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Vol. 64, No. 4 – Program with Abstracts
AEG2021
Conference – San Antonio
Program with Abstracts
65thAnnual Mee eting September 13 3-17, 2022 Planet Hollywoood | Las Veegas, Neevada our fun begins on The T Strip, Las Vegas’ maain artery and home to bustlin ng casinos, world-class restaurants, ornatelyy designed g r resorts and over-the-top p shows.
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
AEG 64th Annual Meeting – Program with Abstracts
AEG News (ISSN 0899-5788; USPS 954-380) is published by the Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists (AEG), 3053 Nationwide Pkwy., Brunswick, OH 44212, four times a year in April, July, and December with the Annual Report and Directory in March. The Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts is published only digitally, in September, and the digital copies are distributed at the AEG Annual Meeting. Association members receive an electronic copy of all five issues of the AEG News as part of their dues. Print subscription for Association members, which includes all three regular issues of the AEG News and the Annual Report and Directory issue, is $40 in addition to annual membership dues. Nonmember annual subscription is $50. Back copies of AEG News regular issues are $12 each. Inquiries should be sent to AEG Headquarters: Association Manager, 3053 Nationwide Parkway, Brunswick, OH 44212 330-578-4900.
Periodical Postage paid at Brunswick, OH, and additional mailing offices: POSTMASTER: Send address changes to AEG News, 3053 Nationwide Pkwy., Brunswick, OH 44212. © 2021 Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists—All Rights Reserved Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those officially representing the Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists except where expressly stated.
AEG News Editors Acquisitions Editor: Martha Whitney, Principal Engineering Geologist, Whitney Geologic, news@aegweb.org Content Editor: Bill Roman, Chief Geologist, Gannett Fleming, Inc., wroman@gfnet.com Managing Editor/Production: Andrea Leigh Ptak, Communicating Words & Images, 206-300-2067, andrealeighptak@me.com, www.andrealeighptak.com
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Advertising in the News
Table of Contents Table of Contents Meeting Spaces The Riverwalk Map Schedule of Events Technical Session Numbers and Names Planning Committee Special Thanks Welcome Letter – AEG President, William H. Godwin Welcome Letter – AEG 2021 Chair, Jeff Neathery Welcome Leter – Texas State Geologist, Scott W. Tinker Welcome Letter – San Antonio Mayor, Ron Nirenberg AEG 2021 Awardees AEG Foundation 2021 Scholars Exhibitors Sponsors 2021 Technical Program Keynote Speakers The 2020–21 AEG/GSA Richard H. Jahns Distinguished Lecturer The 2021–22 AEG/GSA Richard H. Jahns Distinguished Lecturer Outstanding Environmental & Engineering Geologic Project Technical Program Schedule Wednesday, September 22 Thursday, September 23 Friday, September 24 Poster Sessions Meeting Abstracts Author and Title Index
4 5 6 9 10 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 19 24 30 31 33 34 41 42 46 49 50 84
Remembering Christopher C. Mathewson
91
Index to Advertisers
47
“On the Cover” Key
43
The association 2020–21 Officers President: WILLIAM GODWIN Consulting Geologist, Carmel, California, president@aegweb.org Vice President/President Elect: MADDIE GERMAN Atlantic Coast Consulting, Atlanta, Georgia, VP@aegweb.org Treasurer: NATHAN SARACENO Senior Geologist, DiGioia Gray and Associates, Monroeville, Pennsylvania, treasurer@aegweb.org Secretary: SARAH KALIKA Consulting Geologist, DiabloGeo Environmental, San Ramon, California, secretary@aegweb.org Past President: CYNTHIA PALOMARES Texas Engineering Extension Service, Texas A&M University, Caldwell, Texas, PP@aegweb.org
Association Contacts
Contact AEG Headquarters at advertising@aegweb.org.
Submission Deadlines https://www.aegweb.org/aeg-news-2 Canada Agreement number: PM40063731; Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Station A, PO Box 54; Windsor, ON N9A 6J5; Email: returnsil@imex.pb.com
Headquarters: Association Manager: SHERI MASKOW J&M Business Solutions 3053 Nationwide Parkway, Brunswick, OH 44212 330-578-4900, manager@aegweb.org AEG Foundation—President: KEN NEAL, president@aegfoundation.org Communications Co-Directors: BILL ROMAN, wroman@gfnet.com and ISAAC POPE, Pi2017earthscience@outlook.com
September 2021
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
Meeting Spaces Lobby Level
River Level
Ballroom Level
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AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
The Riverwalk
✭
The Westin Riverwalk
Experience the magic of the Riverwalk
PHOTO BY PAT DAVIS–FLICKR CC
As you stroll along the lush riverside paths lined with towering cypress trees, restaurants, hotels, shops, museums, and recreation spots, soak in the history and ambiance of this authentic San Antonio destination. For complete details visit www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com. September 2021
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
Schedule of Events Annual Meeting WIFI Code: aeg2021 EVENT
PLACE
TIME
Departs from Lobby
8:00am–5:00pm
Registration/AEG Booth
Navarro Foyer
7:00am–7:00pm
Field Course #4: Karst Cave – Cave Without a Name – Sponsored by Duane Kreuger
Departs from Lobby
9:00am–4:00pm
AEG Executive Council Meeting
Villa
8:00am–5:00pm
AEG Foundation Board Meeting
Zapata
8:00am–5:00pm
Joint Luncheon – AEG EC and AEG Foundation Board (Invitation Only)
Villa
12:00pm–1:00pm
Exhibitor Move-In
Navarro Ballroom
12:00pm–5:00pm
Student/Professional Networking Reception – Sponsored by Rocscience
Olivares/Goraz
5:15pm–6:15pm
Welcome Icebreaker – Sponsored by Geobrugg North America, LLC
Exhibit Hall
6:30pm–8:30pm
Young at Heart Student/Professional Special Event (Ticketed Event) – Sponsored by University of Pennsylvania and Kumar & Associates and the AEG Foundation
Casa Rio Restaurant
8:00pm–10:00pm
Speakers’/Moderators’ Breakfast
Encino
6:30am–7:30am
Registration/AEG Booth
Navarro Foyer
7:00am–5:00pm
Speaker Preparation Room
Tangent
7:30am–5:00pm
Exhibitors
Navarro Ballroom
7:30am–5:00pm
Committee Room
Zapata
8:00am–5:00pm
Poster Session Presentations
Navarro Foyer
8:00am–4:00pm
Opening Session – Sponsored by Gannett Fleming, Inc.
Hidalgo
8:00am–12:00pm
Opening Session Welcome: AEG President William Godwin
Hidalgo
8:00am–8:03am
Meeting Chair Welcome: Jeffrey Neathery
Hidalgo
8:03am–8:05am
Volunteer Recognition Awards
Hidalgo
8:05am–8:15am
AEG Foundation Awards
Hidalgo
8:15am–8:45am
Keynote Speaker: Robert Mace – Safe Yield, Sustainability, and Science
Hidalgo
8:45am–9:25am
AEG OEEG Project Award – Mission Reach of the San Antonio River Walk
Hidalgo
9:25am–10:00am
Morning Break – Sponsored by AEG Carolinas Chapter
Exhibit Hall
10:00am–10:20am
Keynote Speaker: Carlos Aguilar – High-Speed, Low-Impact
Hidalgo
10:20am–11:00am
2020/2021 AEG/GSA Richard H. Jahns Distinguished Lecturer: Cheryl Hapke
Hidalgo
11:00am–11:20am
2021/2022 AEG/GSA Richard H. Jahns Distinguished Lecturer: Richard Wooten
Hidalgo
11:20am–12:00pm
Exhibitor Hosted Lunch – Sponsored by Geovert
Exhibit Hall
12:00pm–1:30pm
Technical Session #1A: Coastal Hazards Symposium – Sponsored by AEG Carolinas Chapter
Carranza
2:00pm–3:00pm
Technical Session #1B: Case Studies and Investigation – Sponsored by AEG Carolinas Chapter
Carranza
3:20pm–5:00pm
Technical Session #2: Tunneling Symposium – Sponsored by McMillen Jacobs Associates
Madero
2:00pm–5:00pm
Technical Session #3: GeoUAS (Drones) Symposium
Villa
2:00pm–5:00pm
Afternoon Break – Sponsored by Landslide Technology
Exhibit Hall
3:00pm–3:20pm
Special Event “A Night on the River” – Sponsored by Access Limited Construction
Departs from Lobby
6:00pm–9:00pm
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Field Course #1: Texas Hill Country Terroir Experience - An AEG Foundation Fundraiser – Sponsored by Duane Kreuger, Darrel Schmitz, and Bill Flanigan
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING EVENT
PLACE
TIME
Speakers’/Moderators’ Breakfast
Encino
6:30am–7:30am
Registration/AEG Booth
Navarro Foyer
7:00am–5:00pm
Speaker Preparation Room
Tangent
7:00am–5:00pm
Exhibitors
Navarro Ballroom
7:30am–3:20pm
Committee Room
Zapata
8:00am–5:00pm
Poster Session Presentations
Navarro Foyer
8:00am–4:00pm
Technical Session #4: Dams and Levees – Risk-n-the-River, Part I – Sponsored by Schnabel Engineering
Carranza
8:00am–12:00pm
Technical Session #5: Evaluating Geologic and Seismic Hazards and the Potential Need for Hazard Mitigation, Part I – Sponsored by GeoEngineers
Madero
8:00am–12:00pm
Technical Session #6: Land Subsidence Symposium – Sponsored by Harris-Galveston Subsidence District
Villa
8:00am–12:00pm
Morning Break – Sponosred by RJH Consultants
Exhibit Hall
10:00am–10:20am
Women in AEG Luncheon – The Many Faces of Geology (Ticketed Event) – Sponsored by Steele & Associates and Pali Consulting, Inc.
