Online Workshop on Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Walls – Understanding Fill Properties and Good Practices for Details
2025-11-04 09:30, 2027-06-16 08:30 - 13:30 (America/Phoenix) | Online
Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls are used extensively for grade-separation fill structures in many applications, e.g., highways, railways, marine, commercial, etc. To avoid adverse performance issues, and to ensure safe and serviceable MSE walls, the fills and component details must be tailored to specific geometry and the environment (conditions) expected over its specified lifetime. To help comprehend these crucial considerations for successful implementation of MSE wall projects, the thrust of the discussions in this workshop is to: (a) establish a baseline for understanding the design and construction considerations associated with the use of geomaterials for MSE wall fills, and (b) emphasize attention to details of various components. The presentation will also include information on the new MSE-LASR technology that permits consideration of Local Available Sustainable Resources (LASR), i.e., non-select or marginal fills. The fill criteria by the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) for segmental retaining walls will also be contrasted with MSE and MSE-LASR fill criteria.
Using a collaborative and interactive learning approach, this virtual workshop will help you understand: (a) the fill properties and the underlying reasons for specification values for fills, and (b) good practices for details. The workshop will help you assimilate these crucial considerations through active participation by frequent interactions throughout the workshop and real-time expert feedback. The interactions will facilitate a better understanding of the nuances of the fill properties and details which would help you avoid costly design and construction errors in real-world projects. In between the two live sessions, attendees will independently work on an application (e.g., exercises) or a reflection (e.g., reading) assignment.
Session 1 of 2

Introductions
Terminology and Basics of Compaction
Effect of Unit Weight, Voids, and Fabric/Structure
Field Compaction Procedures
Relative Density and Relative Compaction
Practical Issues and SAV&S Field Control Method
Choice of Field Compaction Control Method
Review of Session 1
Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session
Assignment of classwork
Adjourn for classwork and break

Session 2 of 2

Review of classwork assignment
Roadmap for Session 2
Shear Strength Characteristics of Compacted Soils
Volume Change Characteristics of Compacted Soils
Permeability Characteristics of Compacted Soils
Proof-rolling
Review of Session 2 and full workshop
Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session

Adjourn

Beyond Safety Factors: Leveraging Probabilistic Analysis Tools for Smarter Decisions
2026-01-22 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
An ASCE eLearning webinar sponsored by Lumivero.
From roadways to environmental, civil engineering disciplines may vary, but they all share a core priority: safety.
Traditionally, safety has been assessed using deterministic methods, like safety factors and margins—often based on averages or arbitrarily chosen conservative values. While the reliability index, a probabilistic measure of safety, has been recognized for decades, its formal integration into civil engineering codes has only recently gained momentum.
Join Naresh C. Samtani, President at NCS GeoResources, LLC, for a webinar where you’ll compare traditional deterministic methods with probabilistic approaches and explore the methods and tools that improve reliability-based design and decision-making in civil engineering.
In this webinar, you’ll learn how to:
• Move beyond deterministic safety factors by leveraging probabilistic, reliability-based methods
• Apply appropriate probability distribution functions (PDFs) to better capture uncertainty
• Use Monte Carlo simulation and correlation modeling to deliver clear, actionable results
• Employ probabilistic tools to improve design reliability and decision-making

Online Workshop on Compaction of Soils and Engineering Properties of Compacted Soils
2026-02-16 09:30 - 14:30, 2027-12-13 09:30 - 14:30 | Online
In the construction of highway embankments, earth dams, retaining walls, structural foundations, and many other facilities, loose soils must be compacted to increase their densities. The principal objectives in compacting soil are normally to create fill of high strength and low compressibility, and, in the case of water-retaining fill, of low permeability. The ultimate goal is to construct safe earth structures that can provide the desired serviceability over their design lifetimes and minimize long-term maintenance. This workshop discusses the conventional (e.g., Proctor) methods of compaction and alternative methods of compaction based on soil air voids and shear strength (SAV&S) principles. It evaluates applicability of compaction procedures for various soil landforms (e.g., residual vs transported) soils. It also discusses implications of laboratory tests on field compaction specifications and properties of compacted soils such as shear strength, volume change, and permeability. It evaluates the concept of cohesion component of shear strength in compacted soils.
Using a collaborative and interactive learning approach, this virtual workshop will help learners understand challenges associated with specification and construction of safe and serviceable compacted soil structures that will also help long-term maintenance needs. Learn new concepts of soil compaction that builds upon your prior knowledge and through active participation you will integrate the new knowledge into your understanding. You will also generate new ideas through brainstorming and discussion and develop a better understanding of the practical methods and processes of soil compaction, learn about real-world problems that your peers encounter on projects, and solutions they have implemented, and receive real-time expert feedback. In between the two live sessions, attendees will independently work on an application (e.g., exercises) or a reflection (e.g., reading) assignment.
Session 1

