Abstract
The safety of large structures requires adequate foundations, which implies a good knowledge of the geological and geotechnical conditions of the respective ground. In general, that is only possible through engineering geological studies which include proper site investigation techniques, adapted to the nature of the ground (rock mass or soil) and to the associated engineering problems. The paper illustrates the studies carried out for the design of the foundations of Ribeiradio 76 m high concrete gravity dam in a difficult rock mass and of Vasco da Gama Bridge, 13 km long, crossing the Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal, through piles 75 m deep.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
COBA (2004) Travessia do Tejo no Carregado. Projecto Base, Vol. IV. Estudo Geológico e Geotécnico, Lisboa.
Ferreira S, Rebelo V, Ribeiro J (2008) Deep Pile Foundations in the Lezíria Bridge. Proceedings. XI National Geotechnical Congress, Coimbra, April 2008, Vol.4: 3–10.
LNEC (1993) New Road Crossing over the Tagus River in Lisbon. Geology and Geotecnics. Report, Vol.1, 2 and 3, Lisboa.
Oliveira R (1979) Engineering geological problems related to the study of dam foundations. Proceedings Int. Symp. Engineering Geological Problems in Hydrotechnical Construction, Tbilissi (USSR). In Bulletin of IAEG 20: 4–7.
Oliveira R (1983) Geotechnical study of dam foundation rock masses. Contribution of Engineering Geology. Research Programme for the Grade of Full-Researcher. Lisboa, LNEC.
Oliveira R (1986) Engineering Geology and Rock Mechanics. Foundamental Concepts. Methodology for the Study of Rock Masses. Proceedings II South American Sym. Rock Mechanics: 203–214. Porto Alegre, Brasil.
Oliveira R (1990 a). Geological and Geotechnical Studies on the Tagus Estuary Private Report, Lisboa.
Oliveira R (1990 b). Probabilistic approach to the assessment of foundation properties. Proceedings Int. Conf. on Arch Dams. Coimbra 1987, Balkema, Rotterdam 1990.
Oliveira R (2008) Safety of Dam Foundations. Proceedings XIV Brazilian Congress on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Búzios, Brasil, August 2008, Vol. 1: 189–200.
Oliveira R, Pinto PS, Rebelo V, et al. (1997). Geological and geotechnical studies for the Design of Vasco da Gama Bridge in Lisbon. Proceedings VI National Geotechnical Congress. Lisbon, September 1997, Vol. 3: 1467–1500.
Oliveira R Rebelo V,. Jeremias F,. Coelho AG, et al. (2005). Geological and geotechnical studies associated with the basic design of a new bridge over the Tagus River north of Lisbon, at Carregado. Proceedings Int. Symp. GEOLINE 2005, Lyon, France.
Oliveira R. Morgado A, Ferreira MP (2006) Geological and geotechnical characterization and design of the Ribeiradio dam rock mass foundation — Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) solution. Proceedings 22nd Congress on Large Dams (ICOLD), Question 84, Report 23. Barcelona, Spain.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Oliveira, R. Engineering geological investigations for the foundations of large structures-examples of a concrete dam and a long bridge in Portugal. J. Mt. Sci. 8, 296–306 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-011-2090-y
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-011-2090-y