Olivares
12:00pm–1:30pm
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Lunch on your own for attendees
12:00pm–1:30pm
Technical Session #7: Dams and Levees Symposium – Risk-n-the-River, Part II – Sponsored by Schnabel Engineering
Carranza
1:40pm–5:00pm
Technical Session #8: Environmental Symposium – 1,4 Dioxane – Sponsored by Bryan Environmental
Villa
1:40pm–5:00pm
Technical Session #9: Evaluating Geologic and Seismic Hazards and the Potential Need for Hazard Mitigation Symposium, Part II – Sponsored by Collier Geophysics
Madero
1:40pm–5:00pm
Afternoon Break – Sposnored by McMillen Jacobs Associates
Exhibit Hall
3:00pm–3:20pm
Exhibitor Move Out
Exhibit Hall
3:40pm–4:00pm
Geophysics TWG Meeting
Zapata
5:00pm–6:00pm
Poster Reception and Happy Hour (all posters will be displayed) – Sponsored by Enviro-Equipment
Navarro Foyer
5:00pm–6:30pm
Annual Banquet (Ticketed Event) – Sponsored by Lettis Consultants International
Navarro
7:00pm–10:00pm
Speakers’/Moderators’ Breakfast
Encino
6:30am–7:30am
Registration/AEG Booth
Navarro Foyer
7:00am–1:30pm
Speaker Preparation Room
Tangent
7:00am–3:00pm
Committee Room
Zapata
`8:00am–3:00pm
Technical Session #10: Landslides Symposium – Line ‘em up but don’t knock ‘em down! Landslide Investigation and Mitigation for Linear Infrastructure Projects, Part I – Sponsored by DiGioia Gray & Associates
Carranza
8:00am–12:00pm
Technical Session #11: Evaluating Geologic and Seismic Hazards and the Potential Need for Hazard Mitigation Symposium, Part III – Sponsored by GeoVision
Madero
8:00am–12:00pm
Technical Session #12: From Words to Action: Doing More than Talk about Diversity in the Geosciences – Sponsored by Deborah Green
Villa
8:00am–12:00pm
Morning Break – Sponsored by McMillen Jacobs Associates
Navarro Foyer
10:00am–10:20am
E&EG Advisory Board Meeting
Zapata
10:00am–12:00pm
Past President’s Luncheon (Invitation Only) – Sponsored by John Williams
Olivares
12:00pm–1:00pm
Chapter Leader’s Luncheon (Invitation Only)
Encino
12:00pm–2:00pm
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Lunch on your own for attendees
12:00pm–1:00pm
Technical Session #13: Landslides Symposium – Line ‘em up but don’t knock ‘em down! Landslide Investigation and Mitigation for Linear Infrastructure Projects, Part II
Carranza
1:00pm–3:00pm
Technical Session #14: Geophysics – Sponsored by Collier Geophysics, LLC
Madero
1:00pm–3:00pm
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING EVENT
PLACE
TIME
Technical Session #15: Environmental Topics – Sponsored by University of Pennsylvania
Villa
1:00pm–3:00pm
Afternoon Break – Sponsored by Kumar & Associates
Navarro Foyer
3:00pm–3:15pm
AEG’s Corporate Business Meeting and Closing Session – Sponsored by Hi-Tech Rockfall
Navarro
3:15pm–5:00pm
Closing Beer/Wine Reception
Navarro Foyer
5:00pm–6:00pm
Field Course #6: Canyon Lake Gorge – Sponsored by RJH Consultants, Inc.
Departs from Lobby
8:00am–4:45pm
AEG Board of Director’s Meeting
Camino Real
8:00am–5:00pm
Camino Real
8:00am–12:00pm
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 …continued
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 AEG Board of Director’s Meeting
WANTS YOUR MEETING PHOTOS! Please submit your BEST SHOTS of field trips, guest tours, technical sessions, social gatherings, and people just having fun. See page 3 for photo requirements. We also welcome REPORTS on the various field trips and other events for possible publication in the meeting summary in the Winter issue of AEG News. Submit photos and stories to news@aegweb.org.
Women in AEG Diversity Luncheon –
The Many Faces of Geology
J
September 23, 2021 – 12:00-1:30pm – $50/person Tickets Still Available!
oin us for an open discussion on diversity in the geosciences and the future of the profession. The luncheon will begin with an introduction by the AEG Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEIC). They have recently established the AEG Foundation Diversity Fund. This is a resource for two new efforts to increase the diversity of the geoscience community. There will be a $5,000 scholarship for a sophomore, junior, or senior geoscience student who has a personal heritage of Black, Hispanic or Latinx, Pacific Islander, and/or Indigenous American/Alaska Native. And there will be five $1,000 grants for junior high or high school teachers to host a geoscience field trip for students from these groups. The moderators for the luncheon will be April Fontaine and Georgette Hlepas with the United States Army Corps of Engineers. They will begin the discussion with initiatives that the Corps is working on to address diversity and recruitment. We invite you to join in the discussion to share your experiences, challenges, and successes. PHOTOS BY LOREN LASKY
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
Technical Session Numbers and Names See page 30 for full Technical Session listings. SESSION
PLACE
TIME
Poster Session Presentations
Navarro Foyer
8:00am–4:00pm
Opening Session – Sponsored by Gannett Fleming
Hidalgo
8:00am–12:00pm
Welcome (AEG President William Godwin and Annual Meeting Chair Jeff Neathery)
Hidalgo
8:00am–8:05am
Volunteer Recognition Awards
Hidalgo
8:05am–8:15am
AEG Foundation Awards
Hidalgo
8:15am–8:45am
Keynote Speaker: Robert Mace – Safe Yield, Sustainability, and Science
Hidalgo
8:45am–9:25am
AEG Outstanding Environmental & Engineering Geologic Project Award: Mission Reach of the San Antonio River Walk
Hidalgo
9:25am–10:00am
Keynote Speaker: Texas Central High Speed Rail Project – Carlos Aguilar – High-Speed, Low-Impact
Hidalgo
10:20am–11:00am
The 2020/2021 AEG/GSA Richard H. Jahns Distinguished Lecturer in Applied Geology: Cheryl Hapke
Hidalgo
11:00am–11:20am
Introduction of the 2021/2022 AEG/GSA Richard H. Jahns Distinguished Lecturer in Applied Geology: Richard Wooten
Hidalgo
11:20am–12:00pm
Technical Session #1A: Coastal Hazards Symposium – Sponsored by AEG Carolinas Chapter
Carranza
2:00pm–3:00pm
Technical Session #1B: Case Studies and Investigation – Sponsored by AEG Carolinas Chapter
Carranza
3:20pm–5:00pm
Technical Session #2: Tunnel Symposium – Sponsored by McMillen Jacobs Associates
Madero
2:00pm–5:00pm
Technical Session #3: GeoUAS (Drones) Symposium
Villa
2:00pm–5:00pm
Poster Session Presentations
Navarro Foyer
8:00am–4:00pm
Technical Session #4: Dams and Levees Symposium – Risk-n-the-River Part I – Sponsored by Schnabel Engineering
Carranza
8:00am–12:00pm
Technical Session #5: Evaluating Geologic and Seismic Hazards and the Potential Need for Hazard Mitigation Symposium, Part I – Sponsored by GeoEngineers
Madero
8:00am–12:00pm
Technical Session #6: Land Subsidence Symposium – Sponsored by Harris-Galveston Subsidence District
Villa
8:00am–12:00pm
Technical Session #7 – Dams and Levees Symposium – Risk-n-the-River Part II – Sponsored by Schnabel Engineering
Carranza
1:40pm–5:00pm
Technical Session #8 – Environmental Symposium – 1,4 Dioxane – Sponsored by Bryan Environmental
Villa
1:40pm–5:00pm
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Technical Session #9 – Evaluating Geologic and Seismic Hazards and the Potential Need for Hazard Mitigation Symposium, Part II – Sponsored by Collier Geophysics Madero Poster Reception (All posters will be displayed and presenters available for questions) – Sponsored by Enviro-Equipment
1:40pm–5:00pm
Navarro Ballroom Foyer
5:00pm–6:30pm
Carranza
8:00am–12:00pm
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Technical Session #10 – Landslides Symposium – Line ‘em up but don’t knock ‘em down! Landslide Investigation and Mitigation for Linear Infrastructure Projects, Part I - Sponsored by DiGioia Gray & Associates
Technical Session #11 – Evaluating Geologic and Seismic Hazards and the Potential Need for Hazard Mitigation Symposium, Part III – Sponsored by GeoVision Madero
8:00am–12:00pm
Technical Session #12 – From Words to Action: Doing More than Talk about Diversity in the Geosciences – Sponsored by Deborah Green
Villa
8:00am–12:00pm
Technical Session #13 – Landslides Symposium – Line ‘em up but don’t knock ‘em down! Landslide Investigation and Mitigation for Linear Infrastructure Projects, Part II
Carranza
1:00pm–3:00pm
Technical Session #14 – Geophysics – Sponsored by Collier Geophysics, LLC
Madero
1:00pm–3:00pm
Technical Session #15 – Environmental Topics – Sponsored by University of Pennsylvania
Villa
1:00pm–3:00pm
September 2021
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
The Planning Committee AEG’s 64th Annual Meeting would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the following committee chairs and the many more volunteers that serve on these committees.
AEG Annual Meeting Chair
Symposia Chair
Jeff Neathery
Marty Goff, United States Army Corps of Engineers
Field Courses
Technical Program Committee
Billie Long Marilyn Long Randy Mattzela, FPM Remediations, Inc.
Timothy Duduit, Consulting Geologist Billie Long Marilyn Long
Finance Chair
Meeting Management
William Flanigan, WDF Geosciences, LLC
Heather Clark, AEG Meeting Manager
Poster Sessions Chair
AEG Headquarters
Skye Ibarra, Lone Star College
Sheri Maskow, AEG Association Manager Becky McWilliam, AEG Association Administrator
Special Thanks AEG wishes to acknowledge the following companies for their support by allowing their employees to assist with the planning of the 2021 Annual Meeting: FPM Remediations
United States Army Corps of Engineers
Lone Star College
WDF Geosciences, LLC
AEG wishes to thank the following individuals for their assistance with the planning of the 2021 Annual Meeting: William Godwin, AEG President
Ike Isaacson, Brierley Associates
Sarah Kalika, AEG Secretary
Courtney Johnson, Slate Geotechnical Consultants
Nate Saraceno, AEG Treasurer
Sarah Kalika, DiabloGeo Environmental
Maddie German, AEG Vice President
Chandan Kumar, Colorado School of Mines
Cynthia Palomares, AEG Past President
Loren Lasky, NJ Department of Environmental Protection, retired
Andrea Ptak, AEG News Managing Editor/Production
Kevin McCoy, BGC Engineering
Field Course Leaders:
Kate McKinley, THG Geophysics
Claire Babineaux, Northern Gulf Institute
Mark Molinari, GeoEngineers
Bill Flanigan, WDF Geosciences, LLC
Holly Nichols, California Department of Water Resources
Randy Mattzela, FPM Remediations
Mike Piepenburg, Mott MacDonald
Symposium Conveners and Technical Session Moderators:
Isaac Pope, Centralia College Paul Santi, Colorado School of Mines
Jim Borchers, Consulting Hydrologist, Hydrogeologist Patricia Bryan, Bryan Environmental Stephen Evans, PanGeo Edwin Friend, USACE Hawkins Gagnon, Schnabel Engineering
Curt Schmidt, H2M Architects & Engineers Bryan Simpson, Bureau of Reclamation Gerry Stirewalt, Nuclear Regulatory Commission Thomas Terry, United States Army Corps of Engineers Scott R. Walker, Tennessee Valley Authority
Paul Headland, Aldea Services
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AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
n k RocRiver Traditions – Bringing It Back to You the The 64th AEG Annual Meeting
Welcome fellow AEG colleagues and guests to our resumption of in-person annual meetings. Although I am from California, I want to put out big a cheer for “The Great State of Texas.” This is the fourth Annual Meeting to be held in Texas, with the most recent also being San Antonio back in 1993. Our program is designed to allow for getting together to reacquaint with old friends and meet new ones.
