7:30 am

Registration and Continental Breakfast
 

8:10 am

Welcome
Steven L. Crouch
Professor of Civil Engineering and Dean
Institute of Technology, University of Minnesota
 

8:20 am

Tribute to Ioannis Vardoulakis
Joseph F. Labuz
Professor of Civil Engineering
University of Minnesota
 

8:25 am

Kersten Lecture
Impact and Control of Ground Movement in Urban Underground Construction

Edward J. Cording, Ph.D., P.E.
Emeritus Professor of Civil Engineering
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The urban underground is developed to reduce surface impacts, but ground movements during underground construction have the potential for major impact on nearby tunnels, utilities, streets, and buildings. Procedures are described for assessing and limiting the magnitude of regular, quantifiable ground movements and for minimizing the risk of large, uncontrolled ground loss and collapse. Increasingly ground movements are controlled at the source, in the tunnel or excavation, with less reliance on underpinning or ground modification procedures, although such procedures may be used to reduce the risk of impacts from ground movement. Ground movements are assessed, and ultimately controlled, by linking the sequence that proceeds from the source of the movement, to the magnitude of ground loss, distribution of ground movements in the soil mass, lateral and vertical ground movement in the vicinity of the structure, distortion of the structure, and the damage criteria. Examples of building distortion and damage are presented for brick bearing wall structures of the 1800s and early 1900s, as well as later frame structures, that illustrate how the geometry, era of construction, stiffness, and condition of the building influence its response to ground movement.
 

9:20 am

Geotechnics and Terramechanics

Andrew Drescher, Ph.D.
Professor of Civil Engineering
University of Minnesota

Links are discussed between Geotechnical Engineering (Geotechnics) and Terramechanics. Albeit both deal with similar materials, Terramechanics concentrates on the interaction of tools (wheels, tires) and soil or snow, with emphasis on analyzing and modeling processes characterized by very large deformations. In Geotechnics, the deformations are usually small, or of limited interest, and critical states rather than processes attract engineering attention. However, common interests exist (an example being rolling compaction) and greater interaction benefiting both disciplines gradually emerges. A potential exists to embark on joint efforts to analyze, model, and prevent soil distress in environmentally sensitive areas of forests and tundra where off-road vehicles may induce significant soil damage.
 

10:00 am

Break
 

10:30 am

Stability and Risk Analysis of Slopes in Highly Variable Soils

Vaughan Griffiths, Ph.D., D.Sc., P.E.
Professor of Civil Engineering
Colorado School of Mines

The presentation will review the use of finite element methods as a powerful alternative to classical limit equilibrium method for tackling the slope stability problems. The finite element method really comes into its own, however, when dealing with variable material properties, non-standard geometries and variable groundwater conditions. The seminar will show examples of finite element methods applied to stability problems in highly variable soils to include infinite slopes, traditional 2D slopes and some recent work on 3D slopes.
 

11:10 am

Consolidation Behavior of Cement Treated Organic Soils

Marika Santagata, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Civil Engineering
Purdue University

The presentation addresses the effects of cement treatment on the one-dimensional consolidation behavior of a highly organic soil with 40-60% organic matter. The effects of the addition of cement are evaluated for cement dosages ranging from 8-100% (by mass of dry soil), corresponding to values of the cement factor of 25-320 kg/m3 of untreated soil. The most evident effect of the treatment is the development of a cementation induced preconsolidation stress, which increases with cement dosage. The results also provide a consistent picture of the effects of cement treatment on soil compressibility, hydraulic conductivity, coefficient of consolidation, and creep behavior. Comparison of the results for the cement treated soil to data obtained by testing the same soil in the natural intact state, and following reconstitution, provide insight into the type of structure generated as a result of the treatment. The consolidation results are complemented by pH measurements, extraction tests and Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy analyses, which indicate that the soil’s organic matter becomes encapsulated within the soil-cement matrix.
 

