Keynote Presenters in the Conference - 12-20 Nov 2021
Benjamin (Ben) Rivers
Senior Geotechnical Engineer, Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA).
Making the Most of Your Site Characterization Programs: Bring your A-GaME!
Abstract
Making the Most of Your Site Characterization Programs:
Bring your A-GaME!Solving geotechnical problems fundamentally begin with recognizing the information and parameters that are most relevant for the design, construction and performance of our facilities, and characterizing geotechnical project site conditions with that in mind. Site characterization is a rational process that starts with developing a conceptual site model based on expectations informed from existing sources, and our experience and general knowledge of regional geology, geohydrology, landforms and previous land use. The conceptual site model is continuously refined as the information from a well-executed geotechnical site investigation improves the understanding of site conditions to meet specific project investigation objectives by targeting that most relevant information. That is being strategic and discerning with site characterization efforts: That is bringing your A-GaME!
In 2018, the Federal Highway Administration, in partnership with industry organizations, began an Every Day Counts (EDC) initiative focused on improving site characterization efforts by strategically incorporating the effective use of underutilized geotechnical exploration methods into geotechnical practice with the intent to minimize risks in project delivery and improve design and constructibility decisions within transportation and the geotechnical industry. This effort is known as Advanced Geotechnical Methods in Exploration - or simply as the A-GaME. The A-GaME recognizes the value of methods beyond the rudimentary Standard Penetration Test (SPT) – such as exploration geophysics, optical and acoustic televiewers, measurement-while-drilling (MWD), cone-penetration testings (CPT) and other innovative methods and technologies that enhance our understanding of site conditions and variability during geotechnical site characterization efforts. This presentation will explore the practical implications of embracing a strategic approach to geotechnical site characterization and will highlight tools and techniques and how they can be introduced and routinely incorporated within our investigation programs to improve decisions and reduce risks on our geotechnical projects.
Brief bio - Benjamin (Ben) Rivers
Benjamin (Ben) Rivers is a senior geotechnical engineer with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Ben received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from North Carolina State University. Ben has worked for the Federal Highway Administration’s Resource Center for the last 20 years. Before joining the FHWA, he worked in the private sector for 6 years in Asheville, NC. With FHWA, he is currently focused in program areas related to subsurface investigations, earthwork, geohazards, geotechnical asset management and performance, geotechnical data transfer, and post-grouted drilled shafts. He is also leading the current EDC5 initiative on Advanced Geotechnical Methods in Exploration (The A-GaME).
Duncan Nicholson
BSc MSc DIC CEng MICE, Retired Director – Ove Arup and Partners and Arup Fellow Ove Arup and Partners Ltd
Observational Methods in Deep Foundations
Abstract
Observational Methods in Deep Foundations
Bored piles and record – the Use of preliminary and contract pile tests to develop the design. Using rig data to control processes - eg CFA records for example – key issue is controlling ground loss.
Driven piles and pile driving monitoring to get to final set. Each pile has its own design as you go to get to a set.
On polymers - About the loss of fluid level in the pile. As a check on infiltration into surrounding soil.
On D-walls - Rig monitoring systems - verticality control and steering. Filter cake formation control.
On ground treatment – About vibro-compaction, grouting. This is the use of field data to control the compaction process. Also construction dewatering.
Brief bio - Duncan Nicholson
Mr. Nicholson has extensive international experience of geotechnical design for major projects involving foundations, deep basements, retaining walls, tunnels and earthworks.
He started his Civil Engineering career with George Wimpey and Co Ltd and then gained an MSc in Soil Mechanics at Imperial College in 1977.
He then joined the geotechnical section of Ove Arup and Partners Limited, becoming a Director in 2000 and retired in 2017. He was made an Arup Fellow in 2014 and still works part time for Arup.
He has a strong interest in improving design guidance and particularly in the use of the Observational Method.
• In 1994 he coordinated the Geotechnique Symposium in Print on the Observational Method which was published in 1996.
