reliability indices for quay walls, jetties, and flexible dolphins

Structural codes rely on generalised target reliability indices, which are mainly derived for buildings. It is unclear, however, whether these indices are applicable to the specific risk-profile of quay walls, jetties, and flexible dolphins. In this study, target reliability indices for marine structures were derived from various risk...

Recommendations for assessing and upgrading old urban quay walls

English Language Test for Scientific Staff at D.U.T.

Delft University of Technology (DUT) screened her (non-native English) scientific staff on their level of language proficiency over the year academic 2006/2007. In this paper the large scale operation, involving planning, policy decisions, assessment means, advise and training are discussed. Results are framed against the background of becoming...

Uncertainties in the design of bed protections near quay walls

Design formulas for bed protections in the port of Rotterdam were investigated. Using depthsoundings, the actual level of stability of a quay wall can be compared with the design formulas. The loads on a bottom protection differ, because of diversity in shipping and tidal motion. Therefore a better comparison can be made by resembling the...