11:50 am

Lunch
 

1:00 pm

Status of Public Geological Databases in Minnesota

Harvey Thorleifson, Ph.D., P.Geo.
Director of the Minnesota Geological Survey
Professor of Geology and Geophysics
University of Minnesota

While much data on geological observations, measurements, and inferences is held by the private sector, geological survey agencies concurrently maintain regional information that is used to clarify context and support regional planning. These surveys include reports and maps to convey interpretations, as well as geophysical, geochemical, and geological databases that provide observations and measurements. Current emphasis in Minnesota is on enhancing web-accessible, digital information, while particular emphasis is being placed on acceleration of the multi-layered County Geologic Atlases that are needed for groundwater management, including progressively greater emphasis on hydrogeological material properties.
 

1:40 pm

Reliability of MnDOT’s Pile Driving Formula and a Proposed Equation

Sam Paikowsky, Ph.D.
Professor of Civil Engineering
University of Massachusetts

Driven piles are the most common foundation solution used in bridge construction. The major problem associated with the use of deep foundations is the ability to reliably verify the capacity and the integrity of the installed element in the ground. MnDOT uses its own pile driving formula. However, its accuracy has never been thoroughly evaluated. The resistance factor associated with the use of the MnDOT formula needed to be calibrated and established. The presented work addresses this need through (a) establishment of the bridge pile construction practices in Minnesota, and (b) building up a database of driven pile case histories relevant to Minnesota design and construction practices.
 

2:20 pm

Break
 

2:50 pm

Case Histories

Concurrent Session 1A:
9th Street East Grade Separation Failures

Charles D. Hubbard, P.E., P.G.
Braun Intertec Corporation
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Early in October 2007, approximately 45 - 60 days after construction commenced, and with approximately 8 m (25 ft) of embankment fill and up to an additional 3 m (10 ft) of surcharge in place, the approach embankments associated with the 9th Street East grade separation at I-94 in Fargo and West Fargo, North Dakota, experienced a series of massive, deep failures. The challenges associated with this project were many: the failures extended to depths too great and into soils too sensitive to remove, relocation was not an option, and the mitigation effort needed to be substantially complete and demonstrably stable for bridge construction to commence in 2009.
 

Concurrent Session 1B:
Geophysical Evaluation of Abandoned Underground Mine Conditions

Kanaan Hanna
Zapata Incorporated, Blackhawk Division
Golden, Colorado

The Country Club Circle Colorado Springs neighborhood is underlain by the abandoned Rapson Coal mine. The mine workings lie at shallow depths ranging from 15 - 30 m (50 - 100 ft) below ground surface. Through the years, numerous subsidence events have repeatedly occurred, causing serious safety hazards and damaging structures, streets, and utilities. This paper describes the methodology and results of the geophysical techniques, with emphasis on characterization of the conditions in collapsed or caved zones above the abandoned workings, mine working delineation, void detection imaging, and evaluation of the ground stabilization techniques.
 

3:15 pm

Case Histories

Concurrent Session 2A:
Design of Deep Excavations in Lake Agassiz Clay

Chad A. Underwood, P.E., P.G.
Engineering Partners International
Madison, Wisconsin

The City of Fargo, North Dakota approved the construction of two deep lift stations in early 2009. The excavations for both structures extended 12 - 14 m (40 - 45 ft) below existing grade. The deep excavations were entirely within clay deposited in glacial Lake Agassiz. The project specifications dictated minimum safety factors that had to be achieved for excavation stability. In addition to evaluating safety factors for excavation stability using conventional limit equilibrium methods, reliability analyses were performed to better understand the probability of failure. The deep excavations were designed using a target probability of failure value of 0.001 for global stability and basal heave analyses.
 

