#7: Finite Elements in Geotechnical Engineering
D. Vaughan Griffiths, Ph.D., P.E.
(Colorado School of Mines)
Based on a new edition of the successful textbook co-authored by the instructor (“Programming the finite element method” by I.M. Smith and D.V. Griffiths, 4th ed., Wiley, 2004), this course introduces participants
to a powerful suite of finite element programs relating to practical geotechnical engineering applications. The course will remove some of the mystique of “black-box” proprietary geotechnical software by giving participants an insight into the workings of the finite element method and the basic architecture of the programs. The course will discuss the selection of soil properties for geotechnical finite element applications and demonstrate finite element analysis of classical geotechnical problems such as settlements, seepage and slope stability. All participants will receive a complete set of course notes and a CD holding source code to over 50 finite element programs. The programs cover not only the geotechnical applications demonstrated during the course, but many other engineering applications too. Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptop computers so they can get the finite elements programs installed and
running during the course.
Course Outcomes
- The course will give participants an insight into the working of the finite element method as applied to familiar geotechnical problems and the selection of suitable soil parameters.
- All participants will receive a complete set of course notes and a CD holding source code to over 50 finite element programs. Optional purchase of the textbook will be available on-site at the discounted rate of $65.
#8: Fundamentals of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Data Management
Scott Deaton, Ph.D.
(Dataforensics)
Salvatore Caronna, P.E.
(gINT Software)
J. David Frost, Ph.D., P.E., P.Eng.
(Georgia Institute of Technology)
All geotechnical and environmental projects rely on data, which traditionally are recorded on paper and then input into various applications for reporting, analysis, visualization, and billing. For example
on a typical project, one may input data into a program for borehole log generation; then input the same data onto a paper based work order that describes the soil/rock/environmental samples and the desired tests
to be performed by the laboratory; then input the same data into a CAD software package for creating cross sections, profiles, and plan views; then input the same data into a software program for analysis and/or
design; lastly input the same data to generate a drilling quantity report that is provided to accounting for invoicing purposes. This traditional process is very inefficient because each of the steps requires manual data input and quality control procedures. Using technology to streamline this process allows engineers to input the data once and use it in various
formats as required by the project, thus eliminating the duplicated effort for data input and quality assurance/quality control which can be very time consuming and fraught with errors. Fundamentals of database design, report generation, automated data validation, data transfer, and integration of software tools are discussed. These concepts provide the
basis for managing geotechnical data using readily available, state-of-theart software tools.
Course Outcomes
- This course will show you how to cut your data logging and reporting costs significantly on every job, and will also show you how you can take advantage of database technology to utilize drilling information from previous jobs.
- This course will benefit all engineers and geologists involved in entering, storing, reporting and utilizing subsurface data.
#9: Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil
Robert D. Holtz, Ph.D.
(University of Washington)
R. Jonathan Fannin, D.Phil.
(University of British Columbia)
This course encourages participants to develop an understanding of fundamental concepts, as they govern the behavior of geosynthetic reinforced soil structures. Material properties are examined that govern performance, including mobilized tensile strength, soil-geosynthetic bond and strain compatibility. The performance of two instrumented walls is then reported, one involving use of a geotextile and the other a geogrid. This leads to a review of FHWA, AASHTO, NCMA and BS8006 design methods, with emphasis on a comparison of external and internal stability analysis to establish the required arrangement of reinforcement. Thereafter, aspects of allowable tensile strength, required tensile strength, vertical spacing of reinforcement and length of reinforcement are examined in detail, together with a consideration of seismic loading issues. The course objective is to assist participants build a framework of basic ideas, which are sufficiently adaptable to accommodate the more complex problems encountered in engineering practice. It is also to illustrate, with reference to case studies, that the sensible application of simple methods can give perfectly acceptable engineering solutions.
Course Outcomes
- To encourage participants to develop an understanding of fundamental concepts, as they govern the behavior of geosynthetic reinforced soil structures;
- To assist participants in building a framework of basic ideas, which are sufficiently adaptable to support and accommodate the more complex problems that are found in engineering practice;
- To illustrate, with reference to reinforced soil case studies, that the sensible application of simple ideas and methods can give perfectly acceptable engineering solutions; and,
- To provide the basis for taking and defending appropriate decisions, with confidence, when designing with geosynthetic reinforcement.
#10: Geotechnical Aspects of Bioreactor Landfills
Milind V. Khire, Ph.D., P.E.
