Abstract: An adjustable foundation piering system in which piers are used to support a building foundation in highly expansive soil. The adjustable pier is partially incapulated in the foundation of the building when said foundation is poured. Upon settling of the foundation, the adjustable pier can be raised without an expensive piering device or substantial excavation around the foundation.

Abstract: OF THE DISSERTATION Formal Approaches to Innate and Learned Communication: Laying the Foundation for Language by Michael Oliphant Doctor of Philosophy in Cognitive Science University of California, San Diego, 1997 Professors John Batali and Je rey Elman, Co-Chairs This dissertation identi es the conditions necessary to establish a system of communication in a population of individuals, whether through evolution or learning. A de nition of communication is proposed that encompasses the behavior of species ranging from owers to human beings, and a formal framework for modeling such behavior is presented. Through the use of computational simulations, it is shown that systems of communication evolve in cases where such behavior conveys a selective advantage to both sender and receiver. It is also demonstrated that factors such as kin selection and reciprocal altruism can result in the establishment of communication even when there is no direct pressure on the transmission of signals. In the case of learned communication, it is argued that observational learning is the appropriate learning model. Learning strategies that simply imitate the behavior of others, however, are not suitable. Instead, a learning mechanism must optimize its behavior so as best to communicate with the population it is observing. A Bayesian learning procedure designed to maximize the probability of communicative success is shown to be capable not only of learning an existing communication system, but also constructing such a system from random initial signaling behavior. To examine how animals might actually implement such a procedure, network learning models are considered. It is shown that a simple form of Hebbian learning, xi well within the grasp of most animals, has the required properties. Given this, it is surprising that learned systems of communication are not more frequent. Evidence from the animal social learning literature suggests that the primary reason for this may be that observational learning is di cult, if not impossible, for non-human animals. Given this, he most basic explanation for why only humans have language may not lie in the ability of learn a complex, syntactic form of communication, but rather in the ability to learn any system of communication at all. xii Chapter

Abstract: The behaviour of skirted strip footings and circular footings subject to combined vertical, horizontal and moment loading has been studied using finite element and plasticity analysis of equivalent surface foundations. The shape of the yield locus for the two foundation geometries was found to be similar but the pure vertical, moment and horizontal capacities varied with the footing shape and soil strength profile. Design methods to allow for footing shape and soil strength profile have been recommended. Received March 4, 1998; revised manuscript received by the editors March 15, 1999. The original version (prior to the final revised manuscript) was presented at the Eighth International Offshore and Polar Engineering Conference (ISOPE-98), Montréal, Canada, May 2429, 1998.

Abstract: Introduction. Part I: Assignment and Investigation. The Assignment. The Investigations. Part II: Forensic Geotechnical and Foundation Engineering. Settlement of Structures. Expansive Soils. Lateral Movement. Other Geotechnical and Foundation Problems. Groundwater and Moisture Problems. Part III: Repairs. Part IV: Reducing Potential Liability. Concluding Chapter. Appendices: A: Recommended Practices for Design Professionals. B: Case Management Order. C: References.

Abstract: A foundation structure (10) for supporting a superstructure (106)utilizing a first block (72) and a second block (76), with a third block (74) disposed between the first (72) and second blocks (76). Each block includes a top, bottom, and sidewall portion, as well as an interlocking mechanism (98). At least one chase (94) extends through each of the blocks. The chases (94) are alignable with one another to permit use of an elongated member (78) such as a rod or wire rope which passes through all of the blocks when they are placed in side-by-side orientation. The elongated members (78) are tensioned, causing compression of the blocks into the foundation unit with a contiguous top surface (104). A superstructure (106) is supported to the surface (104) of the foundation.

Abstract: A structural system for a building wherein multiple elongate rigid structural members, in the nature of posts and beams, include internal tensioning cables which, upon an end joining of the structural members, are interlocked and tensioned to each other and relative to a fixed foundation.

Abstract: A foundation lifting and support system and method according to which two mounting units are attached underneath the foundation and to a wall of the foundation, respectively. A piling is inserted thougb support sleeves of the mounting units and, and a load is applied by a hydraulic unit to the pilings to drive the pilings to bedrock. After resistance is encountered, an additional load is applied to raise the foundation and the foundation is secured in the raised position. The additional load can be applied by the same unit that applied the driving load or by a different unit.