Traditionally, at previous Annual Meetings we have organized symposia that address technical topics of geologic and seismic hazards and the built environment. Our keynote speakers will talk to those points, and we welcome two new technical sessions to the mix: Coastal Hazards and GeoUAS. We thank those of you that submitted abstracts and the moderators that will lead the discussions. While enjoying the meeting, please spend time visiting the Exhibitor’s Hall to learn about new technology, products, and services, as well as organizations that work hard to support the applied geology field. Many of our exhibitors are also sponsors of the meeting and AEG. Please consider giving your time or resources in tandem with them. AEG has planned for three field courses that will visit the many varied sites in Texas. These will include the Hill Country, gorges, and caves. There is plenty of room to explore in Central Texas so slip on your boots, put on your western hat, and get outside. In keeping with tradition, this year’s Outstanding Environmental and Engineering Geology (OEEG) award is for the San Antonio River Improvements Project (SARIP). It just so happens that the very first OEEG award was for the San Antonio River Walk in 1993. This wonderful setting is a tribute to civic pride and river restoration, and we are very happy to be able to experience it. We hope you get a chance to walk the paths or float on the river during your stay here. I would like to give a big thanks to the behind-the-scenes individuals and organizations that have been part of the planning for this event. Our Planning Committee, Meeting Chair, Meeting Manager and folks at HQ have put in many hours to make this event a success. Over the past year they have wrestled with the concept of virtual, in person or hybrid: What is most beneficial for AEG members and the profession; and what are the current CDC and State guidelines for an event such as this? Luckily the restrictions have lessened to the point that we can meet in person again. Sincerely,
William H. Godwin, PG, CEG 2020–21 AEG President
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
… e m o c l e W …to beautiful San Antonio! I am so happy that we will be having this year’s Annual Meeting in person. Even more, I’m looking forward to seeing my old friends again and making new ones.
The 64th AEG Annual Meeting
It was just 300 short years ago when a Spanish expedition from Mexico established the Mission San Antonio de Valero and founded the City of San Antonio. That mission would later be renamed the Alamo. Today, the Alamo is part of the San Antonio Missions Nation Historical Park, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have the chance to visit the Alamo along with our other missions on our San Antonio Missions World Heritage guest trip. Our host hotel, The Westin, is located on the banks of the San Antonio River just a few blocks south of The Alamo. From our hotel, you will have easy access to our beautiful Riverwalk and many great places to eat and drink. I hope you will take the chance to explore our downtown area and experience our rich culture. Since our last Annual Meeting here in 1993, the San Antonio River has seen a remarkable transformation. New stretches of the river—both upstream (The Museum Reach) and downstream (The Mission Reach)—have been improved. The Museum Reach, north of the Riverwalk, will take you by the Museum of Art and eventually to the Pearl, the home of The Culinary Institute of America. If you head south of the downtown area, you’ll find the Museum Reach. Here, there are eleven miles of hike and bike trails that meanders past four of San Antonio’s historic missions. All of these opportunities and more await you in San Antonio. I can’t wait to see you. Jeff Neathery General Chair
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AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
July 16, 2021
To the Participants in the 64th Annual Meeting of the Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists Welcome to Texas! On behalf off the state of Texas an and the Bureau au of Economic Geology, the State Geologiical 6XUYH\ ,¶P GHOLJKWHG WR ZHOFRPH \RX WR WKH EHDXWLIX IXO DQ DQG KLVWRULF cLW\ RI 6DQ DQ $QWRQLR :H¶UH excited to have you, and hope you thoroughly enjoyy this scenic city, its wonderffu ul people, an and the infforma o tive program am that has been prepaarred for you. The Bureau au of Economic Geology was established in 1909, and works aatt the confluencee of energy, environmental, and economics research. We serve the people of Texas as we sttudyy its waater systems, new sources of energyy like hydrogen an and geotherrm mal, its hazar ards ran angingg fr from sinkholes to ear arthquakes to the coastal impacts of hurricaan nes, aan nd its prolific producing oil and gas plays. In all of these areas, the interrelationship between geoscience an and engineerinng expertise is increasingly vital. The presentations you will hear ar this week, fr from a trulyy distinguished group of scientistss, will sharre the laattest break akthroughs and innovat ative technologies in our fi field. The hope is that these sessions will be thought-provoking an and provide you with new ideas to use in your own research initiat atives. Enjoy your time with us this week and, once again, welcome to Texas! Warm Regards,
Warm Regards,
Scott W. Tinker, Ph.D. Scott W. Tinker, Ph.D. Director, Bur ureaau u of Economic Director, Bur ureaau u of Economic Geology, State Geologist Geology, of Texas State Geologist of Texas Profe fessor,Chair, EdwinJackson Allday Endowed JacksonUT School of Geosciences, UT Austin Profe fessor, Edwin Allday Endowed School of Chair, Geosciences, Austin
September 2021
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
September 21, 2021 Greetings! The Cityy off San Antonio is honored to host the Associatio on of Environmental and Engi gineering Geologgiists for their Annual Meeting fr from September 21--26, 2021. More than 200 attendees, ortance of applied geology exhibitors and speakers will come together to discuss the impo gy, in both the development and restoration off the earth. While you are here, I hope that you get to experience San Anttonio’s rich culture, dynamic economy, and our residents’ ki kind and gracious nature. San Antonio was fo founded at the crossroads off emergi ging vident as you walk our streets, vi visit our historic World Heritage Missions, and cultures, and this is evi dine in our restaurants to get a taste of our diverse culinary h heritage. Amongg other attractions and historic locati tions, I urge you to explore our world-renowneed Zoo, our culturallyy rich museums, vibrant Ri Riverwalk, and our historic Market Square. ntire City organization, thank you for On behalf of my colleagues on the Cittyy Council and the en selectingg San Antonio fo for this invaluable conference. We wish you a very successful time here, and we are proud to welcome you to our great city! S Sincerely,
Ron Nirenberg MAYOR
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AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
AEG 2021 Awardees The recipents will be accepting their awards at the Awards Ceremony on Thursday, September 24 from 7:00–10:00pm
Honorary Member
Douglas R. Piteau Outstanding Young Member Award:
Jean Bogner AEG confers an honor of such high esteem that the distinction is recognized as a membership class: Honorary Member. This recognition is given to those whose careers have exemplified the ideals of AEG.
Karl and Ruth Terzaghi Mentor Award No Award Given in 2021 Established in 2008, it recognizes outstanding individuals for their achievements as mentors throughout their career. The recipient should be an individual who has made lifelong efforts in providing professional, ethical, and technical mentoring for environmental and engineering geologists.
Charlie Wildman This award, established in 1985, is named in honor of Douglas R. Piteau is presented to a Member who is age 35 or under and has excelled in the following areas: Technical Accomplishment, Service to the Association, and Service to the Engineering Geology Profession.
Richard H. Jahns Distinguished Lecturer in Engineering Geology — 2021–22 Richard Wooten A joint committee of AEG and the Engineering Geology Division of the Geological Society of America selects the Jahns Lecturer, who presents an annual series of lectures at academic institutions in order to increase awareness of students about careers in Engineering Geology.
Schuster Medal Suzanne Lacasse A joint award from AEG and the Canadian Geotechnical Society that recognizes excellence in geohazards research in North America (NA). Nominees must be residents of NA and meet at least two of the following criteria: professional excellence in geohazards research with relevance to NA, significant contribution to public education regarding geohazards, international recognition for a professional career in geo-hazards, influential geohazards research or development of methods or techniques, or teacher of geohazards students.
Floyd T. Johnston Service Award David Bieber This award is presented to a member for outstanding active and faithful service to AEG over a minimum period of nine years to coincide with Floyd T. Johnston’s tenure as Executive Director.
Award Special AEG Presidential Recognition for Lifetime Contribution Towards Publishing Excellence Stuart Hoffman Owner of Star Publishing Star Publishing has been a reliable and high-quality publisher for AEG and the geology profession over the years. Classic publications include the Geology of the Cities of the World series, Engineering Geology Practice in Southern California, Environmental, Groundwater and Engineering Geology, Applications from Oregon, and, more recently, Applied Geology in California. Stuart was instrumental in all aspects of Star Publishing and after a thirty-plus-year career will close up shop. We appreciate all that you have done, Stuart.
Claire P. Holdredge No Award Given in 2021 The Association’s highest publication award, the Claire P. Holdredge Award, is presented to an AEG Member who has produced a publication within the past five years that is adjudged to be an outstanding contribution to the Environmental and Engineering Geology Profession.
NOMINATE a Deserving AEG MEMBER for One of Our 2022 AWARDS These are just a few of the AEG awards that recognize the contributions our members make to the Association and to the profession. For a complete list of the awards and requirements for each, visit www.aegweb.org/?page=Awards
September 2021
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
AEG 2021 Awardees In addition to honoring outstanding AEG Members, AEG also recognizes the following:
AEG Publication Award
Volunteer Recognition
This award was established by the Association in 1968 and is presented to the author(s) of the most outstanding paper published in any AEG publication during the fiscal year. Winning papers can be viewed online at GeoScienceWorld.
Deborah Green Chris Hundemer Isaac Pope
Mapping Landslides Using Multiscale Lidar Digital Elevation Models
This is the time that we recognize those volunteers within AEG that have worked so hard on helping to move AEG forward over the past year or so. These awards will be handed out during the Opening Session on Wednesday morning.
Javed Miandad, Margaret M. Darrow, Michael D. Hendricks, and Ronald P. Daanen Environmental & Engineering Geoscience Journal, Volume XXVI, No. 4, pp. 405-425
Environmental & Engineering Geoscience Journal Outstanding Reviewer Award First presented in 2007, this award is given to an individual who has provided extended service by reviewing numerous manuscripts, including critical evaluations, detailed comments, corrections of grammar and syntax, thoughtful suggestions for changes to improve the quality of the manuscript, and guidance to the editors in making a decision regarding the manuscript.
AEG Corporate Business Meeting & Closing Session Friday, Sept. 24 – 3:15–5:00pm This session will highlight AEG’s 2021 accomplishments and upcoming goals and projects for 2022. We will also be introducing our new Executive Council and honoring AEG Awardees for 2021.
Dr. William Roman Gannett Fleming, Inc.
CALL FOR PAPERS
Outstanding Student Professional Paper
AEG’s journal Environmental & Engineering Geoscience (E&EG) is currently seeking articles for review and possible publication.
No Award Given – Please submit candidates for next year.
Outstanding Chapter Award This award was established by the Board of Directors in 2001 to honor a Chapter of the Association judged to excel in a number of areas including professional activities, communications, membership, and networking.
Nashville Chapter
Opening Session AEG Outstanding Environmental & Engineering Geologic Project Award – Mission Reach of the San Antonio River Walk See page 34…
E&EG is dedicated to publishing peerreviewed, high quality, original research and case studies on environmental geology, engineering geology, geotechnical engineering, geomorphology, lowtemperature geochemistry, applied hydrogeology, and near-surface processes. Visit https://www.editorialmanager.com/eeg, the Peer Track on-line submission platform, for Instructions for Authors, the Style Guide, and to login. Published quarterly and hosted at GeoScienceWorld (http://eeg .geoscienceworld.org/), E&EG publishes articles ahead-of-issue, as soon as they are ready. Current and past issues are available to GSA members who select the journal as part of their annual dues and subscriptions options and to AEG members as a benefit of membership.
