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Course Length: 2 Hours

INSTRUCTORS: 
Yasser Abdelhamid, Ph.D, P.E.
Yazen Khasawneh, Ph.D., P.E
Siavash Zamiran, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE

Purpose and Background

This presentation was recorded at the 2020 GI Web Conference.

Fragility Analysis of Cantilever Retaining Walls Based on Different Earthquake Ground Motions and Failure Case Histories (40 minutes)

This presentation explores numerical modeling techniques to analyze the seismic response of cantilever retaining walls. It covers different methods, including analytical, experimental, and numerical approaches, to assess earthquake-induced wall movements. Using FLAC software, the study develops fragility curves based on numerical simulations, helping engineers evaluate failure probabilities and improve seismic design practices.

Applications of Numerical Techniques to Evaluate Retaining Walls and Slopes in North Texas (40 minutes)

This session examines the role of numerical modeling in evaluating the stability of retaining walls and slopes, particularly in the expansive clay soils of North Texas. It highlights common causes of failures, including inadequate site investigations, improper design assumptions, and unforeseen environmental conditions. Case studies demonstrate the application of finite element analysis to assess wall stability and forensic investigations to determine failure mechanisms.

Meaningful Numerical Simulation, What it Takes? (40 minutes)

This presentation discusses the use of advanced numerical simulations for geotechnical engineering applications, including wind turbine foundations and deep excavations. It explains how soil-structure interaction models help predict deformation, stress distribution, and foundation performance under different loading conditions. The session emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate constitutive models to accurately capture soil behavior in computational geotechnics.

Benefits and Learning Outcomes

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

• Explain the process of numerical modeling for seismic analysis of cantilever retaining walls using FLAC software.
• Analyze fragility curves to estimate the probability of failure under different earthquake intensities.
• Describe the common causes of retaining wall and slope failures, including soil conditions, design assumptions, and construction defects.
• List key numerical modeling techniques used to assess geotechnical stability and forensic investigations.
• Define the role of soil-structure interaction in geotechnical engineering and its impact on foundation performance.
• Estimate ground deformations and stress distributions using numerical simulation techniques for wind turbine foundations and deep excavations.

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

Geotechnical engineers
Structural engineers
Construction engineers
Builders
Contractors
Project managers

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

This course is worth .2 CEUs /2 PDHs. 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 30 days of the course.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

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