A study of settlement problem of the Reclining Buddha Image at Wat Po, Bangkok | |
| Author | Dam Thi Kim Loan |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.GT-90-12 |
| Subject(s) | Structural engineering Foundations--Thailand--Bangkok |
| Note | A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. GT-90-12 |
| Abstract | During t h e last 20 years t h e Reclining Buddha I mage at Wat Po , Bangkok experienced differential settlement t h a t caused cracks a nd tilting. Several factors have been suspected as t h e possible causes, namely , deterioration of the foundation structure, ground subsidence due to deep well pumping , traffic vibration effects on the structure and underlying soils, creep effect of the soft clay, non-uniform subsoil conditions and fluctuation of ground water table due to tide in the Chao Phraya River. In this research cornprehensive studies were made through field and laboratory tests. Six boreholes were drilled at the site for detailed subsoil investigation and sampling. Index tests , UU, UC and CIU tests, consolidation tests were carried o u t to obtain a complete picture on strength and compressibility of the subsoils. The present vibration levels were measured. Cyclic triaxial tests and creep tests were conducted on the soft clay samples. The existing settlement data were reinterpreted. The results showed that neither the soil conditions nor the traffic or creep effects but a difference in drawdown of ground water pressure between the head side and the foot side were the real cause for recent differential settlement problem. A network of piezometers showed that the drawdown of ground water pressure between depth of 8-20 m was significant greater underneath the head side area than the foot side area. Th e drawdown was a result of ground water pumping. However , the difference in drawdown seems to be related to the close proximity of t h e area to the Chao Praya River which would act as a source of recharge. The investigation suggests that the settlement problem will stop in a very near future if there is no further drastic drop in ground water pressure. The effect of the difference in drawdown on the differential settlement was confirmed by calculation of settlement based on the compressibility a nd the stress condition in the subsoils. |
| Year | 1991 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. GT-90-12 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Engineering and Technology (SET) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Geotechnical and Transportation Engineering (GT) |
| Chairperson(s) | Noppadol Phien-Wej |
| Examination Committee(s) | Prinya Nutalaya ;Honjo, Yusuke ;Indraratna, Buddhima |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | SIDA ; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1991 |