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Sponsored by ASCE's Geo-Institute's Technical Committees
Course Length: 2 Hours
Moderator: Tom Pennington, P.E., M.ASCE
INSTRUCTORS:
Zhangwei Ning, Ph.D., A.M.ASCE
Jewels Stover, P.E., M.ASCE
Sotirios Vardakos, Ph.D., P.E., C.Eng., M.ASCE
Tom Pennington, P.E., M.ASCE
Purpose an Background
These presentations were recorded at the 2020 GI Web Conference.
State-of-the-practice in Geotechnical Instrumentation and Monitoring of Urban Underground Constructions (28 minutes)
This presentation explores advancements in geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring techniques for urban underground construction projects. It covers conventional methods and state-of-the-art sensor technologies that help engineers assess ground movement, structural integrity, and environmental conditions in complex urban environments. The session highlights case studies demonstrating the role of real-time data collection and analysis in enhancing construction safety and efficiency. Key challenges, including sensor placement, data interpretation, and technology integration, are discussed. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for implementing monitoring systems in underground projects to mitigate risks and optimize design decisions.
Innovative SOE Solutions for Shaft Construction: Getting to Depth with Diaphragm Walls at Westerly Storage Tunnel?(23 minutes)
This presentation focuses on the application of diaphragm wall technology in deep shaft construction at the Westerly Storage Tunnel project in Cleveland, Ohio. It details how diaphragm walls provided a structurally sound and watertight support system for excavation, replacing conventional support of excavation (SOE) methods. The session outlines the benefits of diaphragm walls, including improved construction safety, reduced dewatering needs, and expedited excavation schedules. Attendees will learn about design considerations, construction challenges, and innovative solutions used to optimize the project. The discussion also highlights lessons learned from working with deep excavation techniques in complex urban environments.
Construction of the Albany Park Stormwater Tunnel in Chicago (35 minutes)
This case study examines the construction of the Albany Park Stormwater Tunnel, designed to mitigate severe flooding in a densely populated area of Chicago. The presentation covers project planning, geotechnical conditions, and excavation methods used to construct the mile-long, 20.4-foot-diameter tunnel through limestone. It discusses the tunnel boring machine (TBM) selection, excavation challenges, and risk mitigation strategies. Special attention is given to managing community concerns, vibration control near sensitive structures, and the tunnel's emergency use before project completion. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the engineering solutions implemented to enhance urban flood resilience through underground infrastructure.
Intercepting a Deep Tunnel utilizing Precision Drilling Techniques (25 minutes)
This presentation highlights the engineering precision required for deep tunnel interception and shaft drilling, focusing on a critical water infrastructure project in California. The session details advanced drilling methods used to install chemical feed shafts in a live water supply tunnel without disrupting operations. Topics include directional drilling, alignment verification, risk management, and innovative solutions for working in submerged conditions. The discussion also covers the importance of geotechnical assessments, grouting strategies, and contingency planning to minimize construction risks. Attendees will gain insight into the technical and logistical challenges of modifying aging underground infrastructure while ensuring operational continuity.
Learning Outcomes and Benefits for Participants
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Identify the key technologies and methodologies used in geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring to enhance safety and efficiency in urban underground construction.
- Describe the benefits and challenges of using diaphragm wall technology for deep shaft construction in urban environments.
- Explain the engineering design and construction process of the Albany Park Stormwater Tunnel, including tunneling methods, geotechnical challenges, and emergency flood diversion strategies.
- Discuss the precision drilling techniques used to intercept deep tunnels and the challenges of modifying aging underground infrastructure while maintaining operational continuity.
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
Structural engineers, geotechnical engineers, construction professionals and geologists, water and wastewater professionals.
How to Earn your CEUs/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 1 year of purchasing the course.
How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?
1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]