For more information
or to discuss possible special issue topics, please contact a co-editor: Abdul Shakoor (ashakoor@kent.edu) or Eric Peterson (ewpeter@ilstu.edu).
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AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
AEG Foundation 2020 Scholars The recipients will be honored at the Opening Session on Wednesday, September 22.
Beardsley-Kuper Field Camp Scholarship
Christopher C. Mathewson Scholarship
Anastasia L. Ivanova
Wesmond Williams
SUNY Potsdam
Midwestern State University
The Beardsley-Kuper Field Camp Scholarship Fund supports expenses for geology field camps with applied environmental and engineering geology components that will be useful to the students’ future profession as an environmental or engineering geologist. The scholarship was established in 2009 by Cathryne Beardsley with her daughter Dorian Kuper and son-in-law Tom Kuper.
Carolinas Scholarship No Award Bestowed in 2021 Established in 2015 with a gift from the Carolinas Chapter, this scholarship supports geologic studies by undergraduate students enrolled in a geology or geoscience program at an accredited university in North Carolina or South Carolina.
Undergraduate Division
Trisia Tellez University of Texas, El Paso
Undergraduate Division Established in 2007 as the Texas Section Scholarship, the Scholarship was renamed in 2011 to honor Dr. Christopher C. Mathewson. Recipients of the scholarship are undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in an accredited Texas college or university, or graduate students conducting field studies in Texas.
Shlemon Quaternary Engineering Geology Scholarship
Marliave Scholarship No Award Bestowed in 2021 The Marliave Scholarship Fund was established in 1968 to honor the late Chester E. Marliave, Burton H. Marliave, and Elmer C. Marliave, outstanding engineering geologists and supporters of AEG. The funds are distributed as grants, which are intended to support academic activity and reward outstanding scholarship in Engineering Geology and Geological Engineering.
Susan Steele Weir (Women of “Steele”) Scholarship Emma Fuentes Angelo State University The Susan Steele Weir Scholarship Fund was established by the AEG Foundation in 2017 in order to create a scholarship fund that promotes and supports the continued development and advancement of women in the profession of engineering geology.
September 2021
Andrew Graber Colorado School of Mines The Shlemon Quaternary Engineering Geology Scholarship supports graduate geology students conducting Quaternary engineering geology research. Initial funding for the Scholarship was provided by a gift from Roy J. Shlemon, Honorary Member of the AEG.
Robert J. Watters Great Basin Chapter Scholarship Spencer Whitman University of Nevada, Reno
Graduate Division – PhD The Robert J. Watters Great Basin Chapter Scholarship Fund supports geoscience studies by students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
Martin L. Stout Scholarship
Norman R. Tilford Field Study Scholarship
Paige Midori Wise
Jessica Nicole Patrick
Georgia Institute of Technology
Miami University
Undergraduate Division
Manuel Santos Quispe
Undergraduate Division
Hannah Cothren
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Colorado School of Mines
Graduate Division – Masters
Graduate Division – Masters
Elham Hosseinzadehsabeti
Andrew Graber
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Colorado School of Mines
Graduate Division – PhD
Graduate Division – PhD
Dr. Martin L. Stout was Professor of Geology at California State University, Los Angeles from 1960 to 1990. He is remembered by his students for his passionate and insightful instruction in engineering geology. Dr. Stout was known for his expertise on landslides, his travels, his good humor, and his gracious manner. This scholarship supports his legacy.
Student Scholarships Available through the AEG Foundation
The Tilford Scholarships are awarded to both undergraduate and graduate students for the summer field season, and were established in memory of Norman R. Tilford, who was a leader in engineering geology and a professor at Texas A&M University. Norm died in 1997 while flying his small aircraft to meet a student field trip. Norm was dedicated to teaching geology in the field and these scholarships support his legacy.
West-Gray Scholarship
The AEG Foundation manages ten funds including four scholarships. Current applications and details are available at the AEG FOUNDATION website. APPLY BY FEBRUARY 1, 2022.
Grace Psenicska Radford University
Undergraduate Division
For more information about the AEG Foundation: https://www.aegfoundation.org/applications/
Get Involved… Sign Up to Help with These Upcoming AEG Annual Meetings in YOUR Area…
AEG 2022–Las Vegas, Nevada Planet Hollywood Resort September 13–17
James Young Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Graduate Division – Masters Established in 2014 with initial funding provided as a gift from AEG Past Presidents Terry R. West and Richard E. Gray, this fund supports undergraduate and graduate geology students studying in the eastern half of the United States.
AEG 2023–Portland, OR Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront September 19–24 18
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
Exhibitors Our exhibitors offer an excellent platform to interact one-onone with you and your company. Your active interest and participation during the exhibit hours will help to ensure that vendor support will remain strong during the years to come. Remember, without these exhibitors, the AEG 64th Annual Meeting would not be successful.
Access Limited Construction – Booth #11 Simon Boone, simon@alccinc.com 805-592-2230 www.accesslimitedconstruction.com Access Limited Construction is a general contractor located in San Luis Obispo, California. An industry leader, we provide rockfall mitigation, slope stabilization, and difficult drilling services for transportation, energy, mining, and private sector clients. With our fleet of Spyder Excavators, we can access steep terrain and hard to reach projects throughout the United States from the East Coast to Hawaii.
Ameritech Slope Constructors, Inc. – Booth #3 Roger Moore, rmoore@ameritech.pro www.ameritech.pro Ameritech Slope Constructors, Inc., is a contracting company specializing in civil/geotechnical construction projects, including rock and soil stabilization, rock scaling, rock bolting, high strength steel mesh drapes, and barriers, as well as dry mix shotcrete. We also drill and break large boulders and overhanging ledges using nonexplosive rock removal methods and mechanical rock splitters.
Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists (AEG) Booth – Registration Area 844-331-7867 x3229, Fax 740-452-2552 www.aegweb.org aeg@aegweb.org AEG welcomes you to San Antonio! We hope your stay is filled with informative technical sessions, great meals, and of course lots of networking. Stop by our booth to see some of the latest publications and merchandise available. We will also have information on the various committees and what each has been working on to advance the AEG and the profession.
Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists (AEG) 2022 Annual Meeting – Las Vegas, NV – Booth #16
EXHIBIT HALL HOURS: Tuesday, Sept. 21
6:30pm–8:30pm
Wednesday, Sept. 22
7:30am–5:00pm
Thursday, Sept. 23
7:30am-3:20pm
Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists (AEG) Foundation Booth – Registration Area Alex Vazquez, staff@aegfoundation.org www.aegfoundation.org Established by three Past Presidents of the Association of Engineering Geologists (AEG) in 1992, the AEG Foundation plays a key role in the success of our profession. The AEG Foundation’s vision is to create a culture of giving back to the profession, and to instill complete confidence in donors that their money is well-invested and well-spent. Our core programs emphasize scholarship, research, and professional development to improve professional practice. We support outreach to increase the public’s appreciation of environmental and engineering geology in geo-hazard evaluation and risk reduction.
Bad Elf, LLC – Booth #4 Nik Smilovsky, nik@bad-elf.com 480-878-9824 www.bad-elf.com Bad Elf GNSS receivers deliver affordable accuracy through easy-to-use hardware supported by continuously evolving firmware, apps, and cloud services. Founded in 2010, Bad Elf created the first Made for iOS external GPS accessory and now enables high performance location services for all mobile platforms.
Cascade Drilling LP – Booth #5 Greg Zekoff, gzekoff@cascade-env.com 480-226-5485 www.cascade-env.com Cascade is the leading provider of environmental and infrastructure drilling, site characterization, and environmental remediation applications. We are the only nationwide integrated field services firm with expert technical capabilities and fleet to provide seamless environmental and geotechnical solutions, from concept to completion.
Nick Saines, greatunc@aol.com and Jerry King, jerrylking@yahoo.com Mark your calendar to join us for the 65th AEG Annual Meeting at the Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Nevada September 13– 17, 2022. Stop by our booth to get all the details. September 2021
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
Collier Consulting – Booth #2
Exploration Instruments LLC – Booth #8
Doug Laymon, jwhite@collierconsulting.com 254-968-8741 www.collierconsulting.com
Dennis Mills, dmills@exiusa.com 512-346-4042 www.exiusa.com
Founded in 2018, Collier Geophysics has assembled one of the most respected and experienced team of geophysicists in the United States. Commitment to our clients, professional integrity, and loyalty to one another are the things we value most.
Exploration Instruments is the best-known geophysical equipment rental firm in North America specializing in near-surface applications and non-destructive testing. We maintain a diverse and deep inventory of 85+ different systems including seismic, ground penetrating radar, electromagnetics, gravity, magnetics, resistivity, marine, vibration monitoring, aerial and terrestrial lidar, and other drone sensors. Offices in Austin, Texas, and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, are ideally situated to service your projects world-wide.
ConeTec, Inc. – Booth #25 Bruce Miller, bmiller@conetec.com www.conetec.com As an international full-service geotechnical and geoenvironmental site investigation contractor, ConeTec and California Push Technologies offer clients superior project management and site investigation services across the globe, with a large presence in North and South America. With one of the largest fleets of modern, purpose-built deployment equipment in the industry, the ConeTec Group provides in-depth geophysics, CPTu, in-situ testing, drilling, instrumentation, and final data reporting and analysis services. All field investigations are performed by specially trained personnel and supported by experienced site investigation professionals to provide the highest quality site investigation. This is the ConeTec difference— better information, better decisions.
DGI Geoscience US, Inc – Booth #19 McLain Pray, jmpray@dgigeoscience.com www.dgigeoscience.com Borehole Geophysical Surveys & Data Analysis
Exponent – Booth #7 Julien Cohen-Waeber, jwaeber@exponent.com www.exponent.com Exponent is a leading engineering and scientific consulting firm comprised of scientists, engineers, physicians, and regulatory consultants from over 90 disciplines. Our technical excellence, objectivity, and disciplinary diversity allow us to solve some of the toughest science, engineering, and business problems in industry and government—from forensic analysis to risk assessment. We use our expertise to contribute safe, healthy, and sustainable solutions in the most complex environments
Exhibitor Luncheon Wednesday, September 22 12:00–1:30pm – Exhibit Hall The Exhibitor Luncheon is a great way to connect with colleagues, gather information about innovations in the industry, and relax with friends old and new over a delicious meal.
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FPM Remediations, Inc. – Booth #23 Randall L. Mattzela, r.mattzela@fpm-remediations.com 210-495-7744, ext. 312 www.fpm-remediations.com FPM Remediations, Inc. specializes in environmental remediation, munitions, and geophysical services. Over the last 15 years, FPM Remediations has earned a reputation for providing outstanding service to our Federal and State government and private clients. Our professional staff have the necessary credentials, experience, and training to offer a full range of environmental remediation services that meet the requirements of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and the Military Munitions Response Program (MMRP). Our experience includes projects from Massachusetts to California and in all ten Environmental Protection Agency regions. FPM Remediations, Inc. is committed to providing our clients with superior environmental services. Our established and proven processes and procedures ensure performance objectives, budgets, and schedules are met; risks are managed; and work is performed in a quality manner. We deploy integrated teams that cost-effectively execute sustainable and innovative practices.
