Geotechnical monitoring to ensure reliability of construction and operation of buildings and structures

Abstract

To improve the reliability and durability of construction structures it is necessary to thoroughly study their behaviour during the construction process & operation and based on their behavioural analysis we can develop measures which will aid in avoiding future emergency situations. Well-timed application of geotechnical monitoring warns and minimizes the risk of deformation & destruction of the examined object as well as adjoining buildings. The necessity of conducting geotechnical monitoring should be decided during the stages of concept design or the design of new construction or reconstruction of a building structure. Geotechnical monitoring of buildings & structures includes research & analysis of «foundation soil – foundation – above-ground structures of the building» system and it consists of complex work to ensure the safety of the entire construction process as well as safe operation of buildings & structures. Its usage allows us to detect and avoid irreversible procedures occurring in the system «foundation soil – foundation – above-ground structures of the building» on time prior to the deformation of buildings & structures. This article describes special aspects of geotechnical monitoring for the deformation behaviour of operational buildings with increased level of responsibility within the influence zone of new constructions taking Vnukovo-1 airport as an example. We also study the nature of problems associated with ensuring normal operation of existing buildings, their causes, triggered by the construction work or unsatisfactory technical conditions of the observed objects. The main feature of reconstruction of the Vnukovo-1 airport was the necessity to maintain the daily-life functions of operational buildings during the construction process.