• In 1999 he was the lead author of the Ciria Report 185, (1999) - Observational Method in Ground Engineering.
• He contributed to the New Ciria Guide C760 (2017) Guidance on Embedded Retaining Wall Design. Section 7.4 develops recent thinking on the Observational Method.
• He is the current Chairman of ISSMGE TC206 on the Observational Method.
Prof. John Endicott
AECOM Fellow and Executive Director at AECOM Asia Co Ltd, Hong Kong
Deep Excavations – An Historical Review
Abstract
Deep Excavations – An Historical Review
Many engineering projects, require deep excavations for underground structures. Typically for underground railways excavations of the order of 18 to 30 metres are adopted. In new cities or in zones of urban renewal in older cities, there is a demand for more space which results in deep basements as much as six storeys and more. Fifty years ago basements were less common and basements deeper than two storeys were quite unusual. Computers were uncommon and most engineers estimated by using slide rules and performed detailed calculations by hand. Within a few years computers came onto the market and they were followed by software which was simple at first and has been progressively updated and become quite user-friendly. Modern design makes use of powerful analytical programs, large data bases, information management, programming, monitoring and reporting.
Reflecting on fifty years of design and construction of deep excavations the talk will outline the rudiments of early design and construction which gives insight as to how modern computer-based ground engineering has developed where it is today.
Brief bio - Prof. John Endicott
Prof. John Endicott is AECOM Fellow and Executive Director at AECOM Asia Co Ltd, Hong Kong with responsibility for ground engineering throughout the Asia and Pacific Region.
John started to work for Maunsell, a legacy company of AECOM in 1970 and he has worked in ground engineering, tunnels, slopes, foundations reclamation and deep basements at Maunsell, in United Kingdom and in Hong Kong since 1975, and Dames and Moore 1982 to 1990. Notable is his work on design of underground structures including pioneering numerical analysis of soil/ structure interaction that has included involvement with over 100 underground railway stations and as many tunnels for many purposes. He has recently authored a book on deep excavations in soil.
John received a first class degree in Engineering in 1967 followed by a PhD in 1971 at Cambridge University. He is Registered as a Geotechnical Engineer and as a Structural Engineer. He is an Adjunct Professor at University of Hong Kong and at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
His professional interests are widely spread in all aspects of ground engineering. He has published over 50 papers in Journals and at Conferences. He was a Member of the International Panel of Experts for the Urban Renewal Authority of Singapore advising on underground development and has been a Member of the Town Planning Board in Hong Kong.
John was recently honored as a Fellow Commoner at St Catharine’s College Cambridge.
Dr. R P Singh
DGM (Civil), National High Speed Rail
Corporation Limited, Mumbai
Recommended Practices in Ground Characterization for Complex Projects- an Owners Perspective
Abstract
Recommended practices in Ground Characterization for Complex Projects- an Owners Perspective
Completion of infrastructural projects in time is imperative requirement of sustainable growth of the country. One of the reason for the delay of the project is challenges in foundation construction which have several aspects such as correct ground characterization, foundation design and verification of design parameters through various load tests. Ground characterization based on field and laboratory testing practices are very old which needs updation as per international codal requirements. Lack of skilled manpower, instruments and motivation among the existing “expert agency for implementing the updates are some of the hurdles in ground characterization. The foundation design approaches also need an overhaul in respect of quality design parameters and verification of design philosophy through various load tests. The client requirement to build confidence for better foundation in light of the above challenges and recommendations for improvement are discussed in this study.
Brief bio - Dr R P Singh
Dr. R. P. Singh is currently serving as a Deputy General Manager in National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited and is a part of a team responsible for executing India’s First Bullet Train Project i.e. Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project. He is currently associated with geotechnical investigation and ground strength assessment through pile load test and plate load tests. He is also associated with planning and construction of 21 km long suburban undersea tunnel of MAHSR in Mumbai.
