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INSTRUCTORS: 
Desi Maldonado, P.E.
Jyotirmoy Sircar, P.E.
Edyson Rojas, P.E
Michael Preece, P.E., PSP
Alan Chun, P.E.
Jeffrey Bruce, P.E.

Purpose and Background

These presentations were recorded at the ASCE Ports Conference 2025

Case Studies for the Beneficial Use of Lightweight Fill for Bulkhead Construction (20 minutes)

This presentation explores case studies demonstrating how lightweight fill materials, such as geofoam and lightweight aggregate, have been effectively used in bulkhead construction to reduce lateral earth pressures and foundation loads. The session covers the selection criteria, placement techniques, and long-term performance of these materials in marine environments. Attendees will learn how lightweight fill can offer practical solutions for soft soils, minimize surcharge on aging structures, and improve constructability in space-limited sites.

Anchored Precast Gravity Structure for Pier Reconstruction in Challenging Geotechnical and Coastal Conditions (17 minutes)

This session presents the reconstruction of a pier using an anchored precast gravity wall system in a coastal site with poor soil conditions and limited access. The presentation covers design methodology, anchoring strategy, foundation preparation, and construction sequencing to overcome geotechnical and hydraulic challenges. Emphasis is placed on modular construction, resilience to coastal forces, and integration with existing infrastructure. Attendees will gain insight into effective solutions for difficult marine construction environments.

Unique and Efficient Constructability Enhancements for Farragut Field Bulkhead Repairs at the US Naval Academy (20 minutes)

Focusing on a high-profile bulkhead repair project at the U.S. Naval Academy, this presentation highlights innovative constructability measures that reduced costs, minimized waterway disruption, and accelerated construction. Key strategies included reuse of existing sheet piles, customized tie-back systems, and carefully staged marine access. The session offers lessons on how early coordination, tailored equipment use, and adaptive detailing contribute to construction success in constrained federal sites. Attendees will gain practical tools for improving constructability in waterfront repairs.

Structural Analysis of Liquefaction Using SAP2000 Integrated Deformation-Based Downdrag Analysis (18 minutes)

This presentation introduces a deformation-based approach to modeling downdrag effects caused by liquefaction using SAP2000. It explains how to couple ground deformation profiles with structural response to capture settlement-induced axial loading in piles and foundation systems. The session includes a step-by-step workflow, input parameters, and interpretation of results for design use. Attendees will learn how to evaluate pile-soil interaction more accurately in seismic zones with liquefaction potential.

Benefits and Learning Outcomes

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

• Describe how lightweight fill materials can be selected and applied to reduce earth pressures and improve constructability in bulkhead design.
• Explain the design and construction process for using anchored precast gravity systems in marine sites with difficult soil and access conditions.
• Identify constructability techniques that optimize construction efficiency and reduce disruption in waterfront repair projects with spatial and operational constraints.
• Analyze how deformation-based downdrag modeling using SAP2000 can be used to assess liquefaction-induced axial loads on deep foundations.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

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

Who Should Attend?

• Port engineers
• Port authority staff
• Project managers
• General contractors
• Early career professionals

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

To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 1 year of purchasing the course.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

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