Introductions
Terminology and Basics of Compaction
Effect of Unit Weight, Voids, and Fabric/Structure
Field Compaction Procedures
Relative Density and Relative Compaction
Practical Issues and SAV&S Field Control Method
Choice of Field Compaction Control Method

Session 2

Review of classwork assignment
Roadmap for Day 2
Shear Strength Characteristics of Compacted Soils
Volume Change Characteristics of Compacted Soils
Permeability Characteristics of Compacted Soils
Proof-rolling
Review of full workshop
Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session

Adjourn

Online Workshop on Deep Foundations – Lateral Analysis and Considerations for Induced Ground Deformations
2026-04-13 08:30 - 13:30 | Online
Deep foundations are designed to transfer load through unsuitable subsurface layers to suitable bearing strata. One of the key advantages of deep foundations is their ability to withstand significant lateral loads. When deep foundations are installed through a soil deposit undergoing consolidation, the resulting relative downward movement of the soil around piles induces “downdrag” forces on the piles. If embankments are placed adjacent to deep foundations, as in the case of bridge abutments, “lateral squeeze” effects can induce significant unbalanced lateral forces on deep foundations. In loose, collapse-susceptible soils, moisture-induced soil collapse can exert significant lateral effects on deep foundations. Seismic events can generate lateral spread and liquefaction-related ground deformations. Adjacent excavations can induce differential lateral forces on deep foundations. This workshop presents a lateral analysis of deep foundations and methods for evaluating induced ground deformations in their design. The presentation will be based on the latest (2020) version of the Bridge Design Specifications (BDS) based on the Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) platform of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, which is a key component of Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidelines for deep foundations. Information from AASHTO’s latest (2020) Guide Specification for Service Life Design will also be presented.
Using a collaborative and interactive learning approach, this virtual workshop will help you understand: (a) principles of lateral analysis of deep foundations, and (b) the types and effects of induced ground deformations on deep foundations. The workshop will help you assimilate the crucial considerations regarding these topics through active participation, frequent interactions, and real-time expert feedback. The interactions will facilitate a better understanding of the nuances of the various design procedures for deep foundations which would help you avoid costly design errors in real-world projects. In between the two live sessions, attendees will independently work on an application (e.g., exercises) or a reflection (e.g., reading) assignment.
SESSION 1

Loads and limit states
Soil-structure interaction model
Structural and geotechnical elements
Example problem
Equivalent cantilever model
Steps for lateral load analysis
Extreme Events
Special considerations
Review of Session 1
Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session
Assignment of classwork
Adjourn

SESSION 2

Review of classwork
General concepts and terminology for induced ground deformations
Downdrag and drag load
Moisture-induced collapse of soils
Lateral squeeze
Lateral spread
Excavation-induced effects
Summary and comments
Closure and references
Review of Session 2 and full workshop
Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session
Adjourn

Online Workshop: Construction of Drilled Shafts and Integrity Testing
2026-06-15 08:30 - 13:30 | Online
Drilled shafts are often a technically sound and cost-effective foundation choice where a deep foundation solution is appropriate based on-site conditions, applied loads, and performance requirements. To avoid adverse performance issues, design of drilled shafts must be performed based on consideration of site-specific geologic conditions and construction methods. There are three basic methods for construction of drilled shafts. These are (a) dry method, (b) wet method and (c) casing method. Each of these methods will be discussed in this workshop with emphasis on the wet (slurry) construction method. The pros and cons of mineral (bentonite) and polymer slurries will be discussed. Guidance and opinions on slurry management and shaft bottom cleaning processes will also be presented. Slurry construction method will be contrasted with dry and cased construction methods. Placement of reinforcing cage and concrete will be discussed. Development of potential anomalies and integrity testing methods such as Crosshole Sonic Logging (CSL), Gamma Density Logging (GDL), and Thermal Integrity Profiling (TIP) will be discussed. Typical specification criteria for the construction methods and integrity testing will also be presented.
Using a collaborative and interactive learning approach, this virtual workshop will help you understand: (a) the construction procedures for drilled shafts, and (b) the importance of constructability considerations in design of drilled shafts. The workshop will help you assimilate these crucial considerations through active participation by frequent interactions throughout the workshop and real-time expert feedback. The interactions will facilitate a better understanding of the nuances of the various construction procedures which would help you avoid costly design and construction errors in real-world projects.

