TRB Webinar: Geotech Tools: Engineering Tools and Technology Selection Guidance for Geotechnical, Structural and Pavement Engineers

TRB conducted a webinar on December 20, 2012, from 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. ET as part of a TRB second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP 2) project that explored a web-based information system for 46 geoconstruction and ground improvement technologies. Contact Reggie Gillum at RGillum@nas.edu to access a link to the recording of the webinar.

The web-based information system, developed as a part of the SHRP 2 project, focuses on identifying geotechnical solutions in four application areas:

(1) Construction of new embankments and roadways over unstable soils;
(2) Widening and expansion of existing roadways and embankments;
(3) Geotechnical (i.e., unbound) pavement components; and
(4) Stabilization of working platforms.

The web-based information system provides users with an introduction to the geotechnical design process, a catalog of technologies, selection assistance, and glossary. The catalog of technologies contains the detailed information about each of the 46 technologies including: technology fact sheets, photographs, case histories, design guidance, quality control/quality assurance procedures and guidance, specification guidance and examples, cost information, and a bibliography. The selection assistance, which contains both a listing of the technologies and a dynamic, interactive selection tool, was developed for identifying potential geoconstruction technologies for a defined set of project conditions.

The webinar is designed for geotechnical, structural, and pavement engineers. Experienced engineers will benefit from the design, construction, cost, and specification information provided in the catalog. Engineers and planners newer to the field will benefit from the technology selection assistance portion of the web-based system, which allows for assessing the feasibility of technologies to address project requirements and constraints.

TRB’s second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP 2) Renewal Project R02 has released two prepublication, non-edited drafts of two reports:

• Geotechnical Solutions for Soil Improvement, Rapid Embankment Construction, and Stabilization of the Pavement Working Platform: Final Phase 2 Summary Report 
• Geotechnical Solutions for Soil Improvement, Rapid Embankment Construction, and Stabilization of the Pavement Working Platform: Web-Based Information and Guidance System Development Report 

Webinar Presenters:

• Ryan Berg, Ryan R. Berg and Associates, Inc.
• Vern Schaefer, Iowa State University

Moderated by: James Bryant, Transportation Research Board


Learning Objectives:

On completion of this webinar, attendees will be able to understand how to access and navigate the GeoTechTools website and guidance system to obtain design, quality control/quality assurance procedures and guidance, cost, and specification information for the 46 ground improvement and geoconstruction technologies.


Registration information:

There is no fee for employees of TRB sponsors who register using their work email address. In addition to employees of TRB sponsor organizations, the following are eligible to receive complimentary webinar registration:

• TRB and National Academies employees
• Chairs of TRB standing committees, sections, or groups
• SHRP 2 panel members who were involved with developing the report or project that is the subject of the webinar
• Members of the media
• Congressional staff members

Other sites must pay $89 per site. View our pricing page for details.


After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Professional Development Hour information:

A certificate for 1.5 Professional Development Hour (PDH) will be provided to Professional Engineers (PEs) who register and attend the webinar as an individual. For groups, only the person that registers and attends the session will receive a PDH certificate.

Individuals registered as Florida PEs are required to email Reggie Gillum, RGillum@nas.edu, with their license number.

Please check with your licensing board to ensure that TRB webinar PDHs are approved by your board.

This webinar was developed in December 2012. TRB has met the standards and requirements of the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Credit earned on completion of this program will be reported to RCEP by TRB. Certificates of Completion will be issued to individuals who register for and attend the entire webinar session. Complaints about registered providers may be sent to RCEP, PO Box 1686, Clemson, SC, 29633. Website: www.RCEP.net.
Registration questions? Contact Reggie Gillum at RGillum@nas.edu.