SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS

Lesson 01
Chapter 1 Introduction

Testing Theory

Experience
Learning Outcomes

g Atthe end of this session, the participant will

be able to:
- Identify the important geotechnical features on a
typical transportation project
- Distinguish the relationship between testing,
theory and experience
- Recall the six phases of a project that require
geotechnical involvement
Aerial View of Interstate Bridges
Elevation View of Typical Viaducts
Stack Interchange with Multi-span
Bridges
Major Multi-span Bridge over Water
Pavements

Cut Slopes

Embankments

Wetlands
Geotechnical Features

g Full range of geotechnical features

g Slopes
- Unreinforced fill and cut slopes
- Reinforced fill and cut slopes
g Foundations
- Shallow
- Deep (piles/shafts)
g Walls
g Ground improvement
g Others (culverts, pavements, etc.)
Sources of Information

Testing Theory

Experience
Factors Influencing Soil Behavior

g Size,shape and distribution of soil particles

g Mineralogy
g Degree of packing of soil particles
g Amount of water in soil
g Climatic conditions
g Degree of confinement (i.e., Depth)
Geotechnical Specialist

g Involved from project inception to completion

g Excavated volume >>> sampled volume

g Validate
geotechnical assumptions during
construction and revise as necessary

g Involvementnot complete until successful

completion of construction
Importance of Communication

g Interactionwith project team / stakeholders

g Project team includes project manager,
engineers/specialists and contractor
g Communication must occur throughout the
design and construction process
g Communication ensures cost-effective
design and minimizes claims/disputes
Communication is essential during ALL
phases of a project
Phases of a Project
(Table 1-1)
g Phase 1: Planning
g Phase 2: Alternate designs
g Phase 3: Advance detail plans
g Phase 4: Final design
g Phase 5: Construction
g Phase 6: Post construction
Geotechnical Participation in
Project Phases
g Planning
- Study project information, scope
and existing data
- Perform site inspection prepare
terrain reconnaissance report

g Design Alternatives
- Assess major soil problems
- Provide input for specific uses
(e.g., scour)
- Implement subsurface exploration
program
Geotechnical Participation in
Project Phases (Contd)
g Advance detailed plans
- Complete testing and analysis
- Submit subsurface investigation
report
- Provide preliminary recommendations

g Final design
- Review final plans
- Make appropriate adjustments to the
geotechnical information as necessary
Geotechnical Participation in
Project Phases (Contd)
g Construction
- Brief project staff
- Attend pre-construction meeting
- Trouble shoot geotechnical
problems
- Assist with specialty tests (e.g.,
load tests)

g Post construction
- Monitor performance
- Participate in contractor disputes
and claims activities
The Six Stages of a Project

1. Enthusiasm
2. Disillusionment
3. Panic
4. Search for the guilty
5. Punishment of the innocent, and
6. Honor and praise for the non-participants
Learning Outcomes

g Atthe end of this session, the participant will

be able to:
- Identify the important geotechnical features on a
typical transportation project
- Distinguish the relationship between testing,
theory and experience
- Recall the six phases of a project that require
geotechnical involvement
Any Questions?

THE ROAD TO
UNDERSTANDING
SOILS
AND
FOUNDATIONS