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- March 13, 2019


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- Slope Stability, Excavations, and Retention
Slope Stability, Excavations, and Retention
Learn how to investigate, analyze, design for, and remediate unstable soil and rock slopes, excavations, earth retention, and embankments. This course also covers:
- Shear strength and soil/rock properties
- Slope stability investigation, analysis, program demonstration, and reporting
- Case histories for landslides, rock falls, embankments, cut slopes, excavations and more
Practice Area: Geotechnical & Coastal
Overview
Develop a firm grasp of standard-of-care analysis, design, and remediation of unstable slopes, landslides, rockfalls, earth retention, excavations, buttresses, and embankments. Learn from expert and diverse course faculty about industry-leading and advancing topics such as rainfall-induced movements, slope risk assessment and asset management, and LiDAR and photogrammetry. After attending Slope Stability and Landslides, you will understand:
- How to identify and analyze unstable slopes
- How to identify, analyze, prevent and remediate landslides and other slope displacements caused by natural and human activities
- How to deal with landslides and slope instabilities by learning the importance of engineering, geology, and local experience
- How to analyze slopes with applied science using limit equilibrium-, deformation-, and probabilistic-based methods
Who Should Attend?
- Civil and geotechnical engineers
- Employees with geological surveys and water boards
- Consultants and investigation/laboratory subcontractors
- Geological engineers and geoscientists
- Facility managers and physical plant engineers
- Earthwork contractors and estimators
- Architects and landscape architects
- Utility engineers and managers
- Local, county, and state transportation commissioners and staff
- Engineers and contractors for military facilities
- Lawyers and mediation professionals
Outline
Day 1
Soil Slopes, Excavations, and Cut Slopes
Introduction, Expectations, and Objectives
- Slope failures, movements, and processes
- Triggering mechanisms
- The 4 G’s of slope stability: geometry, geology, hydrogeology and geotechnical
Shear Strength, Stress States, and Water Pressures
- Fundamentals of shear strength
- Measurements of strength
- Laboratory tests and standards
- In situ field tests of strength
- Importance of Water and Pore Pressures in Slope Stability
- Soil permeability
- Seepage forces
- Porewater pressure
Slope Stability Analysis
- Mechanics of limit equilibrium
- Slope stability analysis methods
- Commonly used Methods of Slices
- Selection of analysis method
- Drained versus undrained conditions
- Total stress versus effective stress analysis
- Evolving Analysis methods
- Deformation analysis
- Finite element methods
- Probabilistic methods
Slope Stability Reporting
- Components and structure of comprehensive slope stability analysis
- Slope stability reporting
How and Why Unsaturated Slopes Fail
- Soil suction and the soil-water characteristic curve
- Stress conditions in unsaturated slopes
- Infinite slope stability under unsaturated seepage conditions
- Case studies of rainfall-induced cut slopes
Demonstration of Slope Stability Analysis Programs
- Why do 3D analysis?
- Overview of 3D slope stability analysis using SVSLOPE
- 2-D and 3-D Case studies, step-by-step
- 3-D Conceptual model building
- 3-D Orientation and MPA analyses
Day 2
Rock Slopes and Landslides
Geologic Aspects of Landslides
- Geologic materials and processes affecting landslides
- Landslide mechanisms and climatic conditions
Oso Landslide Case History
- Historical context
- Subsurface characterization
- Land use and risk
- Analysis and mechanisms
Rock Mechanics and Rock Slope Investigations
- Methods to estimate shear strength of discontinuities
- Rock slope failure modes and analysis
- Rock slope investigation
- Mapping
- Geological engineering of rock slopes
Rock Slope and Landslide Investigations
- Rock slope remediation
- Quarry slope case study
Advancing Topics in Slope Engineering
- Proactive Risk Assessment
- Performance-based Asset Management
- LiDAR and Photogrammetry for Slope Stability Assessment
Rockfalls
- Types and ratings
- Investigation and instrumentation
- Analysis
- Mitigation and construction
Rock Toppling Case Study
Debris Flows
- Design methodologies
- Debris flow barriers
Day 3
Engineering Design for Slopes and Earth Retention
Geosynthetic Use in Slopes and Embankments
- Reinforcement
- Erosion control
- Drainage
- Landslide repair
Lateral Earth Pressures
- Definitions and development of active, passive, and neutral earth pressures
- Movements to mobilize active and passive pressures
- Examples of lateral earth pressures
Design of Excavation Support Systems
- Earth pressures for cantilever and anchored shoring
- Design of cantilever shoring (hand method)
- Design of anchored shorting (hadn method)
- Design of cantilever shoring (computer program)
- Basal heave, surface settlement, and lateral deflections
Case Studies in Slope Stabilization, Support, and Repair
- Pipe and board method for shallow slope failure
- Drilled pier and grade beam retaining wall for shallow slope failures
- Lateral support system in an active landslide zone
- Lateral support systems at a property line
Embankment and Buttress Design
- Failure modes
- Stress distributions
- Nature and selection of fill material
- Compaction specifications and acceptance criteria
- Buttressing
- Drainage
Instructors
James Tinjum, PE, PhD
Associate Professor
Dr. James M. Tinjum, PE, is responsible for outreach, research, and continuing engineering education in the areas of geotechnical, geoenvironmental, and energy geotechnics with an emphasis on transmitting practical research applications directly to the engineering community. Over the past ten years, he has specialized (consulting, expert support, and research) in foundation investigation, monitoring, and research into foundations for wind turbine generators.
