This webinar will focus on GeogridBridge3 (GGB3), a spreadsheet-based design tool for geosynthetic-reinforced Column-Supported Embankments (CSE). CSEs mitigate excessive settlement by partially shielding highly compressible foundation soils from the loads imposed by the weight of the embankment and applied surface loads. The Load Displacement Compatibility (LDC) method of design described in FHWA-NHI-16-028 is currently implemented in an earlier version of GeogridBridge, which was developed in 2005 and updated in 2014. GGB3 is a clean sheet redesign of the spreadsheet with an updated user interface, expanded features, and a faster execution time. The new features include: greater flexibility to model stratigraphy and represent the stress history of compressible soils, the ability to model mobilization of soil arching using the Ground Reaction Curve (GRC), and the ability to perform probabilistic analysis of settlement and geogrid strain using Monte Carlo simulation. Contributors to the project include Dr. Michael McGuire (Lafayette), Dr. Joel Sloan (USAFA), Eric Hunstein (student, Virginia Tech), Luke Socolofsky (student, USAFA), and Elise Hummel (student, Lafayette). Currently, the project has produced a draft version of the GGB3 spreadsheet, a user’s manual, theory manual, and worked examples. This project is supported by the Geosynthetics Technical Committee of the Geo-Institute. Ultimately, GGB3 and supporting documentation will be available to the engineering community through Geotechtools (www.geoinstitute.org/geotechtools). This webinar will cover the basics of the LDC design method and use of GGB3. Participants will be invited to participate in the evaluation phase of the project and provide feedback as GGB3 is finalized this spring.
Dr. Michael P. McGuire, P.E. is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Lafayette College in Easton, PA.
We are the North American Chapter of the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS), serving and representing infrastructure and sustainability professionals in Canada and the United States.
