Soil Mechanics for Earth Dam Design and Analysis

The objective of this course will be to provide a comprehensive presentation of the significant principles and concepts of soil mechanics to the participants. The material will be presented with emphasis on the application of soil mechanics to dam safety issues. At the end of the course, the participants will have the knowledge and resources to address soil mechanics issues as they relate to their work in dam safety.

Key Takeaways:

Students will gain an understanding of -

the significant concepts and principles of soil mechanics and how they pertain to the analysis and design of embankment dams.
the theory of consolidation and how it applies to embankment engineering.
the concepts of soil shear strength and which strengths apply to different stages in the life of embankment dams.
appropriate field investigation techniques for both new and existing embankment dams.
appropriate field and insitu testing procedures for embankment dams.

This is a BASIC level course, intended as an introduction for those with minimal to moderate experience in the design, inspection and operation of dams or levees. Participants should have a bachelor’s degree in civil or geological engineering or similar fields and 1 or more years of related experience.

What to Bring:

Participants are asked to bring a scientific calculator, graph paper, and compass (for drawing Mohr’s Circles).

Course Materials:

The participants will receive the PowerPoint presentation in electronic format on a CD-Rom and in printed form for reference during the seminar.

Continuing Education:

This technical seminar contains up to 23.5 hours of instruction. Certificates documenting PDH credits will be awarded to participants upon completion of the seminar. Note: This course has also been approved for credit to satisfy mandatory continuing education requirements for Professional Engineers licensed in New York. The course is classified as CE Training and participants who complete the course and the assessment quizzes will receive a certificate for up to 23.5 professional development hours (PDHs).

Questions: Contact Jennifer Burns, ASDSO at (859) 550-2788 or jburns@damsafety.org

Attendee Profile: Please complete the brief profile questionnaire which will be linked to your registration confirmation message. Your participation in this survey will help us efficiently tailor the seminar content to the specific needs of the attendees.

Speaker and Presenter Information

Dr. Richard W. Stephenson, P.E.

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Dr. Stephenson received his Ph.D. in civil engineering from Oklahoma State University in 1971. Since then he has been at the Missouri University of Science and Technology in various capacities. He has served as geotechnical engineering area head and interim department chairman. Dr. Stephenson has conducted numerous dam safety investigations for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as well as for various public and private consulting clients. His research interests include deep foundations, geotechnical earthquake engineering, helical anchors, and laboratory characterization of soil behavior including hydraulic conductivity, behavior of silt soils and deterioration of foundations of Egyptian antiquities. Dr. Stephenson is a Fellow of ASCE, a member of the Academy of Civil Engineers at the Missouri University of Science and Technology and a registered professional engineer. He currently holds the title of Chancellor’s Professor and Professor Emeritus.

Dr. Ronaldo Luna, P.E.

Chair, Civil Engineering Department of the Parks College of Engineering, Aviation, and Technology, St. Louis University

Dr. Luna teaches courses at the graduate and undergraduate level in the field of geotechnical engineering. His research interests lie in the dynamic response of soils and liquefaction, geographic information systems in civil engineering, and advances in foundation and earthquake engineering.

Relevant Government Agencies

Army, Dept of Agriculture, Dept of Energy, Dept of Homeland Security, Dept of the Interior, Dept of State, Other Federal Agencies, State Government, County Government, City Government, Municipal Government, FEMA, Federal Government, State & Local Government