On the interdependency between geotechnical and structural design




On the interdependency between geotechnical and structural design


Civil engineering structures are designed with consideration for the interaction between the structure and the ground. This interaction can be complex and is taken into account to varying degrees in the geotechnical and structural designs, which are interdependent. Demanding projects increasingly require the integration of geotechnical and structural design. However, current practice typically separates these two areas and assigns them to different design teams. Effective collaboration between geotechnical and structural engineers is therefore essential to optimise structural and geotechnical designs. A well-designed geotechnical solution, carefully selected to utilise a better foundation technique or alternative ground improvement system, can provide significant benefits. These benefits may include lower construction costs, shorter construction times, reduced CO2 emissions, or the elimination of specific technical risks. Appropriate modifications to the structural design can also enable the implementation of a new geotechnical solution that may not have been feasible otherwise. This can result in similar advantages. The process of collaboration and arriving at final combined solutions using advanced design tools, as well as the benefits achieved, are illustrated and discussed through completed project examples. The selection of projects was based on the distinct responsibilities of geotechnical and structural engineers in developing the implemented foundation solution. Improved understanding between geotechnical and structural designers can be achieved through a better knowledge of each other's discipline.

Michal Topolnicki


18th European Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ECSMGE2024)



Keynote