(Michigan State University)
Xuede (Dan) Qian
(Michigan Department of Environmental Quality)
Municipal solid waste landfills operated as bioreactors offer significant economical and financial benefits. In order to operate a landfill as a bioreactor, liquid or leachate injection is one of the most common strategies. However, addition of liquids to a landfill requires a thorough understanding of the mass balance, subsurface hydraulics, leachate level control, waste properties, and the impact on the slope stability of the landfill. The key objectives of this one-day course are to teach:(1) design and operation of subsurface leachate/liquid injection systems using computer models coupled with field-scale testing and monitoring; and (2) how to carry out slope stability analysis for landfills operated as bioreactors. Subsurface liquid injection systems consisting of horizontal trenches, vertical wells, and permeable blankets will be presented. Monitoring the performance of such systems using field sensing techniques will be included. Slope stability analysis will include types of landfill failures, landfill failure case history review, design and operational factors influencing landfill stability, leachate head calculations, and effect of leachate level on landfill failure.
Course Outcomes
- This is a design, operation, and permitting-oriented course for solid waste landfills which have been increasingly operated as bioreactors due to significant environmental and economical benefits.
- This course will benefit designers, landfill operators, and regulators involved in leachate management, liquid waste disposal, associated physical stability issues, and field-scale monitoring.
#11: Levee and Dam Erosion
George Annandale Ph.D., P.E.
(Engineering & Hydrosystems, Inc.)
Jean-Louis Briaud Ph.D., P.E.
(Texas A & M University)
Jeff Farrar P.E.
(U.S. Bureau of Reclamation)
Gregory Hanson Ph.D., P.E.
(U.S. Department of Agriculture)
Daniel McCook
(U.S. Department of Agriculture)
Levee erosion by overtopping was a major factor in the failure of levees when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005. Dam erosion is a major issue for dam owners throughout the country including the problems of internal erosion through piping and scour downstream of spillways. This short course will introduce geotechnical engineers to the causes and mechanisms of erosion. Topics to be covered include: erosion tests, overtopping and breaching, piping and internal erosion, erosion downstream of spillways
and risk analysis for dams. There is an industry need for geotechnical engineers to be engaged in erosion related engineering problems and this course is designed to equip engineers for participation.
Course Outcomes
- This is a course which combines the fundamentals of soil and rock erosion and many applications for practicing engineers.
- A must course for anyone who is connected to soil and rock erosion related to levees and dams or wishes to get involved in the field.
Short Courses
Sunday, February 18, 2007 8:30am – 5:00pm
#1: Augered Cast-In-Place (ACIP) Piles: Design, Construction, Load Test and Case Studies
C. Vipulanandan, Ph.D., P.E.
(University of Houston)
Tracy Brettmann, P.E.
(Berkel & Company)
Kenneth E. Tand, P.E.
(Kenneth Tand and Associates)
Augered cast-in-place (ACIP) piles, also known as continuous flight auger (CFA), are being increasingly used for supporting building, bridges, sound barrier walls and many other structures around the world. Auger piles, with their load-displacement behavior generally fall in between that of a drilled shaft and a driven pile, and hence need to be designed for various
applications. ACIP piles are also being socketed in rocks. Different design methods are available in practice to estimate the ultimate bearing capacity
of ACIP piles based upon in-situ soil properties, unit skin friction and unit end bearing. There are various types of ACIP piling systems currently in use and designing and constructing issues (installation process and equipment), specifications including the QA/QC procedures, for ACIP piles will be discussed. Load test results from various geological formations
will be discussed. Several case studies including a highway bridge totally supported on ACIP piles will be presented. All presenters will participate in a question & answer session at the end.
Course Outcomes
- Designing and constructing augered cast-in-place piles as a cost effective alternative to driven piles and drilled shafts will be presented with several unique case studies.
- Reviewing innovative real-time monitoring and rapid construction techniques that not only assure quality control in the piles but also are making the ACIP piles increasingly popular in the public and private sectors.
#2: NASTT Pipe Bursting Good Practices
Samuel Ariaratnam, Ph.D., P.E.
(Arizona State University)
Dave Bennett, P.E.
(Bennett/Staheli Engineers)
The North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT) and the Geo-Institute of ASCE are pleased to offer a one-day NASTT Pipe Bursting Good Practices training course. The pipe bursting course is geared to
provide an in-depth overview of pipe bursting and covers four topic areas: (1) the types, methods and application of pipe bursting; (2) planning and
preliminary design of a pipe bursting job; (3) design and construction considerations; and (4) trouble shooting and problem solving.
Course Outcome
- The pipe bursting course is ideally suited for anyone who is involved with construction, rehabilitating and managing underground utilities. Whether you’re a municipal engineer, utility personnel, designer, manager or contractor, this one-day course is perfect for you.