Session 1

Introductions
General terminology for drilled shafts
Typical structural details
Overview of construction methods
Dry shaft construction
Cased shaft construction
Wet shaft construction
Mineral and polymer slurries
Slurry management
Shaft excavation and cleaning
Review of Session 1
Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session

Session 2

Roadmap for Session
Reinforcing cage
Concrete operations (free-fall, gravity tremie, pumped tremie, etc.
Tolerances and checklists
Integrity testing – Crosshole Sonic Logging (CSL)
Integrity testing – Gamma Density Logging (GDL)
Integrity testing – Thermal Integrity Profiling (TIP)
Effect of anomalies on performance of drilled shafts
Closure and references
Review of Session 2 and full workshop
Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session
Adjourn

Online Workshop: Soil Nail Walls - Design and Construction
2026-08-10 08:30 - 13:30 | Online
Soil nailing technology is versatile and has been widely used worldwide over the last 3 decades for temporary and permanent excavation support. The design and performance of soil nail walls are intricately linked with their construction procedures. To avoid adverse performance issues, design and construction processes for a soil nail wall must be tailored to specific geometry and the environment (conditions) expected over its specified lifetime. This workshop will help gain a better understanding of the design and construction procedures using concepts of limit states that will be indexed to the latest guidelines based on the Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) methodology of the American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHTO) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The contrast between LRFD and the Allowable stress design (ASD) methodologies will also be included. Design and construction (including field testing) aspects of Solid Bar Soil Nails (SBSNs) and Hollow Bar Soil Nails (HBSNs) will be discussed.
Using a collaborative and interactive learning approach, this virtual workshop will help you understand soil nail walls’ design and construction aspects. You will learn newer design approaches based on the LRFD platform, which is the basis for guidelines for soil nail walls by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The workshop will help you assimilate the design and construction aspects through active participation by frequent interactions throughout the workshop and real-time expert feedback. The interactions will facilitate a better understanding of the nuances of the newer design principles, which will help you avoid costly design errors in real-world projects. In between the two live sessions, attendees will independently work on an application (e.g., exercises) or a reflection (e.g., reading) assignment.
Session 1 of 2

Introductions
Terminology, construction steps, applications, and explorations
Limit states, load factors, and resistance factors
Service limit state (wall movements)
Strength and Extreme Event limit states
Limit Equilibrium (LE) analysis software tools
Corrosion Considerations
Facing (shotcrete)
Review of Session 1
Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session
Assignment of classwork
Adjourn for classwork and break

Session 2 of 2

Roadmap for Session 2
Review of classwork assignments
Information for plans and specifications
Nail types and construction processes
Grout and grouting
Nail testing and nail acceptance criteria
Closure and References
Review of Session 2 and full workshop
Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session

Online Workshop: Spread Footings on Soil and Rock - Geotechnical Design Aspects
2026-10-13 08:30 - 13:30
Spread footings are often under-utilized in comparison to the costlier deep foundation systems. This workshop will include discussions about spread footings on soil and rock. The workshop will discuss the development of the bearing resistance chart that permits consideration of several limit states (settlement, limiting eccentricity, and bearing resistance) in one convenient format. Other limit states such as sliding will also be discussed. The presentation will be indexed to the latest (2020) version of the Bridge Design Specifications (BDS) based on the Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) platform of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials which is a key component of Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidelines for spread footings. The 2020 version of AASHTO LRFD BDS includes new information on analysis of spread footings such as the construction-point concept and implementation of the SE load factor which accounts for the uncertainty in prediction of settlements. Information on Protection Index concept from AASHTO’s latest (2020) Guide Specification for Service life design will also be presented.
Using a collaborative and interactive learning approach, this virtual workshop will help you understand: (a) the analysis for spread footings on soil and rock, and (b) the latest AASHTO LRFD guidelines for spread footings including the construction-point concept and the SE load factor. The workshop will help you assimilate these crucial considerations through active participation by frequent interactions throughout the workshop and real-time expert feedback. The interactions will facilitate a better understanding of the nuances of the various design procedures which would help you avoid costly design errors in real-world projects. In between the two live sessions, attendees will independently work on an application (e.g., exercises) and/or a reflection (e.g., reading) assignment.
SESSION 1