G3 Group – Booth #22 David Harro, david.harro@geo3group.com 727-376-7833 www.geo3group.com The G3 Group's Multi-Electrode Resistivity Implant Technique (MERIT) uses patented technology that is designed to image deeper than conventional electrical resistivity surveys. MERIT also increases the resolution at depth by using full ranges of tomography of surface and buried electrodes. MERIT utilization of implant technology provides an effective way image and monitor the core of dams. The implant technology can be improved with additional thermal and spontaneous potential (SP) for long term monitoring.
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
Gannett Fleming – Booth #17
GeoStabilization International – Booth #20
Matthew Morris, mmorris@gfnet.com 412-503-4938 www.gannettfleming.com
Ron DeVaux, Project Development Engineer, ron.devaux@gsi.us 832-215-7860 www.geostabilization.com
Gannett Fleming is a planning, design, construction management, and alternative delivery firm. Our geotechnical and geological services include analysis, site characterization, geophysics, groundwater studies, digital photogrammetry, instrumentation and monitoring, ground modification, and SPRAT Certified rope access for foundations, dams, levees, earth retaining structures, tunnels, and mining operations. As an ISO 9001:2015 Certified firm, we provide excellence delivered as promised.
Our passion is to develop and install innovative solutions that protect people and infrastructure from the dangers of geohazards. We specialize in emergency landslide repairs, rockfall mitigation, and grouting using design/build and design/build/warranty contracting. GeoStabilization’s team includes some of the brightest and most dedicated professionals in the geohazard mitigation industry. Our expertise, proprietary tools, and worldwide partnerships allow us to repair virtually any slope stability or foundation problem in any geologic setting.
Geo Cam, Inc. – Booth #10
GEOVision Inc. – Booth #6
Mike Miller, mmiller@geocaminc.com 210-241-9121 www.geocaminc.com
John Diehl, jdiehl@geovision.com 951-549-1234 www.geovision.com
Since 1998, Geo Cam Inc. (GCI) has provided borehole geophysics to the structural engineering, mining, groundwater, and O&G Industries. GCI’s data has been used to complete some of the largest municipal wells, define major contamination plumes, resolve water quality issues in lower lying aquifers, and validate ASR projects throughout Texas. Researching and understanding how conventional and new technologies in borehole geophysics can assist our clients in a timely manner throughout their decision-making process is our primary goal.
Since May 1995, GEOVision has focused on the application of geophysics to engineering investigations. GEOVision services include geophysical measurement, analysis, and monitoring. We specialize in non-invasive methods of investigation that reduce the overall cost and liability in engineering and environmental projects. The use of geophysics can provide a better understanding of the source, location, and migration of subsurface contaminants, subsurface geologic and hydrologic conditions, subsurface infrastructure, engineering properties of soil and rock, and earthquake hazard.
Geobrugg North America, LLC – Booth #13
HI-TECH Rockfall Construction, Inc. – Booth #12
Tim Shevlin, Tim.Shevlin@geobrugg.com www.geobrugg.com For over 65 years, Geobrugg has been producing solutions made from high-tensile steel wire to provide reliable protection against natural hazards. Intensive collaboration with industry, universities, and research institutes has made Geobrugg a reliable partner when it comes to protection and safety solutions. Our systems are fully tested against rockfall, landslide, and debris flow.
Geokon – Booth #18 Joelle Lang, jlang@geokon.com www.geokon.com Geokon, Inc., manufactures a full range of high-quality geotechnical instrumentation suitable for monitoring the safety and stability of a variety of civil and mining structures including dams, tunnels, foundations, mine openings, piles, etc. Geokon’s sensors exhibit excellent long-term stability, accuracy, and reliability even in the most adverse conditions.
September 2021
Dane Wagner, dane@hitechrockfall.com 503-409-9180 www.hitechrockfall.com HI-TECH Rockfall Construction, Inc., is a general contractor that provides natural hazard mitigation solutions, with focus on rockfall mitigation and slope stabilization systems. HI-TECH Rockfall, founded in 1996, is based in Forest Grove, Oregon. Our vast experience and innovative installation techniques allow us to work in limited access areas and overcome challenging situations, which all have made us the leader in the rockfall mitigation and slope stabilization industry.
Icebreaker Welcome Tuesday, September 21 6:30-8:30pm - Exhibit Hall Join us in the Exhibit Hall to meet the xhibitors and socialize with your fellow attendees. We will have light appetizers and a cash bar (one drink ticket included).
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
National Association of State Boards of Geology – ASBOG® – Booth #27 Deana Sneyd, dsneyd@asbog.org 678-713-1251 www.asbog.org ASBOG serves as a connective link among the individual state geologic registration licensing boards for the planning and preparation of uniform procedures and the coordination of geologic protective measures for the general public. One of ASBOG’s principal services is to develop standardized written examinations for determining qualifications of applicants seeking licensure as professional geologists. State boards of registration are provided with uniform examinations that are valid measures of competency related to the practice of the profession. Examination candidates are provided with a copy of the Professional Geologist Candidate Handbook, which delineates the format and outline for the exam.
Pyramid Geophysics – Booth #21 Eric Cross, eric@pyramidenvironmental.com 336-335-3174 www.PyramidGeophysics.com Pyramid Geophysical Services is a consulting firm based in Greensboro, North Carolina, offering a full range of nearsurface geophysical services. Our instrumentation includes ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetics, electrical resistivity/IP, and seismic methods (refraction and MASW). Specific applications include geotechnical site characterization, geologic mapping (stratigraphy, karst, voids), environmental and hydrogeologic surveys, underground storage tank management, landfill delineations and a variety of other subsurface characterization techniques. Our services are available throughout the United States.
Rocscience – Booth #26 Clarissa Aguiar, clarissa.aguiar@rocscience.com 416-698-8217 rocscience.com Founded in 1996, Rocscience is a world leader in developing 2D and 3D software for civil, mining, and geotechnical engineers. For over 20 years, we’ve built on leading-edge research to create the best geotechnical software available. As engineers ourselves, we know the importance of having accurate, reliable, and easy-to-use software, so we constantly develop and refine our products to make solutions that work for you. Explore our comprehensive suite of tools used by over 7,000 engineers around the world for slope stability, excavation design, and geotechnical analysis.
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Ruen Drilling, Inc. – Booth #24 Jerry Marasovich, jerry.marasovich@ruendrilling.com 209-988-4261 Ruen Drilling was established in 1974 and today is still proud to be a leader in quality core drilling for mining and geotechnical industries. The family owned and operated fleet includes surface, flyable, difficult access, and underground drill rigs. Continuing to adapt and capture new techniques and technologies, investing in specialty customized rigs to exceed the demand of deeper heli-portable drilling. Recently, we have set our sights on changing how core orientation is performed with new workflows for highly accurate data. Ruen Drilling takes pride in our people and our clients.
Schnabel Engineering – Booth #9 Gary Rogers, grogers@schnabel-eng.com 336-274-9456 www.schnabel-eng.com Schnabel is a leading provider of dam, tunnel and geotechnical engineering solutions nationally and abroad, with risk management rounding out a full-service approach. Our 400+ employee/owners in 23 locations have a passion for client service and tough technical challenges.
Seequent – Booth #1 Samantha D’Sa, samantha.dsa@seequent.com www.seequent.com Seequent software empowers customers to make better, more sustainable decisions about their earth, environment, and energy challenges. It’s our mission to unite the insights of geotechnical, geology, geophysics, geochemistry, hydrogeology, and GIS teams – and their stakeholders. We enable geo-data to tell a story with software that combines in-depth analysis, 2D and 3D visualization, and data management. Accessible on desktop and Cloud, Seequent brings together the trusted power of Leapfrog 3D, Geosoft, and GeoStudio software. Our solutions integrate with industry-leading tools and have an open API so that all data and workflows can be considered.
United States Army Corp of Engineers – Booth #15 April Fontaine, April.L.Fontaine@usace.army.mil https://www.usace.army.mil/ The mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is to deliver vital public and military engineering services, partnering in peace and war to strengthen our nation’s security, energize the economy, and reduce risk from disasters. We employ approximately 37,000 civilians and soldiers, delivering engineering services to customers and partners in more than 130 countries worldwide. Our geotechnical engineers, geologists, and materials engineers work on a wide variety of projects, from dam and levee investigation, design, and construction, to environmental investigation and restoration, to foundation improvement for vertical construction, and everything in between.
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
University of Pennsylvania – Booth #14
AEG Foundation VIRTUAL Silent Auction
Master of Science in Applied Geosciences, lps@sas.upenn.edu 215-898-7326 www.upenn.edu/MSAG The University of Pennsylvania’s Master of Science in Applied Geosciences (MSAG) is now an online program and is accepting students for fall 2022. The MSAG connects you with the world-class resources of an Ivy League institution, providing you theoretical and technical expertise in geochemistry, geophysics, hydrogeology, and engineering geology. The online MSAG degree is structured to give you a foundation in applied scientific knowledge and to train you in the project management and leadership skills necessary put that knowledge into action. Our online program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis. Along with rigorous coursework, our program connects you with industry leaders to keep you up on the latest practices and technologies. You can also gain handson experiences to excel your Professional Geologist licensure and prepare for HAZWOPER certification with one week on campus. The Master of Science in Applied Geosciences program and the University of Pennsylvania are committed to staying at the forefront of environmental sustainability, remediation, and green infrastructure. When you earn your online graduate degree at Penn, you gain the specialized skills you need to stay ahead of the curve.
This year, we are hosting a virtual silent auction for original paintings by AEG Member Anna Saindon. Proceeds benefit the Johnston Fund, which supports all funds at the Foundation. Once the auction closes, we will reach out to the winner. You may place a bid by Friday, September 24th at 3PM Central at: https://www.aegfoundation.org/silentauction/ You may also make a donation to any fund at https://www.aegfoundation.org/donate/.
Exhibit Hall The Exhibit Hall is located in the Navarro Ballroom on the Ballrrom Level of the hotel. 27
26
25
ASBOG
Rocscience
ConeT Te ec
Food & Beverage
5 Cascade Drilling
6 GEOVision
Geobrugg
14 UPENN
Bad Elf
7
12
15
HI-T Te ech Rockfall
USACE
11
16
19
AEG 2022
DGI GeoGeoscience
4
13
Exponent
3
8
Ameritech
Exploration Instru uments
Access Limited
21
22 G3Group
Pyramid Geophysics
23
20
FPM
GeoStabilization
Remediations
24 Ruen Drilling
2 C ol l i e r Consulting
9 Schnabel
10
17
Geo Cam
Gannett Fleming
18 Geokon
1 Seequent
Water
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AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
Sponsors Without the help and financial support of the following individuals and companies, it would be impossible to plan the quality meeting to which AEG members have become accustomed.
