PROJECT TERMINATED
"The proposed work will establish a guideline for temporary shoring work through systematic research and scientific studies. The goal is to provide NCDOT and the utility contractors with a clear understanding of issues associated with trenching.
In the proposed research, the following tasks will be performed:
- To research the level of trench box utilities during open-cut excavation and the associated impacts to urban roadways in North Carolina.
- To conduct lab tests to characterize NC soils and classify soil based on a modified method.
- To establish site conditions for stability analysis including traffic-induced vibration and trenchless excavations.
- To conduct slope stability analysis for the defined NC soils for different trenching scenarios with considerations of open-cut, horizontal drilling techniques, water, traffic-induced vibration and soil types.
- To establish stability correlation equations for different trenching scenarios and soil types.
- To develop a concise design approach for temporary construction and field testing procedures - including a software program for temporary trench excavation design.
It is envisioned that the outcomes of this research will benefit the Department (several units) by reducing the maintenance costs to roadways which is approximately 900 million dollars a year. This research will also expedite the review process and minimize the potential delays of projects. Ultimately, the outcomes of this study should ensure public safety through minimizing the risks of premature failures of roadway embankments and pavements, due to utility excavations.
