This webinar is co-sponsored by ASCE's Geo-Institute and ASCE Continuing Education 

Purpose and Background

Earthwork is an important component of virtually every civil engineering project. Not only do the properties of compacted earth materials impact the performance of earth structures (embankments, dams, slopes), but these properties also impact the performance of foundations, retaining structures and pavements. Still, on many projects little attention is paid to making sure earthwork is properly constructed. This webinar will explain the basics of earthwork and compaction, evaluation of compaction, earthwork operations, and how to ensure you are getting the desired results.

Primary Discussion Topics

• Desirable properties of completed earthwork
• Compaction theory
• Earthwork process
• Evaluation of earthwork construction
• What to watch for to know it has being done right

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Know the desirable properties of compacted earth materials
• Identify compaction theory
• Describe methods for evaluating the effectiveness of earthwork construction operations
• Determine sources of error in the earthwork testing process

Webinar Benefits

• Avoid the negative impacts of improperly placed earthwork
• Learn how the earthwork operations are evaluated during construction
• Understand the earthwork testing process and adequate testing scope of work
• Recognize potential error sources in the testing process
• Become equipped to review earthwork-testing results

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-assessment (true-false, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions).

Intended Audience

Professionals in a position to specify, review, or otherwise consume earthwork construction and/or earthwork testing services, including:

• Civil Engineers
• Architects
• Special inspectors
• Construction managers
• Contractors providing earthwork construction
• Professionals involved in the earthwork testing business

Webinar Outline

What is earthwork
Desirable properties of completed earthwork
Compaction theory

• Relationships between strength and compressibility and density
• What should we measure
• How do we evaluate our measurements
• Proctor tests
• Zero air voids
• Oversize

Earthwork Process
Evaluation of Earthwork Construction

• Earthwork specifications
• Density testing
• Other important field observations
• Evaluating test results
• Documentation

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion