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INSTRUCTORS:
Omid Ghasemi-Fare, Ph.D., PE
Gerald Verbeek, M.Sc.
Giovanni Cascante, Ph.D., P.Eng.
Nripojyoti Biswas, Ph.D., M.ASCE
Purpose and Background
These presentations were recorded at the Geo-Institute Web Conference 2025.
Energy Harvesting through Thermo-active Foundations - Review, Analysis, and Modeling (28 minutes)
This presentation provides an overview of thermo-active foundations and their potential to harvest geothermal energy while serving a structural function. It reviews the fundamental principles of heat exchange in foundation elements such as piles and basement slabs. The speaker discusses analytical and numerical modeling approaches used to predict thermal and mechanical performance under combined loading conditions. Case studies and parametric analyses are used to illustrate energy efficiency, long-term behavior, and design considerations. The interaction between soil, structure, and thermal systems is examined to highlight performance trade-offs. The presentation emphasizes the role of thermo-active foundations in sustainable and low-carbon infrastructure development.
Foundation Reuse – is there a movement (27 minutes)
This presentation examines the growing interest in reusing existing foundations as part of sustainable redevelopment and adaptive reuse projects. It discusses technical, economic, and environmental drivers behind foundation reuse, including reduced construction waste and embodied carbon savings. The presentation reviews current practices, decision-making frameworks, and common barriers such as uncertainty in capacity, documentation, and performance. Case examples are used to demonstrate when foundation reuse is feasible and when replacement is more appropriate. The session also addresses regulatory, geotechnical, and structural challenges associated with reuse. Overall, it evaluates whether foundation reuse is emerging as a standard practice or remains project-specific.
Robust Nondestructive Evaluation for Reliable Assessment of Civil Infrastructure (30 minutes)
This presentation focuses on advanced nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques used to assess the condition and integrity of civil infrastructure systems. It highlights the need for reliable, repeatable, and data-driven assessment methods for aging structures. Various NDE technologies are reviewed, including sensing, imaging, and signal-processing approaches. The presentation discusses challenges such as data uncertainty, environmental effects, and interpretation of results. Examples demonstrate how robust NDE methods can improve decision-making for maintenance, repair, and asset management. The role of NDE in enhancing safety, resilience, and lifecycle performance is emphasized.
Utilization of Recycled Concrete Aggregate Fines for Enhancing Sustainability and Durability of Transportation Infrastructure (28 minutes)
This presentation explores the use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) fines as a sustainable material in transportation infrastructure applications. It discusses material properties, processing methods, and performance characteristics of RCA fines compared to conventional materials. Laboratory and field studies are presented to evaluate durability, strength, and long-term behavior. The environmental benefits, including reduced landfill use and lower carbon footprint, are highlighted. Potential challenges such as variability, moisture sensitivity, and quality control are also addressed. The presentation demonstrates how RCA fines can contribute to more sustainable and resilient transportation systems.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of these sessions, you will be able to:
- Explain the principles, modeling approaches, and performance considerations of thermo-active foundations for energy harvesting applications.
- Discuss the technical and sustainability considerations influencing the feasibility of reusing existing foundations.
- Describe how robust nondestructive evaluation methods support reliable condition assessment and management of civil infrastructure.
- Identify the performance benefits and sustainability considerations associated with using recycled concrete aggregate fines in transportation infrastructure.
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes are assessed and achieved through passing a 10 multiple-choice question post-test with at least a 70%.
Who Should Attend?
- Geotechnical Engineers
- Engineering Geologists
- Road Designers
- Practitioners
- Geosynthetic Manufacturers
- Contractors
- Graduate Students
How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion
This course is worth 0.2 CEU/2 PDHs. To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short post-test online and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 365 days of course purchase.
How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?
1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]