Infrastructure projects across disciplines often require some level of slope stability analysis.
Whether a temporary construction need or a permanent solution, slope stabilization plays a major role in the success of a variety of projects, including roadways, bridges, dams, pipelines, energy infrastructure, and more. Environmental changes and extreme climate events are also a factor in the long-term viability of infrastructure impacted by slopes.
During ASCE Seminar Week, the Soil and Rock Slope Stability course will take a comprehensive look into the relationship between slope stability and infrastructure projects. Slated for June 9 and 10 and taught by Stan Miller, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, and Sunil Sharma, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, this two-day course will deepen your knowledge of how the environment intersects with all kinds of infrastructure.
Civil Engineering Source recently spoke with Miller, who offered a sneak peek at what you will learn during the seminar. Find out below what the course has to offer.
Civil Engineering Source: What major topics will be covered in this seminar?
Miller: This seminar focuses on practical methods for engineers to analyze the stability of natural slopes, constructed slopes (embankments), and cut slopes composed of natural soil and rock materials as well as geologic materials deemed as in-between the two, such as intensely fractured or weathered rock. Major topics include field investigations, sample and data collection, instrumentation for measuring slope movement, laboratory testing, data interpretation and analysis, slope stability models, engineering analysis – including some probabilistic and seismic analysis – and slope stabilization methods with case studies.
Source: How will attending this seminar improve civil engineers' understanding of slope stability and its relationship to infrastructure?
Miller: One of our key objectives is to illustrate how slope instability can impact infrastructure projects, and that a proper geotechnical evaluation/analysis often is a relatively small expense compared to total project cost, which provides increased assurance of construction safety and long-term performance. Geologic conditions are variable and there are inherent uncertainties in sampling, testing, and analyzing geotechnical properties and potential instabilities. Therefore, engineers must understand that although geotechnical investigations of slope stability help reduce those uncertainties, they may not eliminate them entirely. It is critical that geotechnical engineers advise project owners and construction managers of potential slope-instability risks, and that appropriate measures or contingencies are included in project planning to reduce such risks that may impact the project.
Source: What is your favorite thing about teaching this seminar?
Miller: I have enjoyed teaching this seminar since 2001, especially in regard to two areas. The first is presenting rock-slope stability analyses to civil engineers who likely have little training or experience with rock engineering, allowing them to broaden their professional knowledge. The second is sharing case histories with attendees and then having them share some of theirs, allowing all of us to gain valuable professional insight. I’ve also very much appreciated teaching the seminar with my colleague, Dr. Sunil Sharma – an outstanding geotechnical professional – and working with the team at ASCE Continuing Education.
Register for the Soil and Rock Slope Stability seminar. In person and livestreaming options available.
Learn more about ASCE Seminar Week.
