Leveraging FEA and InSAR for Accurate Settlement Analysis
Hutton Hub – Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Highlights
The University of Hertfordshire’s new Hutton Hub building, designed for the Student Union, features a striking glass façade. This design element necessitated precise control over the differential settlement of its foundation, making the structural engineering process both critical and challenging.
Site Investigation and Ground Conditions
The site investigation for Hutton Hub revealed complex subsurface conditions. A vast network of solution and mining features spanned much of the building’s footprint, with depths reaching up to 25 meters. The infill material varied significantly, ranging from soft clay to dense sand and chalk. These variations in ground properties introduced the potential for uneven settlement, which posed a significant risk to the structural integrity of the glass façade. Given these challenges, a raft foundation—a commonly used foundation type—was initially deemed unsuitable due to the risks posed by differential settlement.
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However, to explore its feasibility, engineers needed a detailed understanding of the soil’s mechanical behaviour. Extensive site investigations conducted in multiple phases provided valuable data, enabling precise mapping of the infill properties in three dimensions. This foundational step was crucial in enabling the detailed analysis that followed.
Conclusion
The University of Hertfordshire’s Hutton Hub serves as a testament to the power of combining advanced technologies like FEA and InSAR for precise settlement analysis. From detailed site investigations to sophisticated modelling and remote sensing validation, the project showcases a holistic approach to engineering that balances technical excellence with practical constraints. The success of this project not only ensured the structural integrity of the building but also delivered significant economic and environmental benefits—a true win for both engineering and sustainability.
