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INSTRUCTOR: 
Naresh Samtani, Ph.D., P.E., D.GE, F.ASCE

Purpose and Background

Fills for embankments are commonly used to meet the requirements of the vertical grade of a facility. Fills placed to accommodate the vertical profile as the roadway approaches a bridge are often referred to as “approach embankment fills” or “approach roadway fills.” Embankment fills are also needed for many other infrastructure projects including water retention structures such as earth fill dams. Deformation and instability (local or global), both vertical and lateral, of embankment fills is a common problem. Consideration of the effect of such fills on structures founded in fills, adjacent structures, and subsurface utilities is important to avoid costly post-construction maintenance and potential legal issues, e.g., the approach embankment fill deformation near a bridge structure leads to the ubiquitous “bump at the end of the bridge.” This workshop discusses the various mechanisms for internal and external deformations of embankment fills. Evaluation of subsurface stresses and slope stability aspects related to embankment fills are also discussed. Estimation of ground compaction factor is discussed which is a key element for determination of final earthwork quantities. Good practices for ensuring the stability and performance of the approach elements to a bridge structure are discussed. Practical design solutions to mitigate the embankment stability problems will be discussed. The workshop addresses embankments for both highway and water retention structures.

Benefits and Learning Outcomes

Benefits

• Identify and discuss the components of embankments and associated elements
• Understand and contrast the internal and external deformations of embankments
• Identify and choose appropriate materials and compaction levels for embankments
• Outline techniques to mitigate embankment stability problems

Learning Outcomes

• Contrast internal and external deformation of embankments
• Comprehend concept of ground compaction factor for estimation of earthwork quantities
• Discuss effect of fill deformations on structures and utilities
• Discuss material selection and compaction procedures for embankment fills
• Outline techniques to mitigate approach embankment stability problems

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Achievement of the learning outcomes by attendees will be assessed through a short post-test.

Who Should Attend?

• Geotechnical and structural specialists
• General civil engineering specialists
• Agencies/owners
• General Contractors
• Inspectors
• Lawyers

Outline

Using a collaborative and interactive learning approach, this virtual workshop will help you understand: (a) design elements for embankment fills, and (b) the effect of embankment fills on structures in fills, adjacent structures, and subsurface utilities. The workshop will help you assimilate these crucial considerations through active participation by frequent interactions throughout the workshop and real-time expert feedback. The interactions will facilitate a better understanding of the nuances of the various design and construction procedures which would help you avoid costly design and construction errors in real-world projects. In between the two live sessions, attendees will independently work on an application (e.g., exercises) or a reflection (e.g., reading) assignment.

SESSION 1

• Introductions
• Embankment configurations
• General concepts of stress and strain
• Estimating stress distribution in foundation geomaterials
• Narrow versus wide embankments
• Lateral stress and lateral squeeze
• Effects of water on fill stability
• Slope stability considerations
• Estimation of internal and external deformations
• Embankment quantity and foundation preparation
• Examples of subsurface stresses and deformation effects
• Review of Session 1
• Classwork assignments
• Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session
• Classwork assignments
• Adjourn

SESSION 2

• Roadmap for Session 2
• Review of classwork assignments
• Abutment configurations with fills
• Effects of fills on abutments
• Effects of fills on approach slabs
• Effects on subsurface utilities
• Selection of fill materials
• Compaction of fills
• Minimum level of geotechnical investigations
• Mitigation of fill stability and utility protection concerns
• Bibliography and closure
• Review of Session 2 and full workshop
• Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session
• Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session
• Adjourn

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs

This course is worth .4 CEUs / 4 PDHs. To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 30 days of the course.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

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