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As geotechnical engineers we often need to communicate complex solutions based on existing site conditions and design requirements to a project team which include non-geotechnical engineers.
In addition, there can be several solutions with different costs and expected performance. The decision of the best approach on a given project can in many cases be based on not only cost but schedule, constructability, experience, environmental concerns and so on. Communicating these options and their respective details is important.
GeoTechTools (GTT) is managed by the Geo-Institute and is a centralized resource of soil improvement technologies and their corresponding details. The Geo-Institute’s technical committees oversee updating technical information.
GTT was developed under the Second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2). SHRP2 was a partnership which included the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the Transportation Research Board (TRB). GTT addresses ground improvement technologies for projects such as new embankments, road widening and the stabilization of pavement platforms on unstable soil conditions. Geosynthetics were incorporated into many of the technologies or approaches included within GTT.
GTT is the tool for geotechnical engineers looking to review and gather information on possible solutions in one central location. For non-geotechnical engineers, such as planners, general civil engineers, project managers and owners, it provides a valuable resource to develop a better understanding of the benefits and limitations of a given technology.
GeoTechTools includes a catalog of technologies that houses a wealth of information on each. Each item includes a fact sheet which summarizes the technology. It also includes case histories, photos, specifications, design guidance and other useful information.
Some of the geosynthetic related technologies include:
- Geosynthetic reinforcement, separation, drainage for subgrades and bases in pavement systems
- Geocell for pavements
- Geosynthetic reinforced embankments
- MSE walls and reinforced soil slopes
- Geosynthetic reinforced load transfer platforms for column supported embankments
- Geosynthetic reinforced construction platforms
An example in the following figure for “Geosynthetics reinforcement in pavement systems.” Once this technology is selected one can review several case histories as well as to where to find design guidance, specifications, and quality control methods. There are also references in the bibliography to help find more information on the topics.
The GeoTechTools library covers 49 technologies. GTT incorporates an interactive technology selection to assist with initial technology selection. The website allows the public to comment on and contribute to the continued maintenance of this tool.
Daniel Alzamora, P.E., is a contributing editor for Geosynthetics and has spent more than three decades in the geosynthetics industry in both the public and private sector.