Earthworks: Theory to Practice – Design and Construction

Target Audience

The course is for those involved in the investigation, design, and construction of earthworks. Civil Engineers, Geotechnical Engineers, Project Managers, Site Inspectors and engineers and other construction staff will find this course useful.  This 1-day workshop is the “geotechnical edition”.

Prerequisite

A Civil Engineering or geology degree or diploma training (with soil mechanics) or worked for at least 5 years on earthworks related projects.

Benefits as to why someone should attend this course

Theory alone is not enough, and the course evolved from a clear disconnect between theory and practice. Experience alone without relating back to theory can sometimes be misleading if transferred without understanding the fundamentals.

The course benefits are:

• Increased awareness of assumptions within common earthwork models
• Case studies to show how theory is applied in practice.
• Fundamental theory and the basics of earthworks designs, practices, and specifications

Course overview

The course provides an overview of the 2022 book “Earthworks” for practicing engineers. This book was derived from “Earthworks” course notes compiled over 10 years of presenting the 2-day course for over 1,000 practicing engineers (mainly civil and project engineers) and benefited from their feedback and issues.  A case study approach is adopted to examine everyday design and construction earthworks practices.

Compaction mechanics is one of the simplest engineering concepts. Success in any project requires getting the simple things right. Yet common misunderstandings are still occurring with the application of this simple concept — from theory to practice. Many measurements have become targets rather than part of a decision-making process. This targeting simplification can lead to either over conservatism or unstable works.

Case studies are used to show how earthworks theory is applied in day-to-day practice. Subgrade and expansive clay assessment and treatment will be covered. Useful design practices as well as the development and application of specifications are outlined. A specification, test, or design in one climatic condition or geology may not apply in another.

See this link for those wishing to purchase the book which will have the course notes. The book is not provided for this workshop.

Course outline

• Registration: 8.30 – 9.00 AM

• Introduction: 9.00 – 9.15 AM

Overview of the course

• Session 1 – 9.15 – 10.45 AM

Assumptions in various earthworks models.  Highlight key aspects of site investigation testing in practice and its limitations: testing, spatial, and temporary variability. Safety issues.  Soil classification and properties relevant to earthworks.

• Morning tea: 10.45 – 11.00 AM

• Session 2 – 11.00 – 12.30 PM

Soil Strength and characteristics of clay, granular, and rock fills; relevant laboratory and field testing for soil properties and compaction; test limitations and applications. Principles of compaction mechanics and the compaction model; field processes. Design concepts for embankment fills.

• Lunch 12.30 – 1.15PM

• Session 3 – 1.15 – 2.45 PM

Ground movements from compaction, and seasonal changes; Predicting, designing, and constructing for these movement effects; Designing for volume changes Pavement design considerations; Subgrade design strength and CBR considerations; modulus of subgrades and pavement; Stabilization with additives; mechanical modification.

• Afternoon tea: 2.45 – 3.00 PM

• Session 4 – 3.00 – 4.30 PM

Analysis, design, and prediction are related but not the same.  Analysis must be integrated with design as many gaps occur at this interface area.  Design earthworks considerations. Specifications development and material characteristics; quality control and testing requirements; Specifications for Earthworks.  Buried Pipes; Earthworks construction practices; Working platforms; Proof Rolling

Course presenter

Dr Burt Look OAM Senior Principal, Foundation Specialists Group

Dr Burt Look completed his master’s degree in Soil Mechanics and Engineering Seismology at Imperial College, London, and his PhD part time at The University of Queensland while also working at Queensland Main Roads. He also has a Graduate Certificate in Philosophy from The University of Queensland. Burt has over 40 years professional Engineering experience with his early years in structural and civil works. He was previously the Global Practice Leader in SKM (now Jacobs), and also at Aurecon. He was a previous director at FSG – Geotechnics + Foundations. Burt is the 2014 Queensland Professional Engineer of the year and the Australian Geomechanics Society (AGS) Practitioner 2018. Burt was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2020. Burt has published 4 geotechnical engineering books and close to 100 technical publications focused on industry practice developments.

Course registration

Members are required to log in to access the AGS member price, which is not transferable.

More information about logging in to this website can be found here.

Payment via credit card is available and processed by Stripe. The Australian Geomechanics Society will not store or have access to your credit card information, and Stripe adhere to strict security and PCI compliance for processing online transactions.

Upon purchase, an email and a tax invoice will be sent to the buyer. Attendees will also receive an email with their tickets attached, as well as a link to download the tickets if they are misplaced.