Browsing by Author "Nelson, Mitchell"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Slope Stabilization and Repair Solutions for Local Government Engineers
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2017-06) Saftner, David; Carranza-Torres, Carlos; Nelson, Mitchell
    The purpose of this project is to create a user-friendly guide focusing on locally maintained slopes requiring reoccurring maintenance in Minnesota. This study addresses the need to provide a consistent, logical approach to slope stabilization that is founded in geotechnical research and experience and applies to common slope failures. Authors used input from Minnesota county engineers, case studies from site investigations throughout the state, and a parametric study of slope stability modeling parameters to develop stabilization recommendations. The project, beginning in September 2015, consisted of four primary research phases. In Task 1, researchers identified slopes for further analysis via a survey sent to each county engineering department in the state. Responses provided site investigation locations. Researchers conducted site investigations and developed case studies to analyze slope stabilization methods. Task 2 involved performing a literature review to identify slope stabilization methods. In Task 3, laboratory testing characterized soil properties from case study sites. Additionally, limit equilibrium method (LEM) models were developed for each slope to investigate different stabilization methods in a parametric study. In Task 4, modeling and analysis results were summarized for distribution to local government engineers. The target audience of the guide is county or local municipal engineers who do not have specialized geotechnical engineering experience. The research does not address slope stability issues of the scale that require local municipalities to hire geotechnical engineering specialists. Authors intend the deliverable to assist with efficient stabilization of common recurring slope failures along roadways.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Slope Stabilization for Local Government Engineers in Minnesota
    (2017-05) Nelson, Mitchell
    Slope failures cause infrastructure damage, pose safety risks, and produce preventable maintenance costs. The purpose of this research was to recommend methods for stabilizing locally-maintained slopes requiring recurring maintenance in Minnesota. The author used input from county and municipal engineers to determine common techniques and identify slope failure examples. Site investigations helped develop case studies to analyze slope stabilization methods. Laboratory testing characterized representative soil strength properties. Additionally, the author developed Limit Equilibrium Method models for each slope to investigate different stabilization methods in a parametric study. Finally, modeling and analysis results were summarized in a guide for local government engineers. The target audience of the guide is county or local municipal engineers that do not have specialized geotechnical engineering experience. Additionally, modeling software enabled the development of slope stability charts specific to roadway embankments. The stability charts and guide will assist engineers in improving slope stability for roadway embankments.