On-demand Webinar

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This webinar was co-sponsored by ASCE's Geo-Institute (G-I) and ASCE Continuing Education

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

Course Length: 1 Hour

Purpose and Background

In light of the very large number of failures of mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls (320 to date) that have excessively deformed or collapsed, there is a need for serious discussion for both remediation and monitoring. This webinar describes in-situ mechanically strengthening techniques as well as dewatering methods since either or both are candidate procedures in the remediation category. This webinar presents 11 case histories using these techniques, as are their costs, which are then compared to the original wall costs. This webinar also presents five monitoring methods, which have, or could have, been used originally or after remediation.

Primary Discussion Topics

  • The current unsatisfactory status of failed MSE walls using geosynthetic reinforcement
  • Mechanical strengthening via ground anchors, rock bolts, and soil nailing
  • Dewatering via horizontal drains, pumped vertical wells and combined systems
  • Remediation of ten deforming walls and one rebuilt wall
  • Cost of wall remediation and comparison to estimated original wall cost
  • Various wall deformation monitoring methods
  • Commentary on wall distortion, remediation and monitoring

Learning Outcomes

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

  • Describe 10 remediated deforming walls and one which was rebuilt
  • Identify why many MSE walls are deforming and/or collapse
  • Recognize various ground modification techniques that are applicable to stabilize deforming walls
  • Recognize in-situ dewatering methods that could be used to alleviate hydrostatic pressure behind MSE walls
  • Describe one wall which failed in three separate locations at different times
  • Realize the cost implications of repairing different MSE walls that were deforming
  • Discuss five different monitoring methods which have been used at deforming wall sites

Webinar Benefits

  • Understand technically how the ground modification techniques of mechanical stabilization and dewatering can be used to prevent MSE walls from deforming
  • Learn details of how ten deforming walls were stabilized by the above methods
  • Appreciate the cost implications of deforming or collapsing MSE walls
  • Determine which monitoring methods are applicable to MSE walls that are presently deforming

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

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

Intended Audience

  • Private and public developers using MSE walls
  • Permitting engineers from municipal districts and townships
  • Geotechnical and geosynthetic design engineers
  • Geotextile and geogrid manufacturers and distributors
  • Ground modification engineers and contractors
  • Academic and research groups
  • Insurance companies and attorneys

Webinar Outline

  • In-situ mechanical strengthening techniques
  • In-situ dewatering techniques
  • Remediation case histories
  • Cost of remediation
  • Monitoring methods
  • Summary comments

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 on-line 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]