PREMIUM SPONSORS Lanyards Geo Cam, Inc. Mike Miller, mmiller@geocaminc.com 210-241-9121 www.geocaminc.com Since 1998 Geo Cam Inc. (GCI) has provided borehole geophysics to the structural engineering, mining, groundwater, and O&G Industries. GCI’s data has been used to complete some of the largest municipal wells, define major contamination plumes, resolve water quality issues in lower lying aquifers, and validate ASR projects throughout Texas. Researching and understanding how conventional and new technologies in borehole geophysics can assist our clients in a timely manner throughout their decision-making process is our primary goal.
Opening Session Gannett Fleming
Mandy Gulde, mandy.gulde@geovert.com www.geovert.com Geovert is a specialist geotechnical construction contractor founded in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2000. Since our inception, we have grown to become an internationally recognized leader in ground improvement, slope stabilization, and rockfall protection using rope access techniques.
Dams and Levees Symposium, PartS I and II Schnabel Engineering Gary Rogers, grogers@schnabel-eng.com 336-274-9456 www.schnabel-eng.com Schnabel is a leading provider of dam, tunnel and geotechnical engineering solutions nationally and abroad, with risk management rounding out a full-service approach. Our 400+ employee/owners in 23 locations have a passion for client service and tough technical challenges.
Matthew Morris, mmorris@gfnet.com 412-503-4938 www.gannettfleming.com Gannett Fleming is a planning, design, construction management, and alternative delivery firm. Our geotechnical and geological services include analysis, site characterization, geophysics, groundwater studies, digital photogrammetry, instrumentation and monitoring, ground modification, and SPRAT Certified rope access for foundations, dams, levees, earth retaining structures, tunnels, and mining operations. As an ISO 9001:2015 Certified firm, we provide excellence delivered as promised.
GOLD SPONSORS Icebreaker Reception Geobrugg North America, LLC Tim Shevlin, Tim.Shevlin@geobrugg.com www.geobrugg.com For over 65 years, Geobrugg has been producing solutions made from high-tensile steel wire to provide reliable protection against natural hazards. Intensive collaboration with industry, universities, and research institutes has made Geobrugg a reliable partner when it comes to protection and safety solutions. Our systems are fully tested against rockfall, landslide, and debris flow.
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Exhibitor Luncheon Geovert
SILVER SPONSORS Annual Banquet Lettis Consultants International Melody Wade, wade@lettisci.com 661-287-9900 www.lettisci.com Lettis Consultants International, Inc. (LCI) offers high-technology, innovative Earth science consulting services to clients around the world. LCI geologists, seismologists, and engineers have comprehensive worldwide experience providing earthquake hazard analyses, engineering geology and geotechnical services, water resources expertise, and licensing and regulatory strategy and compliance.
Special Event Access Limited Construction Simon Boone, simon@alccinc.com 805-592-2230 www.accesslimitedconstruction.com Access Limited Construction is a general contractor located in San Luis Obispo, California. An industry leader, we provide rockfall mitigation, slope stabilization, and difficult drilling services
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING for transportation, energy, mining, and private sector clients. With our fleet of Spyder Excavators, we can access steep terrain and hard to reach projects throughout the United States from the East Coast to Hawaii.
SPONSORS
Poster Reception Enviro-Equipment, Inc.
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Technical Session 1B –
Brian Chew, brianchew@enviroequipment.com www.enviroequipment.com Enviro-Equipment, Inc., provides environmental monitoring instruments and supplies to professionals for groundwater monitoring and sampling, indoor air quality, industrial hygiene, wastewater sampling, confined space entry, soil screening, and more. Enviro-Equipment, Inc., also custom builds remediation systems to your specification and features an inventory of new, used, and rental remediation equipment for soil and groundwater contamination.
Student/Professional Networking Reception Rocscience Clarissa Aguiar, clarissa.aguiar@rocscience.com 416-698-8217 rocscience.com Founded in 1996, Rocscience is a world leader in developing 2D and 3D software for civil, mining, and geotechnical engineers. For over 20 years, we’ve built on leading-edge research to create the best geotechnical software available. As engineers ourselves, we know the importance of having accurate, reliable, and easy-to-use software, so we constantly develop and refine our products to make solutions that work for you. Explore our comprehensive suite of tools used by over 7,000 engineers around the world for slope stability, excavation design, and geotechnical analysis.
AEG Corporate Business Meeting & Closing Reception HI-TECH Rockfall Construction, Inc. Dane Wagner, dane@hitechrockfall.com 503-409-9180 www.hitechrockfall.com HI-TECH Rockfall Construction, Inc., is a general contractor that provides natural hazard mitigation solutions, with focus on rockfall mitigation and slope stabilization systems. HI-TECH Rockfall, founded in 1996, is based in Forest Grove, Oregon. Our vast experience and innovative installation techniques allow us to work in limited-access areas and overcome challenging situations, which all have made us the leader in the rockfall mitigation and slope stabilization industry.
September 2021
Technical Session 1A – Coastal Hazards Symposium
Case Studies and investigation
AEG Carolinas Chapter Chapter Website: www.aegcarolinas.org We serve the environmental and engineering geology profession for the Carolinas.
Technical Session 2 – Tunneling Symposium
McMillen Jacobs Associates Jamie Schick, Schick@mcmjac.com www.mcmjac.com McMillen Jacobs Associates specializes in delivering underground and water resources infrastructure, providing engineering geology and geotechnical engineering services as well as technical engineering design and construction expertise in the water, wastewater, transportation, transit, and energy/power industries. Offering a full range of design, designbuild, self-performing construction, and construction management services, we work closely with our clients at every stage of a project, assisting them with planning, design expertise, project management, construction, start-up, and dispute resolution. Our 21 offices in North America and Australasia and more than 500 staff serve clients locally and worldwide.
Technical Session 5 – Evaluating Geologic and Seismic Hazards and the Potential Need for Hazard Mitigation Symposium, Part I
GeoEngineers, Inc. Mark Molinari, mmolinari@geoengineers.com 206-348-0200 www.geoengineers.com We’re GeoEngineers, Earth Science and Engineering Experts. You’ll find us where soil meets foundation, water meets land, and humanity meets environment. We work with the earth, but people are the heart of what we do. Using earth science and engineering expertise, we help our clients find a balance between human needs and the earth’s physical systems. Together we can build a better world.
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
Technical Session 6 –
Technical Session 10 –
Land Subsidence Symposium
Harris Galveston Subsidence District
Landslides – Line ‘em up but don’t knock ‘em down! Landslide Investigation and Mitigation for Linear Infrastructure Projects, Part I
Michael Turco, mturco@subsidence.org www.hgsubsidence.org
DiGioia Gray and Associates
The Harris-Galveston Subsidence District (HGSD) is a special purpose district created by the Texas Legislature in 1975. Working with surface water suppliers, the HGSD controls subsidence by managing the use of groundwater resources in Harris and Galveston Counties. The District provides for the regulation of groundwater withdrawal throughout the District for the purpose of preventing land subsidence.
Technical Session 8 – Environmental Symposium
Bryan Environmental Consultants Patricia Bryan, pbryan@bryanenv.com http://www.bryanenv.com INDUSTRY EXPERTISE. RAPID RESPONSE. WOMAN OWNED. Founded in 2014, Bryan Environmental Consultants, Inc., provides full-service environmental consulting services to private clients and municipalities. With its deep industry and technical expertise, Bryan Environmental Consultants, Inc., provides quality, cost- effective environmental consulting services. We help advance your project with focused field investigations that keep your objectives in mind, clearly written reports that identify relevant environmental issues, expert regulatory advice and strategies, sensible recommendations, and realistic cost estimates.
Nathan Saraceno, NSaraceno@DiGioiaGray.com www.DiGioiaGray.com “Home grown” in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (with our headquarters located in Monroeville), DiGioia Gray has geotechnical engineers and geologists that are highly experienced in the principles of engineering geology, hydrogeology, soil and rock mechanics, subsidence remediation, landslides, and mine fire investigations. We coordinate drilling services, soil and rock laboratory testing and field testing. We also monitor field investigations and provide slope-stability analyses, foundation design, topographic and geologic mapping, grading plans and cost estimates for site development. Our innovative UAV solutions allow us to further support our engineering and inspection efforts. We increase data density over traditional methods of collection which affords our clients a more comprehensive understanding of their assets. Our focus on accurate, precise, and optimized data collection and data processing, coupled with decreased time spent in the field collecting data, provides for a quicker turn-around time for our client’s deliverables. Since our founding in 2004, DiGioia Gray’s core services have focused on providing high-quality civil, geotechnical, geologic and electrical engineering expertise to a diverse set of Clients.
Technical Session 11 – Evaluating Geologic and Seismic Hazards and the Potential Need for Hazard Mitigation Symposium, Part III
Technical Session 9 –
GEOVision Inc.
Evaluating Geologic and Seismic Hazards and the Potential Need for Hazard Mitigation Symposium, Part II
John Diehl, jdiehl@geovision.com 951-549-1234 www.geovision.com
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Technical Session 14 – Geophysics
Collier Geophysics, LLC Phil Sirles, phil@colliergeophysics.com https://colliergeophysics.com/ Collier Consulting is a woman-owned, geoscience and engineering firm. Our primary offices are in Stephenville, Texas, with satellite locations in Austin, Houston, Waco, Colorado, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Founded in 1998, our mission is to provide our clients with the best solutions. We work hard to meet our clients’ needs—with honesty, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic. This philosophy has allowed us to grow, but more importantly to develop and sustain long-term relationships with you—our clients.
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Since May 1995, GEOVision has focused on the application of geophysics to engineering investigations. GEOVision services include geophysical measurement, analysis, and monitoring. We specialize in non-invasive methods of investigation that reduce the overall cost and liability in engineering and environmental projects. The use of geophysics can provide a better understanding of the source, location, and migration of subsurface contaminants, subsurface geologic and hydrologic conditions, subsurface infrastructure, engineering properties of soil and rock, and earthquake hazards.
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
Technical Session 12 –
Thursday
Diversity Symposium
AEG Sacramento Chapter
Geologist Writer
Chase White, Chase.White@conservation.ca, https://aegsacto.wordpress.com
Deborah Green, deb@geologistwriter.com Geologist Writer Deborah Green rediscovered her love for creative writing after establishing herself in her professional career as an environmental and engineering geologist. Her first novel, tentatively titled Inundation, is loosely based on a period in her late husband’s life when he was working as the Chief Foundation Geologist for a large dam in East Central Turkey. She is currently working on several short stories and essays as her agent begins submitting her novel to publishers. As the Geologist Writer, Deborah strives to understand and convey the wonder of the landscape and the complexity of earth processes while also exploring the mysterious terrain of the human heart. You can read some of her work on her website, www.geologistwriter.com.
Technical Session 15 – Environmental Technical Session
University of Pennsylvania Master of Science in Applied Geosciences, lps@sas.upenn.edu 215-898-7326 www.sas.upenn.edu/lps/graduate/msag The Master of Science in Applied Geosciences (MSAG) offers students a specialized degree that combines knowledge in theoretical areas of geology with technical expertise in geochemistry, geophysics, hydrogeology, and engineering geology with a focus on professional development. Students pursuing their MSAG at Penn may concentrate in one of three areas: Environmental Geology, Engineering Geology, and Hydrogeology.
