450MW Combined Cycle Power Plant, Bangladesh
Abstract
This paper is a case history of the geotechnical design of the ground improvement needed to construct a 450MW combined cycle power plant on a reclamation platform located along the Meghna River near Dhaka, Bangladesh. Ground improvement was needed to mitigate a residual potential for liquefaction following construction of the reclamation. Sand compaction piling was the preferred method of ground improvement. The paper will primarily describe the geotechnical analysis and design for the sand compaction piling since this method of ground improvement is rarely used in the USA. The paper will also describe the geotechnical analysis and design of the piled foundations, since they formed a significant portion of the project. Where relevant, the paper will discuss international codes and standards, design-build engineering, working in a developing country, and overseas multi-country scheduling and project delivery. The project successfully installed 7600 sand compaction piles producing nearly 108 linear kilometers of improvement and drove nearly 1200 reinforced concrete piles.