He obtained his Master and PhD degree from IIT Bombay and is a recipient of a Doctoral Research Award of during IACMAG 2019 conference and many best paper award for his publications related with railway research. His research on track geomechanics has been complemented by Ministry of Railways (GoI) and Managing Director of NHSRCL.
Dr Singh has over 19 years of experience of working in Indian Railways at various capacities and also served as Assistant Professor (Track) in Indian Railways Institute of Civil Engineering in Pune which train officers of Indian Railways. He was instrumental in developing a world class geotechnical laboratory at IRICEN, Pune which was complemented by Niti Aayog. He has undergone for various training programs related with conventional railway and high-speed rail and working with JICA with high-speed railway technology transfer from Japan.
Alok Bhowmick
Managing Director
B&S Engineering Consultants Pvt Ltd
How the Choice of Foundation can Alter the Fate of a Bridge Project – 3 Case Studies
Abstract
How choice of Foundation can alter the fate of a bridge project – 3 Case studies
The most uncertain and challenging part of a bridge design and construction is the ‘Choice of foundation’. During the planning and conceptual design stage, it is extremely important to choose the right type of foundation. Wrong choice can lead to disaster for the project. This paper will present three interesting case studies of past bridge projects, to demonstrate how correct choice of foundation can help to meet the project commitments while the wrong choice of foundations can led to huge delay in project completion, leading to time and cost overrun.
Several key lessons can be learnt from the delayed execution of this iconic project. It highlights the need to carry out the geotechnical and geological investigation to the fullest at the inception of the project before even the project is tendered for execution. Right choice of foundation is a prerequisite for timely completion of such projects.
Brief bio - Alok Bhowmick
Mr. Bhowmick is the Manging Director of a leading firm “B&S Engineering Consultants Pvt Ltd” and holds a post-graduation degree in structural engineering from IIT, Delhi. He has more than 40 years of Design Consultancy experience in transportation infrastructure. He has accreditation of International Professional Engineer from Institution of Engineers (India). He is a Fellow of Indian National Academy of Engineering, India. He has received several awards and citations in his professional career. In 2018, he was awarded with 24th S B Joshi Memorial Award for Excellence in Bridge & Structural Engineering. He is an active member of several professional bodies (e,g. IEI, CEAI, IABSE, IAStructE, ECI) and code making bodies (e,g. IRC, BIS). He is the immediate past President of Indian Association of Structural Engineers (IAStructE) and currently Chairman of the Professional Development & Technical Events Committee of IAStructE. He is also holding the position of Vice Chairman of ING-IABSE and Chairman, Editorial Board of the quarterly journal “BRIDGE & STRUCTURAL ENGINEER” published by ING-IABSE.
Nikolas Schmitz
Head of Global BD and Sales, MHWirth, Germany
Reverse Circulation Drilling (RCD) Technology for Large Diameter Piles
Abstract
Reverse Circulation Drilling (RCD) Technology for Large Diameter Piles
For today’s construction industry, large-diameter piles are common practice, as they are more competitive than drilling a larger number of smaller piles. More and more piles are installed by drilling rigs, replacing the installation by hammer, vibrators or caisson. Equipment capabilities and techniques with rotary drill rigs are highly developed, but very costly and time-consuming when it comes to rock drilling, large diameters and deep foundations. Pile top drill rigs (PBA), based on reverse circulation drilling (RCD) technology, overcome these challenges and are an efficient solution for large diameter drilling (0.6 m to 8.0 m/19.7 ft to 26.3 ft) and drilling depths of up to 500 m (1,640 ft.)in various geological conditions onshore and offshore. The paper will explain benefits of RCD technology and prove this with figures from the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link project.
Brief bio - Nikolas Schmitz
Nikolas Schmitz joined MHWirth in 2006 and has been working for 15 years in several positions in the engineering and sales department where he gained profound experience in the foundation, subsea and onshore mining industry. With this background and his in-depth knowledge of the technical and the economic challenges of drilling projects worldwide, he advances the development of MHWirth’s pile top drilling solutions in various applications globally. He holds a degree in industrial engineering from the Münster University, Germany.
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