Geotechnical Research

Using advanced digital media on the computer, the geotechnical program is building a digital library for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Ground Anchors, Soil Nails, and the ESA in Construction are some of the CD topics completed to date. See Multi-Media page for more details.

Improvements in soil structure interaction software came from monitored load tests such as these 10 foot diameter shafts (shown at right) at Bonneville Dam (shown at top right) for the US Corps of Engineers.

Performance Confirmation of Constructed Geotechnical Facilities, Amherst, MA, 2000, ASCE

Increased failures of the old Holocene and Pleistocene Dunes at the Oregon Coast are triggered by development and road widening. The geotech team, in collaboration with Prof. Peterson in Geology, developed innovative ways to more rapidly investigate and remediate  sites based on insitu testing in the field. Improved measurement of soil properties led to very good predictions of the Woahink road failure (left) near Florence.

All construction requires geotechnical engineering- from development of marginal sites in the Metro area, new bridges across the state to costal communities on fragile ancient Dunes. Oregon soils are unique and require Oregon funded research to improve Oregon design and practice