View Important Policies and System Requirements for this course
Interested in registering 5 or more engineers for a course? Contact us for information and rates.
INSTRUCTORS:
Sonia Swift
Lisheng Shao
Nafis Masud
Morgan Nesmith
Varun N. S. Renugah
Course Length: 1 hour
Purpose and Background
These presentations were recorded at the Geo-Congress 2026.
Rethinking the Role of Downdrag in Rigid Inclusion Design (14 minutes)
This presentation revisits the role of downdrag (negative skin friction) in the design of rigid inclusions used for ground improvement. Traditionally, downdrag is considered an additional load acting on deep foundations due to settlement of surrounding soils. However, in rigid inclusion systems, load transfer mechanisms differ significantly from conventional piles. The study evaluates whether downdrag should be treated as a detrimental effect or incorporated into the design framework differently. Analytical and numerical approaches are used to assess load distribution and settlement behavior. Results suggest that current design assumptions may be overly conservative. The presentation encourages a more refined understanding of soil-structure interaction in rigid inclusion systems.
Optimized Foundation Design and Construction for Provo, UT Wastewater Treatment Plant (12 minutes)
This presentation discusses optimized foundation design and construction strategies for a wastewater treatment plant in Provo, Utah. The project required careful consideration of subsurface conditions and structural loading requirements. Various foundation options were evaluated to determine the most cost-effective and reliable solution. The design process integrated geotechnical investigation data with structural demands. Construction methods were optimized to minimize risk and improve efficiency. The presentation highlights challenges encountered during construction and how they were addressed. The project demonstrates the importance of integrated design and construction planning.
Evaluation of End Bearing of Driven Steel H-Piles in Intermediate Geomaterials Based on Spherical Cavity Expansion Methods (8 minutes)
This presentation evaluates the end-bearing capacity of driven steel H-piles in intermediate geomaterials using spherical cavity expansion theory. Intermediate geomaterials exhibit characteristics between soil and rock, making design challenging. Traditional bearing capacity methods may not accurately predict pile performance in such materials. The study applies cavity expansion theory to better estimate stress distribution and resistance. Analytical results are compared with field or experimental data. Findings indicate improved prediction accuracy using this approach. The research contributes to more reliable pile design in complex ground conditions.
Large Diameter CFA-ACIP Piles Laramie, WY (11 minutes)
This presentation focuses on the design and construction of large-diameter Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) or Auger Cast-In-Place (ACIP) piles in Laramie, Wyoming. These piles are used to support heavy loads in challenging subsurface conditions. The study discusses installation procedures, quality control measures, and performance evaluation. Large-diameter piles provide increased load capacity and reduced settlement. The presentation highlights construction challenges such as maintaining bore stability and ensuring proper concrete placement. Monitoring techniques are used to verify installation quality. The project demonstrates effective use of CFA-ACIP technology in foundation engineering.
Effect of Overburden Stress on Cyclic Resistance of Fine-Grained Materials (11 minutes)
This presentation investigates the effect of overburden stress on the cyclic resistance of fine-grained soils. Cyclic loading is critical in understanding soil behavior during earthquakes and repeated loading conditions. Overburden stress influences soil stiffness and resistance to deformation. The study evaluates how varying stress levels affect cyclic strength and potential failure mechanisms. Laboratory testing and analysis are used to assess soil response. Results indicate that higher overburden stress can significantly alter cyclic resistance behavior. These findings are important for seismic design and ground stability assessment.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain the role of downdrag in rigid inclusion systems and its implications for design.
- Describe the process of optimizing foundation design based on site conditions and project requirements.
- Identify how spherical cavity expansion methods are used to evaluate end-bearing capacity of piles.
- Discuss the design and construction considerations for large-diameter CFA-ACIP piles.
- Explain how overburden stress influences cyclic resistance of fine-grained soils.
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 Engineer
- Civil Engineers (Geotechnical/Foundations focus)
- Engineering Geologists
- Infrastructure & Transportation Engineers
- Construction Engineers and Managers
- Researchers, Faculty, and Students in Geotechnics
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 on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 365 days of the course purchase.
How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?
1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]