Rainfall causes shrinking and swelling as it infiltrates expansive soil. TRB hosted a webinar on Thursday, April 29, 2021 to clarify this behavior and the related failure of shallow slopes. Presenters began with the problems from a state department of transportation perspective, moved into the maintenance issues, then development of the field instrumentation plan, and continue through the numerical coupled flow deformation analysis. Presenters also discussed possible solutions.

This webinar was organized by TRB’s Standing Technical Committee on Mechanics and Drainage of Saturated and Unsaturated Geomaterials.

The slides and recording are available.

Webinar agenda and presenters

1. Lessons learned from analyses of slopes: Mohammad Sadik Khan, Jackson State University
2. Possible repair method to shallow landslides made in expansive soil: Mike Stroud, Mississippi Department of Transportation
3. Question and answer session: Moderated by Cindy Smith, Mississippi Department of Transportation

The first 60 minutes of the webinar will be for presentations and the final 30 minutes will be reserved for audience questions.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Discuss shallow slope failure due to moisture build up
2. Determine effective methods to repair shallow slope failure

Professional Development Hours

Professional Development Hours (PDHs) earned on completion of this program were reported to the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Certificates of Completion are issued to all participants via the RCEP.net online system. Complaints about registered providers may be addressed to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Fl., Washington, DC, 20005.