The Sacramento Chapter of AEG was the original and founding section of AEG in 1957 and proudly supports the 2021 AEG Annual Meeting and the many dedicated members of AEG across the nation.
Friday
Pali Consulting Tim Blackwood, tim@pali-consulting.com https://pali-consulting.com/ Pali Consulting provides geotechnical services in the Pacific Northwest and the Hawaiian Islands. Our services include geologic hazard assessments, landslide and rockfall mitigation, geotechnical data and design reports, foundation and slope stabilization, forest practices geotechnical assessments, mse, boulder and gravity retaining wall design, foundation design and stabilization, and geotechnical forensics.
AEG Student and Young Professional Support Committee (SYPSC) Morley Beckman, morley.beckman@gmail.com The SYPSC is responsible for the development and implementation of strategies related to supporting and increasing student and young professional members, and related goals in the Association’s Strategic Plan.
Field Course 4 – Karst Cave: Cave Without a Name
Duane Kreuger All-Day Coffees
dkreuger@geotechnology.com
Wednesday
Field Course 6 –
Spotlight Geophysical Services Ron Kaufmann, ron@spotlightgeo.com 305-607-2377 www.spotlightgeo.com Spotlight Geophysical Services provides innovative geophysical services for geotechnical and environmental applications. We have over 25 years of experience using geophysics to characterize complex subsurface conditions. We own and maintain an inventory of state-of-the-art geophysical tools, including microgravity, EM, land and marine seismic, GPR, and ERI. Spotlight Geophysical Services is available for projects throughout the United States and abroad. Based in South Florida, we are conveniently located for quick response to projects in the Southeastern United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
September 2021
Canyon Lake Gorge
RJH Consultants, Inc. Kevin Mininger, kmininger@rjh-consultants.com www.rjh-consultants.com RJH Consultants, Inc. (RJH) is a geotechnical and water resources firm specializing in evaluation, civil design, and construction engineering for raw water supply systems; dams, reservoirs, and appurtenant facilities; and water conveyance infrastructure. RJH projects range from small geotechnical explorations to large embankment dam design and construction. RJH manages projects with overall costs ranging from several thousand dollars to more than $200 million.
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
Young at Heart Student & Young Professional Event AEG Foundation Alex Vazquez, vazquezam@gmail.com www.aegfoundation.org Established by three Past Presidents of AEG in 1992, the AEG Foundation plays a key role in the success of our profession. The AEG Foundation’s vision is to create a culture of giving back to the profession, and to instill complete confidence in donors that their money is well invested and well spent. Our core programs emphasize scholarship, research, and professional development to improve professional practice. We support outreach to increase the public’s appreciation of environmental and engineering geology in geo-hazard evaluation and risk reduction.
Kumar & Associates, Inc. Robert Duran, rduran@kumarusa.com www.kumarusa.com
Young Professional Event AND
AEG 2021 Annual Meeting Mobile App sponsorship Push Notifications AND
Technical Session #15 – Environmental Topics
University of Pennsylvania Master of Science in Applied Geosciences, lps@sas.upenn.edu 215-898-7326 www.upenn.edu/MSAG
Kumar & Associates, Inc. (K+A) is an employee-owned consulting engineering firm providing professional and technical services in the areas of geotechnical engineering, environmental sciences, and construction materials testing and observation, and third-party testing. Additionally, K+A provides specialty services in the areas of engineering geology, geotechnical design, falling weight deflectometer, on-site wastewater treatment systems, and environmental water treatment facilities. Our staff consists of over 140 professional engineers and geologists, environmental scientists, engineering technicians, and support personnel. Currently, we have 16 registered professional engineers licensed to practice in the State of Colorado and 90 certified technicians. Since 1989, K+A has provided a variety of professional services for projects of various size, scope, and complexity. K+A serves markets throughout Colorado including Water & Natural Resources, Transportation, Commercial & Industrial, Healthcare, Residential & Mixed-Use, and Recreational.
The University of Pennsylvania’s Master of Science in Applied Geosciences (MSAG) is now an online program and is accepting students for fall 2022. The MSAG connects you with the worldclass resources of an Ivy League institution, providing you theoretical and technical expertise in geochemistry, geophysics, hydrogeology, and engineering geology. The online MSAG degree is structured to give you a foundation in applied scientific knowledge and to train you in the project management and leadership skills necessary put that knowledge into action. Our online program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis. Along with rigorous coursework, our program connects you with industry leaders to keep you up on the latest practices and technologies. You can also gain hands-on experiences to excel your Professional Geologist licensure and prepare for HAZWOPER certification with one week on campus. The Master of Science in Applied Geosciences program and the University of Pennsylvania are committed to staying at the forefront of environmental sustainability, remediation, and green infrastructure. When you earn your online graduate degree at Penn, you gain the specialized skills you need to stay ahead of the curve.
Student Mini-Grant Program University of Nevada Student Chapter
Technical Session Breaks
James Ingraffia, ingraffiajames@gmail.com
Thursday Morning
PanGEO, Inc. Stephen Evans, sevans@pangeoinc.com 206-262-0370 www.pangeoinc.com PanGEO is a full-service geotechnical consulting firm based in Seattle, Washington. We provide geotechnical studies for infrastructure on public and private projects, including bridges, highrise buildings, seismic retrofit, and landslide stabilization efforts.
Gary Luce garycluce@gmail.com
Jeff and Julie Keaton
RJH Consultants, Inc. Kevin Mininger, kmininger@rjh-consultants.com www.rjh-consultants.com At RJH, we deliver solutions to some of the most challenging problems facing dam and levee owners. Dam and levee engineering is the core practice of our firm, not just a subset of other service lines. In fact, dam and levee projects comprise over 90 percent of our work. We don’t just work on a handful of these projects a year—we do it every day. Whether we are designing a new dam, rehabilitating an existing dam, or inspecting a levee system, we leverage this specialized experience to guide our clients through the design and regulatory processes needed to deliver exceptional results.
aegjulie@aol.com 28 AEG 64th & Annual Meeting Program Wednesday with Abstracts Morning Young at Heart Student
September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
Thursday Morning
AEG Carolinas Chapter www.aegcarolinas.org We serve the environmental and engineering geology profession for the Carolinas.
Wednesday Afternoon
Landslide Technology, A Division of Cornforth Consultants, Inc. Benjamin George, bgeorge@cornforthconsultants.com www.landslidetechnology.com Landslide Technology, a division of Cornforth Consultants, Inc., is a Portland-Oregon based consulting firm with 37 years of experience providing complex geotechnical and geological services for transportation and civil infrastructure projects. Areas of technical expertise include: landslide investigation and stabilization, rock slope engineering and rock mechanics, emergency response to sudden slope failures, geotechnical asset management (GAM) program development and implementation, and geotechnical instrumentation.
Thursday Afternoon and Friday Morning
McMillen Jacobs Associates Jamie Schick, Schick@mcmjac.com www.mcmjac.com McMillen Jacobs Associates specializes in delivering underground and water resources infrastructure, providing engineering geology and geotechnical engineering services as well as technical engineering design and construction expertise in the water, wastewater, transportation, transit, and energy/power industries. Offering a full range of design, design-build, self-performing construction, and construction management services, we work closely with our clients at every stage of a project, assisting them with planning, design expertise, project management, construction, start-up, and dispute resolution. Our 21 offices in North America and Australasia and more than 500 staff serve clients locally and worldwide.
engineers licensed to practice in the State of Colorado and 90 certified technicians. Since 1989, K+A has provided a variety of professional services for projects of various size, scope, and complexity. K+A serves markets throughout Colorado including Water & Natural Resources, Transportation, Commercial & Industrial, Healthcare, Residential & Mixed-Use, and Recreational.
Women in AEG/AWG Luncheon Pali Consulting Tim Blackwood, tim@pali-consulting.com https://pali-consulting.com/ Pali Consulting provides geotechnical services in the Pacific Northwest and the Hawaiian Islands. Our services include geologic hazard assessments, landslide and rockfall mitigation, geotechnical data and design reports, foundation and slope stabilization, forest practices geotechnical assessments, mse, boulder and gravity retaining wall design, foundation design and stabilization, and geotechnical forensics.
Steele and Associates, LLC Susan Steele Weir, steeleweir@aol.com 303-333-6071 Steele and Associates, LLC, is a small, woman-owned engineering geologic consulting firm providing peer review of dam and tunnel construction projects and consultation on slope stabilization projects.
Past President’s Luncheon John Williams
Exhibitor Luncheon Wednesday, September 22 12:00-1:30pm – Exhibit Hall
Friday Afternoon
Kumar & Associates, Inc. Robert Duran, rduran@kumarusa.com www.kumarusa.com Kumar & Associates, Inc. (K+A) is an employee-owned consulting engineering firm providing professional and technical services in the areas of geotechnical engineering, environmental sciences, and construction materials testing and observation, and third-party testing. Additionally, K+A provides specialty services in the areas of engineering geology, geotechnical design, falling weight deflectometer, on-site wastewater treatment systems, and environmental water treatment facilities. Our staff consists of over 140 professional engineers and geologists, environmental scientists, engineering technicians, and support personnel. Currently, we have 16 registered professional
September 2021
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
…a great way to connect with colleagues, gather information about innovations in the industry, and relax with friends old and new over a delicious meal.
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
2021 Technical Program Opening Session
Safe Yield, Sustainability, and Science
Wednesday, September 22, 8:00am–12:00pm
With growing populations, growing economies, climate change, and declining water levels, groundwater sustainability is once again becoming a focus of national and international attention. Interestingly, the earliest thoughts about how to best manage groundwater started with sustainable use through the introduction of the safe yield concept in 1915. The next 50 years involved an evolution of the definition of safe yield, constant confusion over what it was and wasn’t, and handwringing by engineers and scientists over the policy aspects of groundwater management decisions. While some governing bodies chose to manage their groundwater resources according to a presumed safe yield, many did not, resulting in groundwater mining and the resulting year-on-year water-level declines seen most famously in the Ogallala Aquifer of Texas’ Southern High Plains. At this point, the economists arrived to first justify draining aquifers and then, later, after adding nuances of externalities and broader societal needs, provide information for policymakers to make decisions. Beginning in the 1970s, scientists began to add environmental considerations to determinations of safe yield and, in the 1980s, with global sustainable development a focus of discussion and research, safe yield transitioned to sustainability with explicit considerations of the environment, future generations, and the long-term viability of water resources. Regardless, sustainable management of groundwater remains a political challenge, especially if current pumping far exceeds sustainable production. In Texas, I have identified four typologies of groundwater sustainability: 1) sustainability forced by the hydrogeology, 2) sustainability (indirectly) forced by law, 3) sustainability chosen by management districts (but facilitated due to lack of production), and 4) sustainability that appears politically impossible. Those districts that desire sustainability generally do not have rules that would achieve it if production began exceeding a sustainable yield, a complication caused by threats of takings lawsuits, previous permitted production amounts that do not correlate to land ownership, and the political difficulties in addressing these issues. In the end, outside of special cases, groundwater governance in Texas leads to the unsustainable production of groundwater.