Introductions
Terminology, pressure distributions, and limit states
Sliding stability
Limiting eccentricity (overturning) stability
Bearing stability
Overall (global) stability)
Settlement
Bearing resistance and settlement chart
Review of Session 1
Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session
Assignment of classwork
Adjourn

SESSION 2

Review of classwork assignments
Example: Sizing a footing using a bearing resistance chart
Construction-point approach
Reliability of estimated settlements and the SE load factor
Differential settlement: Sf-0 and NPEC approaches
Definition of rock and rock mass
Example: Sizing a footing on rock
Considerations for extreme events
Material Deterioration: AASHTO Guide Specification
Closure and references
Review of Session 2 and full workshop
Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session
Adjourn

Online Workshop: Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Walls – Limit State Based Design Principles
2026-12-14 09:30 - 14:30
Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls are used extensively for grade-separation fill structures in many applications, e.g., highways, railways, marine, commercial, etc. To avoid adverse performance issues, design processes for an MSE wall must be tailored to specific geometry and the environment (conditions) expected over its specified lifetime. This workshop is geared towards development of a better understanding of design procedures using principles of limit states to ensure safe and serviceable MSE wall structures over specified lifetimes. More specifically, this workshop is based on the Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) methodology that is a North American version of the broader Limit State Design (LSD) approach. The design principles will be explained using wall geometries with level and sloped backfill configurations. The topic of complex geometries will be introduced. The presentation ends with a brief introduction to the design philosophy for the new MSE-LASR technology that permits consideration of Local Available Sustainable Resources (LASR), i.e., non-select or marginal fills.
Using a collaborative and interactive learning approach, this virtual workshop will help you understand the design principles for MSE walls. You will learn newer design approaches based on the LRFD platform that is the basis for documents for MSE walls by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The workshop will help you assimilate the design principles through active participation by frequent interactions throughout the workshop and real-time expert feedback. The interactions will facilitate a better understanding of the nuances of the newer design principles which would help you avoid costly design errors in real-world projects. In between the two live sessions, attendees will independently work on an application (e.g., exercises) or a reflection (e.g., reading) assignment.
Session 1 of 2

Introductions
Terminology and forces for MSE Walls
Limit states and resistance factors
Applicable loads and load factors
Consideration of surcharges
External stability (Strength and Service)
Interactions within the MSE mass
Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session
Assignment of Classwork
Adjourn for Classwork and Break

Session 2 of 2

Internal stability (Strength)
Extreme Event limit states (scour, seismic, and vehicle impact)
Introduction to complex MSE geometries
Introduction to the design philosophy for MSE-LASR technology
References
Review of full workshop
Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session
Adjourn

Online Workshop - Serviceability Effects of Foundation Movements and Deterioration on Bridge and Approach Structures
2027-02-22 09:30 - 14:30 | Online
Purpose and Background
Foundations for bridges and approach structures should be designed so that their movements will not damage the bridge superstructure and associated structures such as abutments and approach slabs. Various aspects of movements that should be considered in the design of bridges include (a) the effect of uneven (differential) settlement between various support elements, (b) the rotation and horizontal movements of the foundation system affecting movements at the bridge-seat level; (c) movements due to material deterioration; and (d) serviceability problems near a bridge abutment and approaches. The presentation will be based on latest (2020) version of the Bridge Design Specifications (BDS) and the Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) platform of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials which is a key component of Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidelines for this topic. Information on Extended Service Life (ESL) and Protection Index (PI) concepts from AASHTO’s latest (2020) Guide Specification for Service life design will also be presented.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

Recognize the interaction between foundations and bridge structures.
Explain the modes of foundation movements.
Comprehend the construction-point approach.
Discuss the effect of foundation movements on bridge superstructures.
Explain the effect of movement of approach structures on abutments.
Identify and understand the tolerable movement criteria.
Comprehend the SE load factor and its application.
Identify the various provisions related to foundation movements of the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications
Explain the new AASHTO Guide Specification for Service Life Design.
Foster a better understanding of the serviceability effects of foundation movements by structural and geotechnical specialists involved in bridge designs.
Recognize potential problems for bridge structures related to foundation movements.
Explain the need to have enhanced understanding of the interaction between bridge superstructure and foundations.
Examine the possibilities and benefits of improved communications between geotechnical and structural specialists for bridge foundation design

