June 1, 2017
Introduction The design of many geotechnical structures is based on limit-state conditions. For example, in designing gravity walls, the load exerted by the retained soil on the wall is based on an assumed active state of stresses. That is, the wall moves sufficiently outward, enabling the retained soil to mobilize its shear strength along a …
June 1, 2016
Geo + Pipeline 101 Geosynthetics often play an important role on the environmental side of pipeline installations. During construction, actions must be taken to protect water quality, stabilize soil, and prevent soil erosion. Pipeline right-of-ways traverse many different types of landscapes, passing through sensitive resource areas such as streams and wetlands. Geosynthetics are used in …
June 1, 2015
Erosion control challenges at solid waste facilities By Eric S. Steinhauser Introduction Landfills, particularly municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills, are often misunderstood. Commonly referred to as “dumps,” these highly engineered facilities, and the engineering project teams involved in their development, do not get the respect they deserve. Once the primary option for MSW disposal, the …
By Jill Pack Project Highlights Mine closure and reclamation Chestnut Ridge Sand Quarry Kunkletown, Pa. Applications Erosion control Slope stabilization Contractor The H & K Group Distributor/Installer Jobsite Products Hydraulic erosion control HydraCM Steep Slope Matrix HydraCX Extreme Slope Matrix Quantities 3,414 bales of HydraCX (about 49 acres) 220 bales of HydraCM (about 3 acres) …
June 1, 2014
Semmering Base Tunnel project in Austria By Sören Schmidt Introduction Following two years of preparatory work, main construction began on Austria’s 27-km Semmering Base Tunnel in January 2014. The tunnel between Mürzzuschlag and Gloggnitz on the Vienna–Villach/Graz main line is divided into three contract sections. The 13km central section is currently under construction, and two …
April 1, 2014
Contamination by subgrade soil causes deterioration in pavements from progressive loss of effective aggregate base thickness. Introduction A major deterioration factor in pavements is the progressive loss of effective aggregate base thickness because of contamination by subgrade soil. In the service life of a pavement, subgrade soil fines migrate upward into the unbound base aggregate …
August 1, 2013
We don’t always have to use all virgin materials for new projects. By Kurt Kelsey Introduction Stormwater management is a necessary task that confronts every municipality. But how the stormwater is actually managed can differ. Typical gray-pipe solutions get the job done, but they do not provide filtering of the stormwater and they are not …
February 1, 2013
Geosynthetic materials provide hurricane protection through erosion control for Louisiana levees, and a Florida canal By Andy Burran Introduction Hurricanes and other extreme storm events seem to be intensifying, putting the U.S. infrastructure at increasing risk of failure. As the nation assisted the Northeast in rebuilding after Hurricane Sandy last fall, we were reminded of …
August 1, 2012
Stabilizing the bluff By Jeremy Joseph The Briarcliff City Apartments sit high on a bluff in Kansas City, Mo. The master-planned community offers residents fine views of downtown and the Missouri River valley. Apartment dwellers enjoy restaurants, shops, and trails located within walking distance of the residential apartment complex. But the bluff that made the …
February 1, 2012
Erosion control in mining applications By Dhani Narejo, Bruno Hay, and Bryan Wedin Mine site erosion problems One of the largest nickel mining sites in the world is located on the island of New Caledonia in the South Pacific. Due to the size of the mining project and the terrain of the site, significant cut-and-fill …