Ground Improvement Overview

One of the major functions of geotechnical engineering is to design, implement, and evaluate ground improvement schemes for projects. Newer technologies and methods have been developed to assist the geotechnical engineer in providing cost-effective solutions for construction on marginal or difficult sites. In order to take advantage of these new developments, Whitestone Associates, Inc. has prepared a presentation of selected technologies based on Federal Highway Administration demostration project technical reports to familiarize development team members with site preparation alternatives to expensive deep foundations. The primary objective of the presentation is to enhance the acceptance and implementation of ground improvement methods by the design community. Ground improvement strategies can be cost-effective geotechnical construction methods used to modify and improve poor and marginal soil conditions to make site viable for development. The ground improvement methods addressed in this presentation include:

• Dynamic Compaction
• Lightweight Fill
• Surcharging & Wick Drains
• Stone Columns, Rammed Aggregate Piers, & Rigid Inclusions

Speakers:
Laurence W. Keller, P.E., Principal, Whitestone Associates, Inc - a New York City Metropolitan-area based geotechnical and environmental consulting firm. Mr. Keller has been practicing geotechnical engineering for more than 26 years primarily in the Eastern U.S. and is responsible for the overall performance and management of Whitestone’s geotechnical services. He is proficient at resolving problematic subsurface conditions and evaluating risks associated with difficult geotechnical and environmental-related problems. Mr. Keller’s geotechnical engineering experience includes shallow and deep foundations, mid to high-rise buildings, ground improvement, slope stability, stream and dam rehabilitation, levee condition assessment, settlement prediction and analysis, failure and forensic investigations, subsurface instrumentation, support of excavations, underpinning, reinforced soil slopes and retaining walls, embankments on compressible materials, roadways, airports, residential and industrial facilities, depth to bedrock studies, in-situ testing, subsurface grouting, and sinkhole mitigation.

Kevin A. Feath, P.E., Senior Project Manager, Whitestone Associates, Inc. Feath is a licensed Professional Engineer with a strong background in geotechnical engineering design and construction. He has been practicing 20 years and has conducted a significant number of soil investigations in the metropolitan area. He has extensive experience in construction quality control inspections and testing for conformance with local and state building codes. Mr. Feath is responsible for scoping site evaluations and providing geotechnical recommendations including pile foundation designs with timber, steel, micropiles, continuous flight auger cast piles, helical piers and has completed numerous ground improvement projects in New York City using techniques such as dynamic compaction and rammed aggregate piers.

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