Schedule
Sunday, March 2, 2024
Filter Evaluation for Dams and Levees Using the Risk Management Center Filter Evaluation (Continuation) Toolbox
Adam Gohs, PE, and Timothy O’Leary PE, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Filters are critical components of dam and levee embankments designed to prevent particle movement from intergranular seepage flow where defects are present in a base soil or seepage water flows through pore spaces of a soil mass in an embankment or foundation. A properly designed filter serves two fundamental functions: the prevention of soil particle migration (particle retention) and the allowance of sufficient drainage for internal embankment zones (permeability).
The Risk Management Center (RMC) Filter Evaluation (Continuation) Toolbox provides a means for assessing the particle retention and permeability criteria for new filter design and the evaluation of existing filters for dam and levee embankments. This short course will provide background for the basic concepts of filters and hands-on experience with the RMC Filter Evaluation (Continuation) Toolbox through multiple guided examples. The course will also discuss filter considerations such as breakdown or degradation, segregation, and washout due to internal instability and how they are accounted for in the filter evaluation.
Fundamentals of Geosynthetics
Kerry Petrasic, PE, Gannett Fleming, Inc
Geosynthetics are a relative newcomer in geotechnical engineering. The technology is developing rapidly and continues to evolve. This course is intended as a primer for those desiring a basic understanding of geosynthetics. Discussions during the one half day course will cover the various types of geosynthetic materials, applications and functions of the materials, and the various synthetic polymers used in manufacturing geosynthetics. It will be demonstrated that geosynthetics are to be considered as another tool in the tool box that geotechnical engineering designers and professionals have available to assist in addressing a variety of geotechnical and environmental engineering challenges. Particular emphasis will be provided on how the intended application or function and existing soil and water conditions, will dictate the structure of the geosynthetic, and the specific polymer used for its manufacture. Cost constraints, constructability concerns, and short and long term performance requirements will also be discussed. While a geosynthetic may be capable of addressing a specific situation or condition, it may not be the best solution.
Design and Construction of Energy Geo-structures
Sherif Abdelaziz, PhD., Virginia Tech and Tony Amis, Endurant Energy
The design and construction of energy geostructures are becoming of high interest worldwide nowadays. There is currently a knowledge gap among practicing engineers on how to design and construct these geo-structures. Thus, this short course will discuss various topics related to best practices for the design and construction of energy geo-structures, with an explicit focus on energy piles. Focusing on practicing engineers, the course will introduce participants to (1) fundamentals of energy geostructures, (2) in-situ thermal response tests used to determine the thermal properties of soils surrounding energy foundations, (3) thermo-hydro-mechanical properties of soils, (4) additional thermal stresses and strains that need to be considered in the design of energy piles, and (5) best construction practices and quality control and assurance for in-situ constructions.
Geosynthetics in Roadway Design
Jorge Zornberg, PhD., PE, The University of Texas at Austin and Erol Tutumluer, PhD., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaigne
Geosynthetics provide sustainable alternatives for enhanced performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness of roadways. This short course provides an integrated view of the multiple applications of geosynthetics in this transportation mode. This includes the mechanisms involved in the different applications, the identification of relevant geosynthetic properties, the available design methodologies, and case histories involving the use of geosynthetics in roadway projects.
An outline of the main topics to be covered is as follows:
- Welcome & Objectives
- Geosynthetics: Types and Functions
- Structural Capacity of Pavements
- Overview of Geosynthetic applications in Roadways
- Geosynthetics for Mitigation of Asphalt Reflective Cracking
- Geosynthetics for Stabilization of Unbound Aggregate Layers
- Geosynthetics for Reduction of Layer Intermixing
- Geosynthetics for Reduction of Moisture in Structural Layers
- Geosynthetics for Stabilization of Soft Subgrades
- Geosynthetics for Mitigation of Distress Induced by Expansive Clays and Frost-Susceptible Soils
- Path Forward & Closure
Sustainability and Life Cycle Assessments of Geosynthetics and Geo-systems
Mina Lee, PhD., University of Windsor and Dipanjan Basu, Ph.D, PE. University of Waterloo
The short course will address the growing importance of sustainable practices in geotechnical engineering by offering an overview of sustainability concepts and the application of life cycle assessment in geotechnical engineering. Topics covered include principles of sustainability, the scope of sustainable geotechnics, considerations for sustainability in geosynthetic applications, state-of-the-art methodologies for sustainability assessment in geotechnical engineering, and the principles and application of LCA to geo-systems.
Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the nexus between sustainability and geotechnical engineering. Additionally, participants will acquire knowledge of LCA methodology and learn the challenges associated with sustainability and life cycle assessments in geotechnical engineering applications. The course will feature a practical demonstration focusing on the application of LCA to mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls reinforced with geosynthetics. The demonstration will guide participants through step-by-step LCA calculations and will present useful information helpful for optimizing MSE wall designs with sustainability considerations.
Design of Equipment Foundations
Hesham El Naggar, Western University, Canada
The short course provides good understanding of the current state-of-the-art with respect to the analysis and design of flexible, rigid and pile foundations subjected to all types of dynamic loads. This course will focus on the analysis and design of these foundations and explains all key concepts and terminology. Emphasis will be placed on the practical application of the information provided. Topics to be discussed include:
1. Soil Investigation and Dynamic Soil Properties: Objectives of soil investigation, soil profile, investigation of dynamic soil parameters, definition of shear stiffness and damping of soil, wave propagation, measurement of dynamic soil parameters from field and laboratory tests.
2.Shallow Foundations: Definition of stiffness, damping and inertia, circular shallow foundation, non-circular foundation, embedded footings, impedance functions of a layer on half-space, application of stiffness and damping parameters in FE models.
3. Pile Foundations: Pile applications, mathematical models for pile analysis, stiffness and damping of piles, pile groups, interaction factors, impedance functions of pile groups, pile batter, application of stiffness and damping parameters in FE models.
4. Dynamic Response of Machine Foundations: Response of rigid foundations in 1 DOF, effects of vibration, response of rigid foundations in 2 DOF and 6 DOF, response of structures on flexible foundations (using FE modeling in the design of reciprocating compressor foundation).
CPT & CPTu Application for Deep Foundations Geotechnical Design; Databased Approach
Abolfazi Eslami, AUT; Barmak Biron; and Masoud Nobahar, LSU-LTRC
Details Coming Soon