Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

The renewal of Canada's highway infrastructure is necessary to accommodate its expanding economy. Bridge foundations, as part of this initiative, would cost hundreds of millions of dollars and innovative solutions that provide cost efficient, durable and reliable foundation are needed. In addition, energy demand has increased substantially, and is expected to increase at even a higher rate. This soaring demand promoted a worldwide increase in the development of green energy technologies such as wind and solar energy. Most renewable energy projects are situated in remote locations (or offshore) or difficult ground conditions, and/or experience unique loading combinations (i.e. significant lateral and uplift loading), which pose significant challenges for foundation engineers. Furthermore, the upgraded seismic loading included in the national building code of Canada (NBCC 2005) postulates an increased seismic hazard in Canada. Existing structures, including major infrastructure, were designed and constructed prior to these new design guidelines and are still susceptible to earthquake damage. These structures have to adhere to the new seismic loading provisions, and finding innovative efficient retrofitting tools is therefore vital. A number of innovative foundation solutions to address these varying needs will be examined in this research program, including: Composite fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) tapered piles, spun-cast ductile iron tapered piles for infrastructure projects; Hybrid foundation system for wind turbine and solar power farm applications; and Composite FRP-square shaft helical pile; and self drilled micropile systems for seismic applications. The outcome of this program would be efficient construction techniques and reliable design methodologies for these innovative foundations. This research is expected to result in significant technology transfer and economical benefit to Canada.