Ongoing performance evaluation and research in embankment earthworks and retaining wall support can have implications for several aspects of a project. TRB hosted a webinar on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 from 1:00-2:30 PM Eastern that will introduce modeling and field instrumentation as well as describe how these tools inform design. Using these tools may help with reducing project cost, risk reduction, system resiliency, life-cycle costs, long-term performance, and return on investment. Presenters discussed instrumentation of walls for economy and risk control. They also covered instrumentation and monitoring of load transfer and differential movement in column-support embankments. Presenters also identified instrumentation use to both measure and improve understanding of the interaction between wall and foundation for load support.

This webinar is sponsored by the Standing Technical Committees on Transportation Earthworks and Geotechnical Instrumentation and Modeling.

The slides and recording are available. 

Webinar agenda and presenters

1. Economy and risk control: Barry Christopher, Christopher Consultants
2. Load transfer and differential movement in column-supported embankments: Liang Chern Chow, American Engineering Testing
3. Understanding the interaction between wall and foundation for load support: Jie Han, University of Kansas
4. Question and answer session: Moderated by Derrick Dasenbrock, Federal Highway Administration

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. Identify the economy and risk management provided by geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring
2. Identify new design methods and modeling from instrumentation and monitoring of column-supported embankments
3. Discuss the interaction between wall and wall foundations for load support improved by geotechnical instrumentation of full-scale construction 

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.