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INSTRUCTORS:
Song Qin
Pranoy Debnath, M.ASCE
Will Shaffer, P.E.
Qiuyu (Amber) Wang
Jonathan P. Stewart
Purpose and Background
These presentations were recorded at the Geo-Extreme 2025 conference.
Overcoming Stiff Clay Anchoring Challenges through Vibratory Installation with a Deeply Embedded Ring Ancho (13 minutes)
Anchoring in stiff clay deposits presents significant construction challenges due to high resistance during installation and uncertainties in load transfer mechanisms. This presentation introduces a vibratory installation method using a deeply embedded ring anchor designed to improve constructability and performance in cohesive soils. The speaker discusses the installation process, equipment selection, and observed reductions in installation force compared to conventional methods. Field performance data are presented to demonstrate anchor capacity, displacement behavior, and load–displacement response. Comparisons with traditional drilled or driven anchoring solutions highlight advantages in installation efficiency and reliability. The implications for temporary and permanent anchoring applications in stiff clay environments are also discussed.
Seismic vulnerability assessment of RC buildings considering soil-structure interaction effects (8 minutes)
This presentation examines the influence of soil–structure interaction (SSI) on the seismic vulnerability of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings. A numerical modeling framework is introduced that explicitly incorporates foundation flexibility and soil nonlinearity. Fragility curves are developed and compared for fixed-base and SSI-inclusive models to quantify differences in predicted damage states. Results demonstrate that neglecting SSI can either overestimate or underestimate seismic demand, depending on soil stiffness and structural characteristics. The study highlights how SSI alters fundamental periods, damping, and force distribution within structures. Practical implications for performance-based seismic assessment and design are discussed.
Experimental Curvature and Moment Response of Pile Foundations: Comparison with p-y Predictions (13 minutes)
Pile foundations play a critical role in transferring seismic loads from structures to the supporting soil, yet their nonlinear response remains difficult to predict. This presentation presents experimental measurements of curvature and bending moment along instrumented piles subjected to lateral loading. The observed responses are compared with predictions obtained using conventional p–y curve methods. Differences between measured and predicted responses are evaluated to identify limitations in current modeling approaches. The study highlights the influence of soil nonlinearity, boundary conditions, and pile–soil interaction on moment distribution. Recommendations are provided for improving analysis methods used in seismic pile design.
Modeling Challenges and Key Considerations in Seismic Response of Sandwiched Structure–Soil–Structure Systems (14 minutes)
Sandwiched structure–soil–structure (SSS) systems arise in dense urban environments where adjacent buildings interact through shared soil deposits. This presentation explores the complex seismic response of such systems, emphasizing interaction effects that are not captured in isolated structure analyses. Numerical modeling strategies are discussed, including representation of soil continuity, boundary conditions, and damping. Results illustrate how the presence of neighboring structures can amplify or reduce seismic demand depending on stiffness contrast and spacing. Key challenges related to computational cost and model calibration are highlighted. The presentation underscores the importance of considering SSS interaction in urban seismic assessments.
Sub-regional Site Response in the San Fransisco Bay Area (15 minutes)
The San Francisco Bay Area exhibits significant spatial variability in seismic site response due to complex geology and sedimentary basins. This presentation presents a sub-regional analysis of site response using recorded ground motions, geotechnical data, and numerical modeling. Amplification patterns are evaluated across different soil profiles and basin depths. Results demonstrate how basin effects and local stratigraphy influence ground motion intensity and frequency content. The study provides insight into regional trends that can inform seismic hazard mapping and engineering design. Implications for infrastructure resilience and urban planning are also discussed.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of these sessions, you will be able to:
- Describe how vibratory installation improves anchor performance and constructability in stiff clay soils.
- Explain how soil–structure interaction affects seismic demand and vulnerability predictions for RC buildings.
- Discuss the accuracy and limitations of p–y curve methods in predicting pile curvature and moment response.
- Identify key modeling challenges associated with seismic analysis of sandwiched structure–soil–structure systems.
- Describe how sub-regional geology and basin effects influence seismic site response in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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]