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INSTRUCTORS:
Arghya Chatterjee, P.Eng
Jeremiah E. Holland, P.E., M.ASCE
Robert Sanders, P.E., M.ASCE
Yu Zhao
Mirna Kassem
Fariha Rahman
Purpose and Background
These presentations were recorded at the Geo-Extreme 2025 conference.
Long-Term Efficacy of High-Modulus Geocells in Rehabilitation of Railway track damaged by extreme event in Permafrost Region (10 minutes)
This presentation examines the long-term performance of high-modulus geocell reinforcement used to rehabilitate railway infrastructure damaged by flooding and permafrost degradation. The case study focuses on remote permafrost regions where limited site access, lack of subsurface data, and construction constraints required adaptive design approaches. The role of geocells in reducing dynamic loading effects, limiting pressure-induced thaw, and bridging soft zones within discontinuous permafrost is discussed. Observed field performance over multiple years is presented, including settlement behavior, lateral deformation control, and culvert functionality. The presentation also addresses material selection challenges related to creep, viscoelastic behavior, and thermal compatibility. Lessons learned highlight how reinforced embankments can improve track modulus and operational reliability under evolving permafrost conditions.
Geotechnical Engineering Case Studies in Western Alaska on Warming Permafrost (15 minutes)
This presentation presents multiple geotechnical case studies from Western Alaska communities experiencing accelerated permafrost warming. Observed climatic trends, including increasing thaw indices and shortening freezing seasons, are linked to foundation performance challenges. Various foundation systems, including thermosyphon-supported pads, thermal piles, at-grade insulated foundations, and helical piles, are evaluated under changing thermal regimes. Instrumentation and long-term temperature monitoring strategies are discussed as tools for assessing freeze-back and foundation resilience. Case histories illustrate how localized site conditions such as groundwater flow, salinity, and utility corridors influence permafrost stability. The presentation emphasizes the need for proactive ground improvement and monitoring to manage future infrastructure risk.
A Review of Gas Blowout Crater Formation in Permafrost Regions (14 minutes)
This presentation provides a comprehensive review of gas blowout crater formation observed in continuous permafrost regions, primarily in northern Eurasia. Field observations, remote sensing data, and documented crater geometries are used to characterize crater size, ejecta distribution, and post-formation evolution. Several proposed formation mechanisms are reviewed, including cryogenic eruptions, osmotic pressure buildup, and high subsurface gas pressure from methane release. The strengths and limitations of each hypothesis are discussed in the context of measured pressures and soil strength. Numerical and analytical modeling approaches used to back-calculate gas pressures and fragment trajectories are compared. The presentation concludes with research gaps and the need for integrated thermal-hydro-mechanical modeling frameworks.
The Influence of Model Spatial Resolution on Rainfall-Induced Landslide Prediction for a Basin in Utuado, Puerto Rico (14 minutes)
This presentation investigates how digital elevation model (DEM) spatial resolution influences rainfall-induced landslide predictions at the basin scale. Using Hurricane Maria as a case study, a physics-based modeling framework coupling transient hydrology with slope stability analysis is applied to a highly landslide-prone watershed in Puerto Rico. Model simulations compare landslide timing, size distribution, and spatial patterns across multiple DEM resolutions. Results demonstrate that slope stability predictions are highly sensitive to topographic resolution, particularly for capturing small, steep features that control shallow failures. In contrast, the hydrological response shows limited sensitivity to DEM resolution. The findings highlight strategies for balancing computational efficiency with predictive accuracy in regional landslide modeling.
Assessing the Resiliency of a Highway Slope Against Extreme Rainfall Events (7 minutes)
This presentation evaluates the stability of a highway slope subjected to extreme rainfall events associated with major hurricanes. Numerical simulations are performed to assess changes in matric suction, pore-water pressure, and factor of safety under prolonged rainfall conditions. The study highlights how desiccation cracking, soil type, and poor drainage contribute to increased infiltration and slope vulnerability. Results from multiple hurricane scenarios demonstrate progressive loss of shear strength and delayed recovery of stability after rainfall ceases. The limitations of conventional slope designs under future climate conditions are discussed. Nature-based mitigation strategies, including deep-rooted vegetation systems, are introduced as potential resilience measures.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of these sessions, you will be able to:
- Explain how high-modulus geocell reinforcement improves the structural performance and long-term stability of railway embankments in permafrost environments.
- Discuss how warming permafrost affects foundation design and performance in remote Arctic communities.
- Identify the primary mechanisms proposed for gas blowout crater formation in permafrost regions.
- Explain how spatial resolution affects the accuracy of rainfall-induced landslide predictions at the regional scale.
- Describe how extreme rainfall events influence slope stability and highway infrastructure performance.
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-test assessment (true-false, multiple choice, and/or fill in the blank questions).
Who Should Attend?
- Geotechnical Engineers
- Structural Engineers
- Civil Infrastructure Designers
- Researchers and Academics
- Risk and Resilience Analysts
- Construction and Project Managers
How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion
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 1 year of purchasing the course.
How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?
1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]