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Sponsored by ASCE's Geo-Institute's Technical Committees
INSTRUCTORS:
Jean-Louis Briaud, Ph.D, P.E., Dist.M.ASCE
Jubair Hossain, Ph.D, P.E.
Sadik Khan, Ph.D, P.E.
Purpose and Background
“Slab on Grade for Light Buildings on Shrink Swell Soils” Jean-Louis Briaud (42 minutes)
This presentation addresses the challenges of designing foundations for light structures like houses or warehouses on problematic soils that shrink and swell with seasonal moisture changes. The discussion explores how differential soil movement at the edges versus the center of slabs can cause excessive distortion and cracking in brittle structures. It introduces the concept of stiffened slabs on grade and provides a detailed methodology for calculating beam depths and slab stiffness using soil and weather parameters. Case studies illustrate the importance of designing foundations that can withstand soil movements without compromising structural integrity. The audience will gain insights into practical design approaches and the use of predictive modeling to mitigate risks associated with shrink-swell soils.
“Seepage Assessment Using Geophysical Investigation and Shallow Foundation Design for Large Horizontal Loading” by Jubair Hossain, Ph.D, P.E. (38 minutes)
This session presents innovative approaches to geotechnical challenges in levees and retaining wall foundations. The first part discusses the use of geophysical methods, such as resistivity imaging, to identify seepage zones in levees, enabling targeted boring and seepage analysis while minimizing disruption to the structure. The second part focuses on the design of shallow foundations subjected to large horizontal loads, emphasizing the importance of considering three-dimensional load interactions and incorporating inclination factors to avoid overestimating bearing capacity. Case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of these methods in addressing seepage issues and ensuring safe and reliable designs for retaining walls and levee systems. This presentation provides the audience with advanced techniques to enhance foundation performance and improve site investigation practices.
“Mapping Voids under the Existing Foundations using a combination of Ground Penetration Radar and Electrical Resistivity Imaging Methods” by Sadik Khan, Ph.D, P.E. (40 minutes)
This presentation explores the application of non-destructive geophysical techniques to identify subsurface voids beneath foundations. The discussion details how Ground Penetration Radar (GPR) and Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI) were combined to detect voids and trapped moisture, providing complementary insights into subsurface conditions. Key considerations such as the use of different antennas, data resolution, and penetration depths are discussed to address challenges in varying soil types, including wet clays. A case study demonstrates how these methods successfully located voids and pinpointed areas of concern for remedial action, including the identification of leaking pipes. The audience will learn how to integrate GPR and ERI for accurate site assessments, minimizing risks during construction and repair projects.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of these sessions, you will be able to:
- Describe the effects of shrink-swell soil behavior on light building foundations and explain the role of stiffened slabs in mitigating distortion and cracking.
- Analyze the relationship between soil properties, weather conditions, and slab stiffness to determine optimal beam depths for shrink-swell soil foundations.
- Identify the advantages of using resistivity imaging for seepage assessment in levees and describe how it improves the accuracy of subsurface investigations.
- Explain the importance of three-dimensional load interactions and inclination factors in designing shallow foundations for large horizontal loads.
- Define the principles of Ground Penetration Radar (GPR) and Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI) and describe their complementary roles in detecting subsurface voids
- Analyze case study findings to identify key factors influencing the successful application of geophysical methods for void detection beneath foundations.
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 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.
How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?
1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]