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INSTRUCTORS:
John Sims III, PE
Mamoun Laraki
Patrick Granitzki, P.E., BC.GE, M.ASCE
Katherine Cheng, Ph.D
Purpose and Background
These presentations were recorded at the Geo-Institute Web Conference 2025.
Lessons Learned on Caltrans’ First Rigid Inclusion Supported Embankment Project in District 1 (21 minutes)
This presentation presents a case history of Caltrans’ first rigid inclusion–supported embankment project constructed in District 1. It discusses the project background, site conditions, and challenges associated with weak and compressible foundation soils. The speaker explains the design rationale, construction methodology, and quality control measures used during installation of rigid inclusions. Performance monitoring data are reviewed to assess settlement behavior and load transfer mechanisms. Lessons learned related to constructability, contractor coordination, and design assumptions are highlighted. The presentation provides valuable insights for future applications of rigid inclusions in transportation infrastructure.
Reducing Trenchless Tunneling Risks: The Role of Permeation Grouting (19 minutes)
This presentation focuses on the use of permeation grouting as a risk mitigation technique for trenchless tunneling projects. It explains common geotechnical risks such as ground loss, settlement, and groundwater inflow encountered during tunneling operations. The speaker discusses grout material selection, injection methods, and verification techniques used to improve soil strength and reduce permeability. Case examples are used to demonstrate how permeation grouting has successfully stabilized ground conditions ahead of tunneling. The presentation also highlights limitations and quality control considerations. Overall, it emphasizes the importance of proactive ground treatment in reducing construction risk.
Optimizing Foundation and Retaining Wall Design Through Enhanced Subsurface Investigation and Ground Improvement (17 minutes)
This presentation examines how enhanced subsurface investigations and targeted ground improvement strategies can lead to more efficient foundation and retaining wall designs. It discusses the limitations of conventional investigation programs and the benefits of advanced site characterization techniques. The speaker illustrates how improved understanding of soil stratigraphy and properties informs selection of appropriate ground improvement methods. Case histories demonstrate reductions in foundation size, wall loads, and construction costs achieved through optimized designs. The presentation highlights collaboration between geotechnical investigation, design, and construction teams. These examples underscore the value of investing in better subsurface data.
Explainable Machine Learning Models for Soilcrete Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) Predictions (21 minutes)
This presentation introduces explainable machine learning (ML) models for predicting the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of soilcrete used in ground improvement applications. It discusses the challenges of UCS variability due to soil conditions, mix design, and construction parameters. The speaker explains how ML models are trained using laboratory and field data and how explainability techniques improve transparency and trust in predictions. Case examples show how these models can support quality control and design decision-making. The presentation also compares ML-based predictions with traditional empirical approaches. The findings demonstrate the potential of data-driven tools in modern ground improvement practice.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of these sessions, you will be able to:
- Describe key design, construction, and performance lessons from a rigid inclusion–supported embankment case history.
- Explain how permeation grouting is used to mitigate geotechnical risks in trenchless tunneling projects.
- Discuss how enhanced subsurface investigation and ground improvement can optimize foundation and retaining wall design.
- Identify how explainable machine learning models can be used to predict soilcrete UCS and support ground improvement design.
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]