Innovation. EDC is a program that identifies and rapidly deploys proven, yet underutilized, innovations to shorten project delivery, enhance roadway safety, reduce traffic congestion and integrate automation. The A-GaME focuses on assisting transportation partners to improve the scope and quality of site characterization work through the implementation of underutilized technologies, including Cone Penetration Test (CPT/SCPT), Electrical Methods (ER, IP, SP), Measurement While Drilling (MWD), Seismic Methods (Refraction, Surface Waves, FWI, Tomography, Reflection) and Optical and Acoustic Televiewers (OTV/ATV). The diverse implementation team consists of FHWA and state DOT personnel, practitioners and representatives from relevant industry organizations, including DFI. The team is experienced in construction, design, geophysics, risk, site variability and geostatistics, and will assist FHWA in working to elevate site characterization practices in project delivery. Mary Nodine, P.E., of GEI Consultants, and vice chair of DFI’s Subsurface Characterization Committee, and Mary Ellen Bruce Large, P.E., D.GE, of DFI are representing DFI and actively supporting and transferring technology between the A-GaME team and the DFI membership. www.GeoTechTools.org • FHWA is updating the look and functionality of the web-based platform and developing marketing tools to assist new users to use the website. The new platform should debut in spring 2019. • The GeoInstitute of ASCE (GI) will take over hosting responsibilities for the GeoTechTools website sometime in early spring 2019. Service Limit State Calibration • In 2018, FHWA worked closely with the AASHTO Committee on Bridges and Structures to ballot and approve new specifications for consideration of foundation settlement in bridge design based on the Second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2) R19B research effort. • Web-based training modules are being developed to provide users with step-by-step procedures for developing local calibrations at the service limit state. This self-paced training should be available by late spring 2019. GRS-IBS • A close-out synthesis report titled Deployment of the Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Integrated Bridge System from 2011 to 2017 (FHWA-HIF- 17-043) published in 2018 summarizes the EDC deployment effort for GRS-IBS. The report includes standard plans for use in project development and several case histories from the six-year deployment effort. Case histories can be found at www.GeoTechTools.org . • An update to the Design and Construction Guidelines for Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Abutments and Integrated Bridge Systems (FHWA-HRT-17-080) is complete, and a TechBrief titled Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil-Integrated Bridge System – Bid Price Analysis and Cost Comparisons with Alternative Foundation Types is in the final editing stage. Geotechnical Guidance Documents In 2018, FHWA completed the following Geotechnical Engi- neering Circulars (GEC), which are being finalized for publication: • GEC-9 Design, Analysis, and Testing of Laterally Loaded Deep Foundations that Support Transportation Facilities (FHWA-HIF- 18-031) • GEC-10 Drilled Shafts: Construction Procedures and Design Methods (FHWA-NHI-18-024) Also completed are the following additional documents that support geotechnical program initiatives (to be available spring 2019): • Evaluation of Limit Equilibrium Analysis Methods for Design of Soil Nail Walls (FHWA-NHI-17- 068) • Incorporation of Foundation Movements in AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Process – Second Edition • Implementation Report – Expanded Database for Service Limit State Calibration of Immediate Settlement of Bridge Foundations on Soil In 2019, the following significant developments will be addressed: • GEC 15 – develop procedural guidelines for assuring quality in geotechnical construction based on best practice, applicable and innovative tools and modern contracting methods. • GEC 1 – redevelop as a base guidance manual covering geotechnical design and construction. This work is pending available funding. • GEC 11 – updated to address some errata and changes to guidance on design of MSE walls. This work is pending available funding. To access the library of GECs, search online for FHWA geotechnical publications. FHWA is undertaking the following additional initiatives to address long-term needs: • Performance and Asset Management - Geohazards, Extreme Weather Events and Resilience - Unstable Slope Management - Assessment of Corrosion for Buried Metallic Foundations and Elements (in collaboration with the National Academies of Science) - Protocol for Identification and Risk-Based Assessment of MSE Walls - Communication of Data Sets and Data Protocols - Deployment of Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (I.D.E.A.) • Design and Construction Optimization - Bearing Resistance of Large Diameter Open Ended Piles - Lateral Load on Deep Foundations - High Performance (Tremie) Concrete for Geotechnical Applications - Geotechnical Aspects of Scour Design DEEP FOUNDATIONS • MAR/APR 2019 • 65
