Introduction

The stability, safety, and long-term performance of any highway infrastructure project are fundamentally reliant on a thorough understanding of the subsurface conditions, making Geotechnical Investigations an absolutely critical first step in the design and construction process. Inadequate or misinterpreted geotechnical data can lead to unforeseen challenges, costly delays, and catastrophic failures, underscoring the necessity for robust investigative practices. This training course is meticulously designed to equip civil engineers, geotechnical engineers, pavement designers, engineering geologists, contractors, and public works professionals with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills in planning and executing comprehensive geotechnical site investigations, characterizing various soil and rock types, conducting in-situ and laboratory testing, interpreting subsurface data for design parameters, assessing geotechnical hazards (e.g., landslides, expansive soils), and applying advanced techniques for foundation and pavement subgrade design. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively manage geotechnical risks, optimize design solutions, and ensure the stability and durability of highway infrastructure projects.

Target Audience

• Civil Engineers (Geotechnical, Highway, Pavement)
• Geotechnical Engineers & Engineering Geologists
• Pavement Designers
• Road Construction Contractors
• Foundation Engineers
• Public Works & Highway Agency Staff
• Consultants in Geotechnical Engineering
• Researchers in Geotechnical Engineering

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental principles and importance of geotechnical investigations for highway projects.
• Master the planning and execution of comprehensive site investigation programs.
• Characterize various soil and rock types based on their engineering properties.
• Learn about different in-situ testing methods and their applications.
• Conduct and interpret results from key laboratory tests for soil and rock.
• Develop skills in preparing detailed geotechnical investigation reports.
• Assess common geotechnical hazards relevant to highway design (e.g., slope stability, settlement).
• Determine appropriate geotechnical design parameters for foundations, embankments, and subgrades.
• Understand the role of instrumentation and monitoring in geotechnical projects.
• Explore advanced geotechnical investigation techniques and technologies.
• Integrate geotechnical findings into highway design and construction processes for optimal performance.

Course Content

Module 1. Introduction to Geotechnical Investigations for Highways

• Role of geotechnical investigations in highway project lifecycle
• Importance of understanding subsurface conditions for design and construction
• Overview of common geotechnical challenges in highway engineering (e.g., weak soils, landslides)
• Planning a geotechnical investigation: scope, objectives, budget
• Legal and ethical considerations in geotechnical practice

Module 2. Soil and Rock Classification and Properties

• Soil Classification Systems: Unified Soil Classification System (USCS), AASHTO classification
• Index properties of soils: Atterberg limits, specific gravity, moisture content
• Engineering properties of soils: shear strength, compressibility, permeability
• Rock Classification: RQD, RMR, GSI
• Properties of rock masses: strength, deformability, discontinuity characteristics

Module 3. Desk Study and Reconnaissance

• Desk Study: Review of existing geological maps, aerial photographs, historical data
• Topographic maps and remote sensing data interpretation
• Site Reconnaissance: Visual inspection of site, identification of geological features
• Preliminary assessment of potential geotechnical hazards
• Planning of preliminary boring locations

Module 4. Drilling and Sampling Techniques

• Boring Methods: Rotary drilling, auger drilling, wash boring, percussion drilling
• Soil sampling: undisturbed (Shelby tube), disturbed (split spoon, auger cuttings)
• Rock core drilling and core logging (RQD, fracture frequency)
• Groundwater monitoring wells and piezometer installation
• Sample handling, preservation, and transportation

Module 5. In-Situ Testing for Soil Characterization

• Standard Penetration Test (SPT): Procedure, N-value correlation, limitations
• Cone Penetration Test (CPT): Principles, data interpretation, soil profiling
• Vane Shear Test (VST) for soft clays
• Pressuremeter Test (PMT) and Dilatometer Test (DMT) for stiffness and strength
• Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) for pavement subgrade evaluation

Module 6. In-Situ Testing for Rock Characterization

• Plate Loading Test: For bearing capacity of rock foundations
• Borehole Shear Test (BST)
• Rock mass classification using in-situ observations
• Geophysical methods: seismic refraction, electrical resistivity
• Cross-hole and down-hole seismic tests

Module 7. Laboratory Testing of Soils

• Classification Tests: Sieve analysis, hydrometer analysis, Atterberg limits
• Compaction tests: Standard and Modified Proctor
• Shear Strength Tests: Direct shear, triaxial compression (UU, CU, CD)
• Consolidation test for settlement analysis
• Permeability tests (constant head, falling head)

Module 8. Laboratory Testing of Rocks

• Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) of rock cores
• Point Load Index Test
• Direct shear test on rock joints
• Brazilian Tensile Strength Test
• Modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio for rock

Module 9. Groundwater and Seepage Analysis

• Groundwater Table: Importance and measurement
• Permeability of soils and rock
• Seepage analysis and flow nets
• Impact of groundwater on slope stability and excavations
• Dewatering techniques for construction

Module 10. Embankment and Cut Slope Stability Analysis

• Slope Stability Fundamentals: Factors affecting slope stability
• Methods of analysis: limit equilibrium (Bishop, Fellenius), finite element
• Design of stable cut and fill slopes
• Reinforcement techniques: geogrids, soil nails, retaining walls
• Monitoring of slope movements

Module 11. Foundation Design for Highway Structures

• Shallow Foundations: Bearing capacity and settlement analysis for bridges, culverts
• Deep foundations: piles (driven, bored), drilled shafts
• Load testing of piles and foundations
• Design considerations for abutments and retaining structures
• Foundation design in problematic soils

Module 12. Pavement Subgrade Evaluation and Design Parameters

• Subgrade Characterization: CBR, resilient modulus, R-value
• Impact of subgrade properties on pavement thickness design
• Subgrade improvement techniques: compaction, stabilization, drainage
• Frost susceptibility and mitigation measures
• Design parameters for Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design (MEPDG)

Module 13. Geotechnical Hazards and Mitigation

• Expansive Soils: Identification, testing, and mitigation strategies
• Collapsible soils: causes and treatment
• Dispersive clays: identification and stabilization
• Landslides and rockfalls: assessment, monitoring, and stabilization
• Liquefaction potential in seismic areas

Module 14. Geotechnical Instrumentation and Monitoring

• Instrumentation Types: Inclinometers, extensometers, piezometers, settlement plates
• Strain gauges and load cells
• Monitoring programs for embankments, slopes, and foundations
• Data acquisition and interpretation for performance assessment
• Role of monitoring in risk management during construction

Module 15. Geotechnical Report Preparation and Case Studies

• Report Structure: Essential components of a geotechnical investigation report
• Presenting findings, interpretations, and recommendations
• Ethical considerations in reporting geotechnical data
• Case Studies: Analysis of real-world highway projects with geotechnical challenges
• Discussion of successful and challenging geotechnical solutions.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.