Teaching in courses starting: 03/13/2019
William Likos, PhD, PE
Professor and Chair of Geological Engineering
William Likos, PhD, is the Gary Wendt Professor and Director of the Geological Engineering Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Likos’ expertise is in the area of geotechnical engineering, with particular emphasis on unsaturated soil mechanics and expansive clay behavior. Dr. Likos has established himself as a national leader in unsaturated soil mechanics by publishing one of the first textbooks dedicated to the subject, publishing extensively in the top refereed journals, and serving in leadership roles on national committees. He is a two-time recipient of the ASCE Norman Medal for his research contributions to unsaturated soil mechanics.
Teaching in courses starting: 03/13/2019
Earn Credit Hours
Learn more about CEU, PDH, LU, LU/HSW, GBCI CE and state licensing boards
Develop a firm grasp of standard-of-care analysis, design, and remediation of unstable slopes, landslides, rockfalls, earth retention, excavations, buttresses, and embankments. Learn from expert and diverse course faculty about industry-leading and advancing topics such as rainfall-induced movements, slope risk assessment and asset management, and LiDAR and photogrammetry. After attending Slope Stability and Landslides, you will understand:
- How to identify and analyze unstable slopes
- How to identify, analyze, prevent and remediate landslides and other slope displacements caused by natural and human activities
- How to deal with landslides and slope instabilities by learning the importance of engineering, geology, and local experience
- How to analyze slopes with applied science using limit equilibrium-, deformation-, and probabilistic-based methods
Who Should Attend?
- Civil and geotechnical engineers
- Employees with geological surveys and water boards
- Consultants and investigation/laboratory subcontractors
- Geological engineers and geoscientists
- Facility managers and physical plant engineers
- Earthwork contractors and estimators
- Architects and landscape architects
- Utility engineers and managers
- Local, county, and state transportation commissioners and staff
- Engineers and contractors for military facilities
- Lawyers and mediation professionals
Outline
Day 1
Soil Slopes, Excavations, and Cut Slopes
Introduction, Expectations, and Objectives
- Slope failures, movements, and processes
- Triggering mechanisms
- The 4 G’s of slope stability: geometry, geology, hydrogeology and geotechnical
Shear Strength, Stress States, and Water Pressures
- Fundamentals of shear strength
- Measurements of strength
- Laboratory tests and standards
- In situ field tests of strength
- Importance of Water and Pore Pressures in Slope Stability
- Soil permeability
- Seepage forces
- Porewater pressure
Slope Stability Analysis
- Mechanics of limit equilibrium
- Slope stability analysis methods
- Commonly used Methods of Slices
- Selection of analysis method
- Drained versus undrained conditions
- Total stress versus effective stress analysis
- Evolving Analysis methods
- Deformation analysis
- Finite element methods
- Probabilistic methods
Slope Stability Reporting
- Components and structure of comprehensive slope stability analysis
- Slope stability reporting
How and Why Unsaturated Slopes Fail
- Soil suction and the soil-water characteristic curve
- Stress conditions in unsaturated slopes
- Infinite slope stability under unsaturated seepage conditions
- Case studies of rainfall-induced cut slopes
Demonstration of Slope Stability Analysis Programs
- Why do 3D analysis?
