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INSTRUCTORS:
Boyoung Jeong, Ph.D.
Susan E. Burns, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE
Ricardo C. de Abreu, Ph.D., P.E., BC.GE, F.ASCE
Purpose and Background
These presentations were recorded at the Geo-Institute Web Conference 2025.
Impact of Bacterial Motility on the Viscosity of Bacterial Suspensions (24 minutes)
This presentation explores how bacterial motility influences the rheological behavior of bacterial suspensions. It explains the fundamental mechanisms by which motile microorganisms alter suspension viscosity through collective motion and micro-scale interactions. The speaker discusses experimental methods used to measure viscosity changes and characterize bacterial behavior. Implications for bio-mediated ground improvement, subsurface flow, and contaminant transport are examined. The presentation connects microbiological processes with macroscopic engineering properties. These findings contribute to improved modeling and design of biologically based geoengineering solutions.
Beneficial Use of Off-Specification and High Organic Content Fly Ashes (39 minutes)
This presentation examines the potential beneficial reuse of off-specification and high organic content fly ashes in geoenvironmental and civil engineering applications. It discusses the challenges associated with variability, elevated loss-on-ignition (LOI), and inconsistent performance that often limit conventional use. The speaker reviews physical, chemical, and engineering properties that influence suitability for reuse. Case studies and laboratory findings are presented to demonstrate performance in applications such as embankments, soil stabilization, and structural fills. Environmental considerations, including leaching behavior and regulatory constraints, are addressed. The presentation highlights how reuse of marginal fly ashes can improve sustainability while reducing disposal demands.
Exposed Geomembrane Liner for Final Cover Systems (27 minutes)
This presentation focuses on the design and performance of exposed geomembrane liners (EGMLs) used in final cover systems for landfills and containment facilities. It reviews material selection, installation practices, and long-term durability considerations. The speaker discusses performance factors such as ultraviolet exposure, thermal effects, wind uplift, and surface runoff. Case histories are presented to illustrate successful implementation and lessons learned. The presentation also compares EGMLs with traditional soil-covered systems in terms of sustainability, maintenance, and cost. These insights demonstrate the role of EGMLs in modern, sustainable waste containment design.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of these sessions, you will be able to:
- Explain the relationship between bacterial motility and changes in viscosity of bacterial suspensions.
- Discuss the implications of motility-induced viscosity changes for bio-mediated geoenvironmental engineering applications.
- Describe the characteristics and engineering challenges associated with off-specification and high organic content fly ashes.
- Explain how these fly ashes can be beneficially reused in sustainable geoenvironmental engineering applications.
- Describe key design and performance considerations for exposed geomembrane liners in final cover systems.
- Identify advantages and limitations of EGMLs compared to conventional soil-covered landfill caps.
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]