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Sponsored by ASCE's Geo-Institute's Technical Committees

INSTRUCTORS: 
Jay McKelvey III, P.E., D.GE
Geoming Lin, Ph.D., G.E., D.GE
Mike Zimmerman, E.I
Meryl Cherchia, P.E., A.M.ASCE
Cory Rauss, E.I.T
Shahin Ghazi Zadeh, Ph.D., P.E

Purpose and Background

These presentations were recorded at the 2023 GI Web Conference.

This session presents recent advances in earth retention technology, analysis, and design that can improve the safety, function, and constructability of these most critical infrastructure elements. Topics that are discussed within this session include Reinforced Slopes, Full-Scale Earth Retaining Structures Field Testing, Earth Retaining Structures with Changing Conditions, and Wetting Effects on the Behavior of Unsaturated Clays for Retaining Wall and Levee Designs.

Hybrid Reinforced Soil Slope (37 minutes)

This project involved the construction of a geosynthetic reinforced slope with soil nails to support a new hospital development adjacent to a state highway. The design required temporary shoring along the highway's center line, transitioning to a geosynthetic reinforced slope to minimize traffic disruption. The solution included drilling soil nails into the existing embankment, applying a rock mesh, and integrating geogrid reinforcement to provide stability. The innovative approach offered a cost-effective alternative to traditional shoring methods, ensuring the structural integrity of the slope while accommodating future utility installations.

Design of Earth Retaining Structures and Levees Considering the Wetting of Unsaturated Clays (20 minutes)

This presentation addresses the challenges of reduced material strength due to loss of natural suction in unsaturated clays. This issue arises when a project, such as a water conveyance channel, causes a rise in groundwater, resulting in the wetting of these clays. The design process includes assessing global stability, bearing, and sliding capacities, as well as potential impacts on nearby structures. The use of laboratory testing and seepage modeling tools, such as SlopeW and CPW software, is emphasized for evaluating the strength loss and developing appropriate design strategies.

NUH Glenbrook Hospital Renovation (38 minutes)

This presentation discussed the construction of a 170,000 square foot addition to the existing hospital, necessitating significant earth retention systems. The project required supportive excavation to accommodate a new basement with cut heights varying from 15 to 27 feet, while ensuring minimal disruption to the existing structure and sensitive medical equipment. The design included the use of various earth retention techniques, with specific attention to vibration and noise restrictions due to nearby MRI machines. Challenges included partial demolition for integration with the existing structure and addressing complex site conditions.

Benefits and Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of these sessions, you will be able to:

• Identify how and when to incorporate hybrid reinforced slopes in earth retention applications. Explain the value of full-scale testing on sheet pile walls and its importance to engineering practice.
• Assess how to innovate during the construction of earth retention structures when differing conditions are encountered.
• Discuss how to account for the effect of a loss of suction in clays on the behavior of retaining walls and levees, and how to design for the resulting loss of strength.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Achievement of the learning objectives will be assessed through a short post-test.

Who Should Attend?

• Geotechnical Engineers
• Engineering Geologists
• General Contractors
• Owners and Operators of Water Conveyance Structures
• Geologists
• Specialty Contractors
• Civil designers in Urban Environment

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

This course is worth 0.2 CEUs/2 PDHs. To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short post-test online and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 365 days from course purchase.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]