Embedment depth
In geotechnical engineering, the embedment depth is the depth that a foundation or building element extends into the ground, i.e. that it is founded in . Using geological calculation methods, depending on the load, the nature of the subsoil and the geometry of the component, the minimum required embedment depth is determined in order to avoid failure of the structure, for example due to a ground failure . In the case of complex subsurface conditions that do not allow a reliable calculation, the necessary embedment depth is sometimes determined experimentally.
Importance of the embedment depth in different structures
Foundations
In the case of single and strip foundations , a sufficient embedment depth prevents a possible ground failure and the foundation from sliding. In the case of the former, a greater embedment depth (explained in simplified terms) increases the weight of the broken body. This means that the foundation can be subjected to higher loads before it breaks.
In Germany, evidence of resistance to ground failure is provided in accordance with DIN 4017.
Pile foundations
Pile foundations are mainly loaded by vertically directed forces from the weight of the building standing on them. Here the embedment depth affects the load-bearing capacity of the pile. Most of the forces are carried by friction on the pile. The greater the embedment depth and thus the length of the pile, the greater the surface of the pile where friction can occur.
Regulations for piles are the "EA piles" and the standards DIN EN 1536 ( bored piles ), DIN EN 12699 ( displacement piles ), DIN EN 14199 ( micropiles ), DIN EN 12794 (prefabricated foundation piles made of concrete ).
Retaining walls
Almost all of the earth pressure weighs on sheeting walls to protect construction pits (e.g. sheet piling , bored pile walls ). A correspondingly large embedment depth must be selected for these structures in order to prevent the wall from tilting. Depending on the type of installation, full or partial restraint must be selected for storage in the static system . The required embedment depth is then calculated as a function of this. A certain embedment depth is also necessary to prevent hydraulic ground failure .
The earth pressure calculations, which include the embedment depth, are carried out according to Eurocode 7 (DIN EN 1997) and DIN 1054.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Final report of the research project "Safety evidence for hydraulic ground failure" of the Aachen University Institute for Geotechnical Engineering from September 30, 2008 (file number ZP52-5-11.73-1299 / 08)
- ↑ a b Alfons Goris (ed.): Schneider building tables for engineers , 19th edition, Werner Verlag, 2010, ISBN 9783804152427