- Overview of 3D slope stability analysis using SVSLOPE
- 2-D and 3-D Case studies, step-by-step
- 3-D Conceptual model building
- 3-D Orientation and MPA analyses
Day 2
Rock Slopes and Landslides
Geologic Aspects of Landslides
- Geologic materials and processes affecting landslides
- Landslide mechanisms and climatic conditions
Oso Landslide Case History
- Historical context
- Subsurface characterization
- Land use and risk
- Analysis and mechanisms
Rock Mechanics and Rock Slope Investigations
- Methods to estimate shear strength of discontinuities
- Rock slope failure modes and analysis
- Rock slope investigation
- Mapping
- Geological engineering of rock slopes
Rock Slope and Landslide Investigations
- Rock slope remediation
- Quarry slope case study
Advancing Topics in Slope Engineering
- Proactive Risk Assessment
- Performance-based Asset Management
- LiDAR and Photogrammetry for Slope Stability Assessment
Rockfalls
- Types and ratings
- Investigation and instrumentation
- Analysis
- Mitigation and construction
Rock Toppling Case Study
Debris Flows
- Design methodologies
- Debris flow barriers
Day 3
Engineering Design for Slopes and Earth Retention
Geosynthetic Use in Slopes and Embankments
- Reinforcement
- Erosion control
- Drainage
- Landslide repair
Lateral Earth Pressures
- Definitions and development of active, passive, and neutral earth pressures
- Movements to mobilize active and passive pressures
- Examples of lateral earth pressures
Design of Excavation Support Systems
- Earth pressures for cantilever and anchored shoring
- Design of cantilever shoring (hand method)
- Design of anchored shorting (hadn method)
- Design of cantilever shoring (computer program)
- Basal heave, surface settlement, and lateral deflections
Case Studies in Slope Stabilization, Support, and Repair
- Pipe and board method for shallow slope failure
- Drilled pier and grade beam retaining wall for shallow slope failures
- Lateral support system in an active landslide zone
- Lateral support systems at a property line
Embankment and Buttress Design
- Failure modes
- Stress distributions
- Nature and selection of fill material
- Compaction specifications and acceptance criteria
- Buttressing
- Drainage
Instructors
James Tinjum
Associate Professor PE, PhD
Dr. James M. Tinjum, PE, is responsible for outreach, research, and continuing engineering education in the areas of geotechnical, geoenvironmental, and energy geotechnics with an emphasis on transmitting practical research applications directly to the engineering community. Over the past ten years, he has specialized (consulting, expert support, and research) in foundation investigation, monitoring, and research into foundations for wind turbine generators.
Teaching in courses starting: 03/13/2019
William Likos
Professor and Chair of Geological Engineering PhD, PE
William Likos, PhD, is the Gary Wendt Professor and Director of the Geological Engineering Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Likos’ expertise is in the area of geotechnical engineering, with particular emphasis on unsaturated soil mechanics and expansive clay behavior. Dr. Likos has established himself as a national leader in unsaturated soil mechanics by publishing one of the first textbooks dedicated to the subject, publishing extensively in the top refereed journals, and serving in leadership roles on national committees. He is a two-time recipient of the ASCE Norman Medal for his research contributions to unsaturated soil mechanics.
Teaching in courses starting: 03/13/2019
Earn Credit Hours
By participating in this course you will earn:
Learn more about CEU, PDH, LU, LU/HSW, GBCI CE and state licensing boards
What Attendees Are Saying:
“A practical and multidisciplinary course that also combined the theoretical/mathematical with current ground experience.”
Imogen Crawford, Statkraft
“Needed a soils refresher and to dig deeper into slope stability solutions etc. Was a great course.”
Michelle Hase, Wisconsin DNR
“I now have a much better understanding of the mechanics of the failure and solutions for the problems. Every session was informative.”
Danny K. Grimm, Hannah Engineering
“The information I obtained will help me with my job as a regulator.”
Greg Baptist – CISEC
“Hands down the most comprehensive, practical, and useful slope stability course I’ve attended. I thoroughly enjoyed the diversity and expertise brought by multiple instructors.”
Steve Carroll, Ducks Unlimited
“Very informative and a good refresher…5’s for all instructors.”
Jeff Richardson, City of Medicine Hat, AB
“The course was fantastic! I appreciate all the instructors offering their specialized expertise on each topic.”
Vicki Voight. Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Geological Survey
Have Questions?
We have collected answers to common questions in our FAQs. You can also contact Customer Service via email or by calling 800-462-0876 and asking for the Program Director below.

James Tinjum, PE, PhD
Associate Professor
Email
Upcoming Dates
March 13-14, 2019
#RA01531-T350This course has been canceled. Please contact us with any questions.
View the payment cancellation policy
Payment and Cancelation Policies
If you cannot attend, please notify us no later than one week before your course begins, and we will refund your fee. Cancellations received after this date and no-shows are subject to a $150 administrative fee. You may enroll a substitute at any time before the course starts.
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What Attendees Are Saying:
“A practical and multidisciplinary course that also combined the theoretical/mathematical with current ground experience.”
Imogen Crawford, Statkraft
“Needed a soils refresher and to dig deeper into slope stability solutions etc. Was a great course.”
Michelle Hase, Wisconsin DNR
“I now have a much better understanding of the mechanics of the failure and solutions for the problems. Every session was informative.”
Danny K. Grimm, Hannah Engineering
“The information I obtained will help me with my job as a regulator.”
Greg Baptist – CISEC
“Hands down the most comprehensive, practical, and useful slope stability course I’ve attended. I thoroughly enjoyed the diversity and expertise brought by multiple instructors.”
Steve Carroll, Ducks Unlimited
“Very informative and a good refresher…5’s for all instructors.”
Jeff Richardson, City of Medicine Hat, AB
“The course was fantastic! I appreciate all the instructors offering their specialized expertise on each topic.”
Vicki Voight. Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Geological Survey
Have Questions?
We have collected answers to common questions in our FAQs. You can also contact Customer Service via email or by calling 800-462-0876 and asking for the Program Director below.

James Tinjum, PE, PhD
Associate Professor
Email