Properties of soil samples from below prehistoric Lake Agassiz

Abstract only availablePrehistoric Lake Agassiz, located in present day North Dakota, was a large lake (larger than all of the existing great lakes combined) fed by glacial runoff during the last ice age. The lake created a soft clay soil deposit, which was investigated. Thirty-eight (38) three-inch diameter Shelby tube samples were obtained from Grand Forks, North Dakota, to determine the soil properties of the soil profile below the Prehistoric Lake Agassiz. A series of thirty-eight (38) laboratory miniature vane (MV) shear tests, twenty (20) unconsolidated-undrained (UU) triaxial compression tests, twelve (12) consolidated-drained ( ) triaxial compression tests with pore pressure measurements, and twelve (12) constant rate-of-strain (CRS) consolidation tests were conducted to determine the strength properties of the soil deposit. The index properties were determined by obtaining soil moisture content, Atterberg limits, specific gravity of soil solids, and grain size distribution using hydrometer analysis. These tests proved to be sufficient in determining the strength and index properties of the soil samples from below prehistoric Lake Agassiz.College of Engineering Undergraduate Research Optio

Landfill Methane Collection in Brazil [abstract]

Only abstract of poster available.Track III: Energy InfrastructureThe US EPA requested proposals for projects that focus on reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) worldwide. Advancing the recovery and use of methane generated in landfills as an energy source is a primary objective. The overall project goal is to develop a “Master Plan for Landfill Management for the State of Espirito Santo, Brazil” specifically aimed at the optimization of production, capture, and use of methane from the degradation of solid wastes. The first task of the project is to compile information on the current state of landfill practices from design, through construction and operation as practiced in Brazil, and the United States. Emphasis will be placed on current proven practice, but will provide insight to innovative technologies for landfill gas recovery and utilization. The objective is to prepare a state-of-the-practice (SOP) report on technologies for generation, recovery, and use of methane generated in landfills in the USA. These practices will be considered for application to landfill issues in ES in a later task of the project. Reduction of landfill gas emissions and possible utilization of the gas (methane) can result in a reduction of greenhouse gases and provide additional revenue to landfill owners through sales of electricity, heating fuel or hot water. The use of landfill gas directly offsets use of oil based energy production. The coverage of SOP technologies includes those implemented in the United States as there are a significant number of existing landfills operating advanced technologies. Information on recent studies of eleven landfills in Brazil is also summarized, and it points to appropriate technology use in Brazil

University of Missouri geotechnical experiment site [abstract]

Abstract only availableThe MU Geotechnical Experiment Site team is conducting laboratory testing on soil samples from a field site consisting of 9 bore holes ranging from a final depth of 20 to 50 foot below the surface. The purpose of this testing is to characterize the soil profile in this location to serve as a base point of soil information for future site testing such as deep foundation and earth retaining structures testing. Tests on the soil samples include water content, atterberg limit, triaxial, and consolidation testing. Triaxial compression tests are performed to find the strength of the soils in unconsolidated, undrained conditions. Soil samples are also tested using a constant rate of strain to produce soil consolidation. Atterberg limits vary throughout the two main soil strata of USCS classification CL and CH of generally stiff clay. Properties range a lower testing bound from one surface level sample with a liquid limit of 31 and plastic index of 13 to an upper extreme found at a ten foot depth constituting a liquid limit of 69 and a plastic index of 52. Compression and recompression indices and maximum past pressure are determined for each sample using a consolidation test. Compression indices of the test site range from 0.030 to 0.330 and the recompression indices range from 0.027 to 0.046. Maximum past pressures are in the region of 750 (psf) to 13000 (psf). The strength of the soil varies throughout the site and also with depth. The change in strength is due to the changing soil properties with depth. Strength values range from 500 psf to 3000 psf.College of Engineering Undergraduate Research Optio

Engineering Policy Guidelines for Design of Earth Slopes

These guidelines were developed as part of a comprehensive research program undertaken by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) to reduce costs associated with design and construction of bridge foundations while maintaining appropriate levels of safety for the traveling public. The research program was conducted by faculty, students, and staff from the University of Missouri and Missouri University of Science and Technology in collaboration with MoDOT personnel and private industry. The research program was completed in Fall 2010. These guidelines, along with several others, serve as the principal deliverables from the research program. The guidelines were established from a combination of existing MoDOT Engineering Policy Guide (EPG) documents, from the 4th Edition of the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications with 2009 Interim Revisions, and from results of the research program. Some provisions of the guidelines represent substantial changes to current practice to reflect advancements made possible from results of the research program. Other provisions were left essentially unchanged, or were revised to reflect incremental changes in practice, because research was not performed to address those provisions. Some provisions reflect rational starting points based on judgment and past experience from which further improvements can be based. All of the provisions should be considered as “living documents” subject to further revision and refinement as additional knowledge and experience is gained with the respective provisions. A number of specific opportunities for improvement are provided in the commentary that accompanies the guidelines

Engineering Policy Guidelines for Design of Driven Piles

These guidelines were developed as part of a comprehensive research program undertaken by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) to reduce costs associated with design and construction of bridge foundations while maintaining appropriate levels of safety for the traveling public. The research program included four broad tasks

Engineering Policy Guidelines for Design of Drilled Shafts

These guidelines were developed as part of a comprehensive research program undertaken by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) to reduce costs associated with design and construction of bridge foundations while maintaining appropriate levels of safety for the traveling public. The research program was conducted by faculty, students, and staff from the University of Missouri and Missouri University of Science and Technology in collaboration with MoDOT personnel and private industry. The research program was completed in Fall 2010. These guidelines, along with several others, serve as the principal deliverables from the research program. The guidelines were established from a combination of existing MoDOT Engineering Policy Guide (EPG) documents, from the 4th Edition of the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications with 2009 Interim Revisions, and from results of the research program. Some provisions of the guidelines represent substantial changes to current practice to reflect advancements made possible from results of the research program. Other provisions were left essentially unchanged, or were revised to reflect incremental changes in practice, because research was not performed to address those provisions. Some provisions reflect rational starting points based on judgment and past experience from which further improvements can be based. All of the provisions should be considered as “living documents” subject to further revision and refinement as additional knowledge and experience is gained with the respective provisions. A number of specific opportunities for improvement are provided in the commentary that accompanies the guidelines