Sponsored by ASCE Continuing Education and the Geo-Institute (G-I).  

INSTRUCTOR: Robert M. Koerner, Ph.D., P.E., D.GE, Dist.M.ASCE

Purpose and Background

PVDs (also called wick drains) have become the most cost competitive method for consolidating deep deposits of saturated fine-grained foundation soils. For their proper utilization one must understand their installation, requisite theory, remaining issues and the opportunity of strengthening (not only dewatering) the soil mass. This webinar provides this specific knowledge.

Primary Discussion Topics

• Overview of PVDs
• Decription of installation, including the stresses mobilized during installation
• Successive design theories of Terzaghi, Barron and Hansbo
• Description of several issues and concerns that still remain
• Discussion on the possibility of soil strengthening by PVD inclusions
• Description of a new generic specification for PVDs

Learning Outcomes

• Know what PVDs are, do, and how they behave
• Understand the installation process and stresses that are involved
• Recognize the analytic background required in the design process
• Describe the remaining PVD issues and concerns
• Be exposed to the soil strengthening capabilities of PVDs
• Understand the tests and issues included in a generic PVD specification

Webinar Benefits

• Gain an understanding of PVD consolidation and strengthening of soft, saturated fine-grained soil deposits
• Recognize that there are issues to be overcome such as kinking, soil smear and reduction factors, all of which will be considered
• Learn about a new, generic specification that is offered for use by owners and consulting engineers

Intended Audience

• Geotechnical, transportation, geo-environmental and geosynthetic engineers
• Private and municipal land developers, architectural and landscape designers
• General and specialized civil consulting engineers
• Testing laboratories servicing these organizations
• Manufacturers and representatives of geosynthetic materials
• Contractors and installers of geosynthetics
• Academic and research groups
• Others desiring technically related information on this important aspect of soil consolidation and strengthening

Webinar Outline

• Background and overview
• Installation of PVDs
• Mobilized stresses during installation
• Terzaghi-barron-hansbo consolidation theories
• Remaining PVD issues and concerns
• Slope stabilization using the tensile strength of PVDs
• Generic PVD material specification 

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