Load bearing elements (LBE), or barrettes, refers to using single or multiple arrangements of rectangular elements to support significant structural loads for structures.
Process
Diaphragm wall panels, designed and constructed as reinforced deep foundation elements (or barrettes), can be used as an alternative to drilled piles.
LBEs can support large axial loads and high bending moments. Construction uses the same equipment as used for diaphragm and cut-off walls. They are installed using grab buckets or a hydromill with liquid slurry to stabilize the rectangular trench excavation. Once excavated to the required depth, a reinforcing steel cage or structural beams are lowered in place and filled with structural concrete. A combination of barrettes arranged in patterns (such as T or H) can produce load-bearing elements that can support very large loads without requiring structural concrete pile caps. This superior load-carrying capacity makes LBEs a more cost-effective solution over drilled shafts and most pile systems that require some type of pile cap.
Specialist contact
Paul Schmall, Ph.D., PE, is Vice President of Business Development at Keller North America.
He has more than 35 years of experience in geotechnical engineering and underground construction, with expertise in groundwater control, dewatering, grouting, ground freezing, tunneling, dam construction and rehabilitation, and forensic investigations of geotechnical failures related to groundwater.
Paul holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Bucknell University and a Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Nottingham. He is a co-author of the third edition of Construction Dewatering and Groundwater Control and served as President of The Moles, one of North America's leading heavy construction organizations.
Common uses
- Support large loads
Advantages
- Superior load capacity
- More cost effective solution over other pile systems
Related projects
Commercial
The Venetian Resort and Casino - Palazzo Condo Tower
Deep slurry wall technology was used to meet challenging engineering needs and the project schedule.
Institutional
Dallas Cowboys Stadium
A permanent earth retention system was installed for the schedule-intensive, state-of-the-art Dallas Cowboys Stadium in less than five-and-a-half months. To support the largest domed stadium arches in the world, Keller also installed Load Bearing Elements (LBEs).