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).
Who Should Attend?
Geotechnical specialists, structural specialists, bridge designers
Outline
Using a collaborative and interactive learning approach, this virtual workshop will help you understand: (a) the types of foundation movements and the uncertainties associated with them, (b) the construction-point concept and the SE load factor, and (c) the effects of foundation movements on bridge superstructure and appurtenant structures. The workshop will help you assimilate these crucial considerations through active participation by frequent interactions throughout the workshop and real-time expert feedback. The interactions will facilitate a better understanding of the nuances of the various design procedures which would help you avoid costly design errors in real-world projects. In between the two live sessions, attendees will independently work on an application (e.g., exercises) or a reflection (e.g., reading) assignment.
Session 1 of 2

Introductions
Typical components and terminology for bridge structures
Types of bridge foundations and abutments
Modes of foundation movements
Effect of foundation movements on bridge superstructures
Effect of movements of approach structures on abutments
Tolerable values of movements
Construction-point approach
Review of Session 1
Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session
Assignment of classwork
Adjourn for classwork

Session 2 of 2

Roadmap for Session 2
Review of homework assignments and recap of Session 1
AASHTO LRFD Articles relevant to foundation movements
The SE load factor
Example Problem: Application of the SE Load Factor
Differential settlement: Sf-0 and NPEC Approaches
Example: Incorporation of Foundation Movements in Bridge Design
Material Deterioration: AASHTO Guide Specification for Service Life Design
References
Closure
Review of Session 2 and full workshop
Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session
Adjourn

Online Workshop: Drilled Shafts in Soil and Rock - Geotechnical Design Aspects
2027-04-28 08:30 - 13:30
Drilled shaft foundations in soils and rocks are often a technically sound and cost-effective choice where a deep foundation solution is appropriate based on site conditions, applied loads, project schedule, and performance requirements. When soils are of relatively poor quality and the structure loads are relatively large the shafts are often drilled through the poor soils into underlying rock mass if present. These shafts could be founded or seated on top of the rock mass, or they could be drilled into the rock mass to form a rock socket. There are a number of different methods to design shafts in soils and rocks. The thrust of the discussions in this workshop is to establish a good understanding of the geotechnical design procedures for drilled shafts in soils and rocks. Construction techniques can have a significant effect on mobilized axial and lateral resistances and therefore brief information on effect of construction on drilled shafts will also be included. The workshop will be indexed to the latest (2020) version of the Bridge Design Specifications (BDS) based on the Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) platform of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials which is a key component of Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidelines for drilled shafts. Information from AASHTO’s latest (2020) Guide Specification for Service life design will also be presented.
Using a collaborative and interactive learning approach, this virtual workshop will help you understand the geotechnical design procedures for drilled shafts in soils and rocks using the concepts of LRFD. The workshop will help you assimilate crucial considerations for design of drilled shafts in soils and rocks through active participation by frequent interactions throughout the workshop and real-time expert feedback. The interactions will facilitate a better understanding of the nuances of the various geotechnical design procedures which would help you avoid costly design errors in real-world projects. In between the two live sessions, attendees will independently work on an application (e.g., exercises) and/or a reflection (e.g., reading) assignment.
Session 1 of 2

Introductions
General terminology for design of drilled shafts
Failure modes and limit states
Resistance and resistance factors
Evaluation of geotechnical axial resistance using chart approach
Concepts for evaluating lateral response
Extreme events
Design aspects for drilled shafts in ephemeral waterways
Typical structural details
Brief introduction to construction techniques for shafts in soils
Review of Session 1
Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session
Assignment of classwork
Adjourn for classwork and break

Session 2 of 2

Roadmap for Session 2
Review of classwork assignments
Introduction and definition of variables for rock sockets
Definition of rock and site characterization
Axial resistance in rocks
Lateral resistance in rocks
Brief introduction to construction techniques for rock sockets
Material Deterioration: AASHTO Guide Specification Provisions
Closure and references
Review of Session 2 and full workshop
Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session
Adjourn

