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

INSTRUCTORS: 
Jacob Price, P.E.
S. Robert Johnson, P.E.
Derek Simpson, P.E.
Anil Bhandari, Ph.D, P.E.
Jianchun Cao, Ph.D, P.E.
Chris Garris, P.E., M.ASCE

Purpose and Background

These presentations were recorded at the 2024 GI Web Conference.

“Deep Dynamic Compaction on the US-191 Realignment Project, Vernal, UT” by Jacob Price and S. Robert Johnson (23 minutes)

This presentation explores the geotechnical design and construction elements of a roadway rerouting project on US-191 near Vernal, Utah. The project involved a public-private partnership to relocate a hazardous stretch of highway over a phosphate deposit, enabling safer curves and access to underlying minerals. Challenges included significant variability in compaction of mine-placed fill, created through methods like blasting, dumping, and pushing. Deep dynamic compaction was used to densify the top 20-30 feet of fill, followed by controlled embankment placement to meet highway standards and reduce settlement potential. The presentation will highlight the innovative ground improvement techniques and their role in ensuring roadway stability and safety.

“Critical Components of Rigid Inclusions and Geo-Structural Interactions – A Case Study of Footing Design, Floor Slab Design, and Lateral Loads on Rigid Inclusion” by Derek Simpson and Mick Pockoski (25 minutes)

This presentation examines the critical components of rigid inclusions and their geo-structural interactions through a case study focusing on footing design, floor slab design, and lateral load resistance. The study highlights design considerations for rigid inclusions, including their ability to transfer and distribute loads effectively in various soil conditions. Key aspects include analyzing lateral forces acting on inclusions and the stability requirements of the integrated foundation system. Real-world applications demonstrate how proper design optimizes both performance and cost-efficiency in geotechnical projects. Advanced methods for evaluating soil-structure interactions are also discussed, ensuring safe and sustainable construction outcomes.

“Shallow Soil Mixing (SSM) and Controlled Modulus Column (CMC) Rigid Inclusions Route 1&9 Truck Route in New Jersey (25 minutes minutes)

This presentation highlights the use of Shallow Soil Mixing (SSM) and Controlled Modulus Column (CMC) rigid inclusions in the construction of a new truck route on Route 1&9 in Jersey City, New Jersey. The project addressed the challenges posed by soft compressible soils and organic layers in the area, employing innovative techniques to ensure stability and support for the planned embankment. The study emphasizes the role of SSM in creating a load transfer platform (LTP) and the effective integration of CMCs to distribute loads uniformly. Insights into soil profile analysis and site-specific adaptations illustrate the methods’ efficiency in managing geotechnical risks. Practical design solutions and modeling approaches are discussed to showcase the project's success in achieving safe and durable ground improvement.

“Application of Deep Mixing Method (DMM) for Excavation Support for an LNG Project” by Jianchun Cao and Anil Bhandari (25 minutes)

This presentation explores the use of the Deep Mixing Method (DMM) for excavation support in a liquefied natural gas (LNG) project. It highlights the challenges posed by soft and compressible soil conditions, necessitating advanced geotechnical solutions. The DMM technique was utilized to create a stable support system, effectively managing lateral displacement and uplift forces while maintaining excavation safety. Design considerations included achieving specific unconfined compressive strengths and integrating tie-down anchors to resist buoyancy and bottom blowout. The presentation further showcases finite element analysis and construction visuals, emphasizing the DMM system's reliability and adaptability in ensuring project success.

“Delegated Design of Ground Improvement and the Evolving Role of the Geotechnical Engineer’’ by Chris Garris (22 minutes)

This presentation examines the evolving role of geotechnical engineers in the delegated design of ground improvement systems. It focuses on optimizing collaboration between engineers and specialty contractors to achieve technically sound, cost-effective solutions. Key topics include ideal workflows, risk management, and maintaining alignment between geotechnical recommendations and construction practices. The session also highlights case studies illustrating the benefits and challenges of delegated design, emphasizing the importance of monitoring, performance criteria, and innovative solutions. Practical suggestions are provided for improving communication and ensuring successful outcomes in complex ground improvement projects.

Benefits and Learning Outcomes

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

• Explain the use of deep dynamic compaction and controlled embankment placement to address variability in mine-placed fill on US-191 near Vernal, Utah, and its role in improving roadway stability and safety.
• Identify the key design considerations for rigid inclusions, including footing and floor slab performance under lateral loads.
• Describe how SSM and CMC rigid inclusions were applied to address compressible soils and improve load distribution on Route 1&9 in New Jersey.
• Explain how the Deep Mixing Method (DMM) enhances excavation support by mitigating lateral displacement and uplift forces in LNG projects.
• Analyze the evolving role of geotechnical engineers in delegated design and its impact on collaboration, risk management, and project outcomes.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

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

Who Should Attend?

• Geotechnical Engineers
• Engineering Geologists
• Owners and Operators of Civil Infrastructure
• Consultants
• Public Agency Staff
• Specialty Contractors

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]