In an ephemeral streambed the regional ground water is at considerable depth, and streamflow occurs only during finite duration flood events. Due to the lack of formal guidance, deep foundation designers assume the streambed as either fully buoyant with hydrostatic water pressure or non-buoyant with zero pore water pressure above the regional ground water level. Neither approach is corroborated by observed infiltration patterns in ephemeral streambeds during flood events.

This webinar presents an infiltration-based approach that can help realize rational and economical deep foundation designs in ephemeral streambeds. Such an approach leads to better use of taxpayer dollars along with environmental benefits such as a reduced carbon footprint and sustainable use of natural resources.