Online Workshop on Embankments and Their Interaction with Structures and Subsurface Utilities
2027-08-09 08:30 - 13:30 | Online
Embankment fills are commonly used to meet the vertical grade requirements of a facility. Fills placed to accommodate the vertical profile as the roadway approaches a bridge are often referred to as “approach embankment fills” or “approach roadway fills.” Embankment fills are also needed for many other infrastructure projects. Deformation and instability (local or global), both vertical and lateral, of embankment fills are common problems. Consideration of the effects of such fills on structures founded on fills, adjacent structures, and subsurface utilities is important to avoid costly post-construction maintenance and potential legal issues; e.g., approach embankment fill deformation near a bridge structure leads to the ubiquitous “bump at the end of the bridge.” This workshop discusses the mechanisms of internal and external deformation in embankment fills. Evaluation of subsurface stresses and slope stability aspects related to embankment fills is also discussed. Estimation of the ground compaction factor is discussed, which is a key element for the determination of final earthwork quantities. Good practices for ensuring the stability and performance of a bridge structure’s approach elements are discussed. Practical design solutions to mitigate the embankment stability problems will be discussed.
Using a collaborative and interactive learning approach, this virtual workshop will help you understand: (a) design elements for embankment fills, and (b) the effect of embankment fills on structures in fills, adjacent structures, and subsurface utilities. The workshop will help you assimilate these crucial considerations through active participation, frequent interactions, and real-time expert feedback. These interactions will help you better understand the nuances of design and construction procedures, so you can avoid costly errors in real-world projects. Between the two live sessions, attendees will work independently on an application (e.g., exercises) or a reflection (e.g., reading) assignment.
SESSION 1

Introductions
Configuration of embankment fills
General concepts of stress and strain
Estimating stress distribution in foundation geomaterials
Narrow versus wide embankment fills
Concepts of lateral squeeze
Slope stability considerations
Estimation of internal and external deformations
Review of Session 1
Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session
Assignemnt of classwork

SESSION 2

Review of classwork
Bridge abutment configurations (e.g., stub, open, integral, MSE, etc.)
Effects of fills on bridge abutments
Effects of fills on approach slabs
Effects on subsurface utilities
Selection of embankment fill materials
Compaction procedures and induced stresses
Suggestions for geotechnical investigations
Suggestions for mitigation of embankment stability problems
Review of Session 2 and full workshop
Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session
Adjourn

Online Workshop: Soil Nail Walls - Design and Construction
2027-10-18 08:30 - 13:30 | Online
Soil nailing technology is versatile and has been widely used worldwide over the last 3 decades for temporary and permanent excavation support. The design and performance of soil nail walls are intricately linked with their construction procedures. To avoid adverse performance issues, design and construction processes for a soil nail wall must be tailored to specific geometry and the environment (conditions) expected over its specified lifetime. This workshop will help participants gain a better understanding of design and construction procedures using limit-state concepts, aligned with the latest guidelines based on the Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) methodology of the American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHTO) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The contrast between LRFD and Allowable Stress Design (ASD) methodologies will also be included. Design and construction (including field testing) aspects of Solid Bar Soil Nails (SBSNs) and Hollow Bar Soil Nails (HBSNs) will be discussed.
Using a collaborative, interactive learning approach, this virtual workshop will help you understand the design and construction of soil-nail walls. You will learn new design approaches based on the LRFD platform, which underpins the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidelines for soil nail walls. The workshop will help you assimilate the design and construction aspects through active participation by frequent interactions throughout the workshop and real-time expert feedback. These interactions will help you understand the nuances of the newer design principles and avoid costly design errors in real-world projects. Between the two live sessions, attendees will work independently on an application (e.g., exercises) or a reflection (e.g., reading) assignment.
Session 1 of 2

Introductions
Terminology, construction steps, applications, and explorations
Limit states, load factors, and resistance factors
Service limit state (wall movements)
Strength and Extreme Event limit states
Limit Equilibrium (LE) analysis software tools
Corrosion Considerations
Facing (shotcrete)
Review of Session 1
Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session
Assignment of classwork
Adjourn for classwork and break

Session 2 of 2

Roadmap for Session 2
Review of classwork assignments
Information for plans and specifications
Nail types and construction processes
Grout and grouting
Nail testing and nail acceptance criteria
Closure and References
Review of Session 2 and full workshop
Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) session