Concurrent Session 2B:
Support of MSE Walls and Embankments Using Controlled Modulus Columns

Seth L. Pearlman, P.E.
President and CEO
DGI-Menard, Bridgeville, PA

Controlled Modulus Columns (CMCTM) are pressure grouted auger displacement elements that are installed using a specially designed tool at the working end of a high torque, high down-pressure drilling machine. The tool is hollow so that flowable cementitious grout mixes can be placed from the bottom up once the hole is founded at the desired depth. The patented CMC system fits in the generic category of inclusions. There are a number of other types of inclusions that are currently designed and constructed using stone, grout, and concrete. The design technology behind the development and experience with CMC makes them efficient for the immediate support of MSE walls and embankments for public transportation, other infrastructure facilities, large storage tanks, and building facilities. The paper summarizes the design approach, and presents case histories of completed public facilities supported on CMC foundations. The cases include MSE bridge approaches in New Jersey and a deep arch culvert in Pennsylvania.
 

3:40 pm

Case Histories

Concurrent Session 3A:
Automated Landslide Instrumentation Programs on US Route 2 in Crookston, MN

Derrick Dasenbrock, P.E.
Foundations Geomechanics Engineer
Minnesota Department of Transportation

In September 2003, a landslide occurred in downtown Crookston between US Route 2 and the Red Lake River, and movement in the slide area continues. During the post-failure monitoring at this site in the summer of 2008, roadway and embankment distress was observed at a location just east of Crookston, also on US Route 2. Based on visual observations and the monitoring data, a detour was put in place a week prior to the landslide. Both sites were instrumented with Shape Acceleration Array systems, which provide automated monitoring and data transmission of slope movements. Significant displacements, far greater than are observable with traditional inclinometers, were measured, providing insight into failure rates, magnitudes, and geometry. The instrumentation, monitoring, and stability analyses are discussed. The automated sensors have captured data at both sites that is of value in characterizing the slope behavior and providing an early warning system to ensure the safety of the traveling public.
 

Concurrent Session 3B:
A Success Story on Pile Downdrag Monitoring

Aaron Budge, Ph.D., P.E.
Associate Professor of Civil Engineering
Minnesota State University, Mankato

A freeway bridge was built on a site where downdrag effects were expected to be a significant design concern. Due to the construction sequence, the decision was made to accommodate the predicted increase in loading and a monitoring program was included as part of the construction plan. Three abutment piles were instrumented with electrical resistance strain gages and a horizontal inclinometer was installed in the backfill area behind the bridge footing. Due to several unforeseen construction difficulties, the instrumentation was subjected to more installation distress than intended, and only 25% of the strain gages survived to provide useful data. The installation experience and data from the remaining gages and inclinometer provided the framework for subsequent installations, already in progress.
 

4:05 pm

Case Histories

Concurrent Session 4A:
Historic Ivy Tower

Douglas R. Hardin, P.E., S.E.
Senior Design/Construction Manager
Schnabel Foundation Company, Cary, Illinois

The historic Ivy Tower is the narrowest tower in Minneapolis, MN at just 15 x 17 m (50 x 55 ft) in plan and 43 m (140 ft) tall. The ten story building was completed in 1930. Construction of the Ivy Hotel and Residence, which wraps around and incorporates the historic Ivy Tower, required a unique combination of earth retention and underpinning systems to allow a 16m (51 ft) deep excavation for five levels of underground parking directly adjacent to the Ivy Tower. The Ivy Tower was closely monitored for building movements throughout construction. The earth retention and underpinning systems, construction activities, and monitoring results will be presented.
 

Concurrent Session 4B:
US-41 Re-Alignment Over the Abandoned Michigamme Underground Iron Ore Mine

Stan Vitton, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Civil Engineering
Michigan Technological University

A realignment of US-41 near Michigamme, Michigan was located over an abandoned underground iron ore mine, the Michigamme Mine. While the general locations of the shafts were known, the exact locations of many of the shafts were not. This is due in part to the filling of the mine shafts with waste rock from the mining operations. The purpose of this research was two fold. First, the exact locations of the shafts and the extent of the mine workings were determined. Second, the geometry and strength of the crown pillars were assessed with respect to the highway realignment.
 

4:30 pm

Adjournment