#3: Application of Value Management Tools and
Stakeholder Input to Geotechnical Projects
*****CANCELLED****
Norm Hyndman
(U.S. Bureau of Reclamation)
Tom Cook
(U.S. Bureau of Reclamation)
Betty Chavira
(U.S. Bureau of Reclamation)
Darryl Good
(U.S. Bureau of Reclamation)
Seize the competitive edge over the competition. In an interactive session with practicing value team leaders, participants will develop an understanding of value engineering (VE) techniques as applied to
geotechnical projects. These methods can be used to improve the product and professional services to the client. The workshop will introduce the benefits of applying function analysis and the VE Job Plan in developing a new viewpoint on engineering design, creative problem solving to optimize design, and understanding stakeholder needs.
Course Outcomes
- During this interactive session participants will receive an introduction to the steps in the Value Engineering Process along with examples of how they have been successfully applied to geotechnical project design.
- Participants will learn the value of applying function analysis to assist in developing a new viewpoint on engineering design, creative problem solving to optimize design, and provide a better understanding of user needs.
*****# 3 has been CANCELLED****
#4: Design/Construction of Reinforced Segmental
Retaining Walls (SRW)
Michael Bernardi, P.E.,
(Retained Earth Design, Inc.)
John Paulson, P.E.,
(REDI Engineering, Inc.)
Sam Allen,
(Texas Research International (TRI))
The course focuses on the design and construction of reinforced SRWs. A brief background of the application of this technology will be presented including the advantages, economic considerations, and limitations of these types of systems as compared to other conventional practices. Details concerning the design, selection of facing and reinforcing materials, specifications and wall construction will be covered. Current design codes/ standards and software will be referenced and summarized. An overview of several recent innovations such as the combination of reinforcement with lightweight fill and newly developed alternative design procedures will also be presented. Each attendee will be given course notes to support the lecture, as well as references for facing, reinforcement products and systems. This course has been specifically targeted to those persons who have a need for a detailed understanding of SRWs. It is intended to aid those who are designing, constructing and inspecting these structures. These people include: Design Engineers, Specifying/Certifying Engineers, Construction/ QA Project Managers, Installers/Contractors, Third Party Inspectors, Regulators. This course is presented in two parts, each complementing the other to provide maximum benefit. The first will focus on design, layout and specifications with guidance on material properties and selection, differences in design methods and available software. The second part will focus on the installation and quality control/quality assurance during construction. Finally, a summary of relevant current events and resources will be presented.
Course Outcomes
- This is a practical, how-to course that will benefit wall designers, contractors, and engineers who review these systems as part of a site development construction project.
- This course provides a hands-on teaching experience of the materials, testing and design procedures for these increasingly commonly used site development structures. Course will benefit all engineers involved with site civil/geotechnical engineering.
#5: Design and Repair Guidelines for Shallow Residential Foundations on Expansive Clay Soils
R. Gordon McKeen, P.E.
(McKeen Consulting Engineers LLC)
Jean-Louis Briaud, P.E.
(Texas A & M University)
Marshall B. Addison, P.E.
Philip G. King, P.E.,
(Synchropile, Inc.)
The short course will address residential foundation investigation and design, and the evaluation and repair of residential foundations. The course will cover design guidelines to account for expansive soil related
issues. Current national design code (IRC) issues will be addressed, and recommended modifications to existing residential foundation design methods will be provided. The short course is based on documents developed over a three year effort by ASCE, TX Section, to address the design and repair of residential foundations on expansive clay soils.
Course Outcomes
- The presentation will provide an engineering basis for addressing the investigation and design, and evaluation and repair of residential foundations.
- The design basis was developed through a consensus of practitioners who met monthly over a three year period.
#6: Estimation of Soil Properties for Foundation Design
Fred H. Kulhawy, Ph.D., P.E.
(Cornell University)
Soil property estimation is fundamental to all of geotechnical design. On large projects with relatively generous budgets, all of the required field and laboratory tests can be conducted to evaluate the necessary geotechnical properties for design. For all other projects, testing will be more limited, and some properties will have to be estimated using correlations.
In recent years, a major study was conducted at Cornell University to assess soil property correlations in a realistic manner, including the uncertainty in each correlation. However, the results of this study are not yet available in traditional types of reference sources such as texts and manuals. In this course, much of this technology is presented within a consistent, coherent, and practical framework. General topics covered include the following: soil property evaluation strategy, geologic inference in property assessment, usage of in-situ tests, relative density assessment, in-situ stress evaluation, soil strength evaluation, and deformability estimation. Comprehensive notes are used that facilitate technology transfer.
Course Outcomes
- Learn about soil properties - from use of geologic inference, to proper modeling of field conditions, to assessing uncertainties in field testing, and much more.
- Learn about estimating soil properties, and their variability and uncertainty, from performance to index tests, in the field and in the laboratory.