Abstract: The variety and number of applications of geosynthetics in goetechnical engineering continues to grow rapidly. This proceedings focuses on two specific applications: soil reinforcement beneath shallow foundations and erosion control systems. The contributions are from academicians, practicing engineers, government engineers, and manufacturers. Topics addressed in the foundation reinforcement papers include: 1) analytical procedures to determine the bearing capacity of a geosynthetic-reinforced foundation; 2) laboratory investigations of geogrid reinforced soils examining stress distribution under static loads and settlement as a results of cyclic loading; 3) full-scale field studies of preloaded/prestressed geosynthetic-reinforced soils; and 4) bearing capacity and settlement design practices of spread footings over geosynthetic-reinforced foundations. Topics addressed in the geosynthetic erosion control papers include a field study of a landfill cover, a case study of a biotechnically stabilized earthen buttress, and a case study of a vegetative channel lining. An erosion control materials test facility and vegetation selection for geosynthetic erosion control products are addressed in tow additional papers.

Abstract: The authors are grateful for the financial support by the Korea Science and Engineering Foundation under Contract KOSEF 971-1006-036-2.

Abstract: A building foundation form apparatus and method uses transverse form supports (15) supported directly on the ground and carrying longitudinal form supports (21, 22) adjustably located on opposite sides of, and substantially parallel to, a foundation axis (17). A flexible sheet form element (25) has edge portions (57, 58) connected to the longitudinal form supports (21, 22) and a contact portion (60) located between the edge portions and supported on the ground and deformed into a general U-shape with overhanging bulges (39) to receive the flowable and settable foundation mixture. The longitudinal form supports (21, 22) are adjustable vertically to accommodate ground undulations to ensure correct footing width. The contact portion (60) has mesh openings to pass the foundation mixture therethrough to enhance adhesion to the ground. Also, the sheet form element has marginal portions (47, 48) extending upwardly from the contact portion to the bulges (39), the marginal portions (47, 48) having mesh openings which pass concrete mixture to fill voids beneath the overhanging bulges (39).

Abstract: SUMMARY Excavations outside the Roman fort at Inveresk revealed an extensive and well-established civilian settlement extending along the ridge to the east of the fort and beneath the present village Four main phases of activity were identified, the middle two (phase 2 and phases 3/4) corresponding to the two periods of the Antonine occupation of Scotland An earlier phase of activity (phase 1) was represented by a characteristic V-profiled ditch for which no direct dating evidence existed but which may indicate the presence of a pre-settlement Roman enclosure in the vicinity A buried turf-line directly overlying the phase 1 deposits suggested a period of abandonment over part of the site at least The foundation trenches of a timber building surrounding a stone-built furnace and a second timber structure, which had been burnt to the ground, comprised the structural elements of phase 2 The subsequent phase of activity, phase 3/4, saw the rebuilding of the site on a much grander scale with massive timbered buildings and one stone building, all set in a regular grid separated by cobbled lanes and roads Post-Roman deposits were confined to late medieval and modern activity and were characterized by pits, a few stretches of stone walling and general disturbance over the northern part of the site These deposits were too shallow and disturbed to permit any stratigraphic separation The majority of the finds suggest the largely domestic nature of the site, although the furnace and various pieces of industrial debris clearly indicate some form of industrial activity In particular, the analysis of a type of pottery characteristic of the site demonstrated its origin in the area and probably on the site of Inveresk itself The suggestion is put forward that the excavations have uncovered part of the potter's workshop Further information was also gathered concerning the subsistence economy and exchange networks

Abstract: 大規模な土木工事により露出した, 未風化な還元状態にある泥岩やその盛土の上に建設された建築物の地盤が, 建設後数か月から数年経過して膨張する盤膨れ現象について, 岩石の鉱物, 化学分析と微生物に着目した分析を実施し, そのメカニズムを明らかにした.盤膨れは, 岩石中の黄鉄鉱が酸化して硫酸を生成し, 方解石を溶解し, 硫酸イオン, カルシウムイオンが生じ, それらが, 地中水とともに乾燥した床下に移動し, 床下で石膏の結晶として析出し, その結晶圧で盤膨れが生じた. この反応には, 鉄酸化細菌が関与していることが推定された.

Abstract: NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Washington, D.C. 20550 Grant No. CEE 8308471 LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON MINNESOTA RESOURCES St. Paul, Minnesota

Abstract: The degradation strength of soils under cyclic loading is studied and a method for deter-mining the cyclic degradation strength with cyclic triaxial tests is given in the paperFurthermore,a dum-my static method for estimating the undrained bearing capacity for offshore soft foundation under waveloads is developedIt can consider the effect of the difference of cyclic stress for different parts of the foun-dation on both the degradation strength of the foundation soil and the bearing capacity so that the esti-mated result can better reflect the real condition of foundation under cyclic loadingThe method can be ap-plied to plane and space problem