Keynote Speaker – Robert Mace Robert Mace is the Executive Director and Chief Water Policy Officer at The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment and a Professor of Practice in the Department of Geography at Texas State University. Robert has over thirty years of experience in hydrology, hydrogeology, stakeholder processes, and water policy.
Keynote Speaker Robert Mace on the campus of Texas State
Before joining Texas State University in 2017, Robert worked at the Texas Water Development Board for eighteen years, ending his career there as the Deputy Executive Administrator for the Water Science & Conservation office. While at the Board, Robert worked on understanding groundwater and surface-water resources in Texas; advancing water conservation and innovative water technologies such as desalination, aquifer storage and recovery, reuse, and rainwater harvesting; regional and state water planning; and protecting Texans from floods. Prior to joining the Texas Water Development Board, Robert worked nine years at the Bureau of Economic Geology at The University of Texas at Austin as a hydrologist and research scientist. Robert has a BS in geophysics and an MS in hydrology from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology and a PhD in hydrogeology from The University of Texas at Austin. 30
Keynote Speaker – Carlos Aguilar Carlos F. Aguilar, PhD, serves as the President and CEO of Texas Central, a private, Texas-based company developing a high-speed passenger train that will connect North Texas and Houston. Dr. Aguilar brings the experience overseeing large-scale infrastructure projects that will be critical as Texas Central moves into the planning and building phases. He has more than 30 years’ understanding in combining multiparty negotiations and complex financing structures with the on-the-ground realities of engineering, construction management, and safety.
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING Before joining Texas Central, Dr. Aguilar served as a senior vice president at the global engineering company CH2M Hill, where he sat on its management committee and was chairman of the CCPP Project Consortium for the Ichthys LNG Facility. He formerly was president of BrightSource Construction Management and senior vice Keynote Speaker president at BrightSource Carlos Aguilar Energy, a developer of largescale solar thermal power plants. Dr. Aguilar led the development, engineering, procurement, and construction of the company’s portfolio of projects, including the development and construction of Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System, the largest solar thermal plant in the world. Dr. Aguilar spent twelve years with Bechtel Corp., where he held several leadership roles. His successes included overseeing the initial financing of the first five-year program for the $30 billion, 30-year project to upgrade the London Underground’s Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Northern Lines. Dr. Aguilar received a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, mechanical engineering and materials science from Duke University, a Master of Science degree and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in technological economics from the University of Stirling in Scotland. In addition to his role at Texas Central, Dr. Aguilar maintains a strong personal interest in sustainable development for the world’s poorest people, and serves on the board of Counterpart International, a global development organization.
High-Speed, Low-Impact Texas Central is the company undertaking the development, design, construction, finance, and operation of the innovative new high-speed passenger train line that will connect the fourth and fifth largest economies in the country—North Texas and Greater Houston—in less than 90 minutes, with one stop in the Brazos Valley. The Texas high-speed train will utilize nearly 10 million cubic yards of concrete – nearly three times the amount used to build the Hoover Dam. It will include three stations—one each in North Texas, Houston, and the Brazos Valley—plus train maintenance facilities to support routine upkeep of the system along the route. The train will also utilize nearly 1,100 miles of steel rail and more than 1.4 million concrete railroad ties. The current design of the system calls for more than 48 percent of the 240 miles of tracks to be elevated on viaducts in order to preserve access for landowners. Where viaducts are not feasible for elevation, the system will run elevated berms. Both options, however, allow for the design of large and conveniently located underpasses or overpasses. Though large in magnitude, the railroad will only require a small footprint similar to a typical two-lane farm-to-market road and will follow existing right-of-way to the maximum extent possible. September 2021
This project gives Texans what they have been demanding—the freedom of choice when moving between the state’s two largest regions. The Texas high-speed train is good for Texas, providing a safe, affordable, and productive transportation choice that advances the State’s economy and prepares us for future growth.
2020–21 AEG/GSA Richard H. Jahns Distinguished Lecturer – Cheryl Hapke Dr. Cheryl Hapke is a coastal geologist with more than twentyfive years of experience studying coastal evolution and coastal change processes in a variety of geomorphic settings. She received her PhD from the University of California Santa Cruz, a Master’s degree from the University of Maryland, and her BS in Geology from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Hapke worked for several decades with the U.S. Geological Survey as a research scientist, and now is a senior consultant in coastal resiliency with Integral Consulting. She also has an appointment as a research professor at the University of South Florida, College of Marine Science. Her current research focuses on coastal vulnerability and sea-level rise adaptation, developing new tools and approaches to evolve the science of coastal hazards. She has authored over eighty peer-reviewed papers, book chapters, and technical reports, and served as a subject matter expert on coastal change hazards to local, state, and federal agencies, and international groups.
Adaptation in a Changing World: From Covid to Coastal Resilience Cheryl Hapke, Integral Consulting 2020 was a year like no other, with no precedence for a newly awarded Jahn’s Distinguished Lecturer. However, while much of society was shut down, natural processes kept changing our coasts. 2020 was the most active hurricane season on record and the fifth most costly, highlighting the ever-growing need for coastal communities and facilities, and the natural Cheryl Hapke (left) with the City of South Padre Island Shoreline Director Kristina Boburka during a field assessment of the beaches and dunes
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
Figure 1. Results of a vulnerability assessment in this map showing sea level rise flood hazards and at-risk structures on Captiva Island, Florida
areas around them, to increase their resilience. Foundational to coastal resilience is the need to understand the geology and components of a coastal system and how the system has evolved and responded in the past. This understanding further requires us to develop and apply science-based models to forecast what is likely to happen in the future. Future impacts may be from slow, long-term processes such as flooding from rising seas, or rapid catastrophic events that cause severe erosion and destroy both the built and natural systems. The challenge is to determine the best adaptation strategies to support a resilient future. Being the Jahn’s Lecturer in 2020 also required developing an adaptation strategy. Instead of traveling to give lectures to local chapters and universities, the winter/spring 2021 lectures were all virtual. In addition, instead of beginning the lecture series in the Fall of 2020, the tenure was shifted to the 2021 calendar year with the hopes that in-person lectures would be possible by the Fall of 2021. Lecture topics ranged from coastal landslides and highway management along the Big Sur, California coast to developing a statewide coastal seafloor mapping program in Florida and the importance of that mapping to improved coastal resilience and adaptation. Between virtual lectures, studies were undertaken in two low-lying barrier island communities in the Gulf of Mexico to help understand vulnerabilities and risks, and to develop potential adaptation strategies: Captiva, Florida, and South Padre Island, Texas. Adaptation strategies in general fall into the categories of protect, accommodate, or relocate. They can range from green to gray; green strategies are actions such as habitat restoration or living shorelines, and gray strategies generally involve structures like seawalls or jetties.
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The community of Captiva needed to understand where and when their community infrastructure will face the hazards of future sea level rise. Because they have a regular beach nourishment program which protects the outer coast, their primary concern is with flooding on the bay side of the barrier island. We characterized the geomorphology of the barrier island, compiled data of the community assets, and developed models to show which areas of the island would flood in scenarios of 1, 2, and 4 feet of sea level rise. The modelling output was used to assess what assets, including houses, commercial buildings, roads, and critical infrastructure would be impacted under each scenario (Figure 1). Utilizing the results of the hazard and risk assessments, we developed a series of conceptual adaptation strategies for the bayside of the island. At South Padre Island, the focus is on the evolution of the ocean-facing beach and dune system. The City has a robust beach nourishment program and they needed to better understand what morphologies, such as dune height and beach width, will be the most resilient in the future. The study evaluates historical changes to the beach-dune morphology using a time series of twenty-five profiles spanning twenty-six years, and also included an on-site field assessment (photo on page 30). The results indicate that the northern section of the study area is substantially more vulnerable to flooding and erosion than the central and southern portions, and modelling is currently underway to evaluate future conditions. Dealing with future changes, whether they be issues of human health or coastal hazards, will require adaptation to create a more resilient world!
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
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September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
2021–22 AEG/GSA Richard H. Jahns Distinguished Lecturer – Richard M. Wooten, PG Richard (Rick) Wooten has over 40 years of experience in applied geology in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State and applied geologic research in the Piedmont and Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. He earned his BS and MS degrees in geology at the University of Georgia in 1973 and 1980. Rick recently retired from the North Carolina Geological Survey where he was the Senior Geologist for Geohazards and Engineering Geology from 1990 to 2021. His previous work includes mapping geologic resources and conditions for land-use planning, landslide investigations, and applied geotechnical geology for the USDAForest Service on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington State from 1980 to 1990. His work with the North Carolina Geological Survey includes the scientific regulatory review and field investigations for a low-level radioactive waste disposal project and bedrock geologic mapping in the Piedmont and Blue Ridge Mountains. Since 2003, his main focus has been on landslide hazard mapping and research and responding to landslide events North Carolina Blue Ridge. He has a special interest in the relationships of ductile and brittle bedrock structures with geomorphology and landslides processes and communicating landslide hazards information with stakeholders.
2018–20: Two Years, Eight Storms, 320+ Landslides, and an Earthquake (What does it mean, and what do we do now?) Rick’s presentation will highlight topics he will cover during in his Jahns’ lecture series. These themes include interconnecting geoscience, weather patterns, and history in landslide hazard studies: using drones and lidar in emergency landslide responses and hazard mapping, building multi-disciplinary partnerships in applied geology and research, and communicating with stakeholders about landslide hazards. He will explore these topics in the context of the North Carolina Geological Survey’s (NCGS) landslide response and landslide mapping efforts between 2018 and 2020. A two-year period of record above-normal rainfall that began in 2018 and continued September 2021
into 2020 resulted in a steady increase in landslide activity throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Eight extreme rainfall events related to low pressure systems, convective storms, and tropical cyclones triggered over 320 debris flows and debris slides, and cumulative rainfall over this period contributed to the reactivation of large, slow-moving landslides that continue to threaten property and regional infrastructure. This interval of increased landslide activity began abruptly on May 18, 2018, when an orographically enhanced, convective storm along the Blue Ridge Escarpment triggered at least 240 debris flows and debris slides that resulted in a fatality, destroyed homes, and severely damaged infrastructure. Shortly after this event, the North Carolina General Assembly reinstated funding for the NCGS landslide hazards program. During the course of rebuilding this program and concurrent countywide landslide mapping the NCGS responded to an additional eighty recent landslides. Notable among these was the August 24, 2019, convective storm in the Nantahala River Gorge that triggered at least thirty-two debris flows and debris slides, many originating in areas burned by the Ferebee wildfire during the record drought of 2016. This event caused more than $1M in damages with adverse impacts to local, state, and federal agencies, and to the local economy. Data on these and over 5,000 other landslides are now publicly available via a suite of online tools to examine landslide hazards in North Carolina. The August 9, 2020 Mw 5.1 earthquake near Sparta, North Carolina, caused over $15M in damages to buildings and other infrastructure. Ongoing collaborative investigations identified the first modern fault rupture directly attributed to recent seismicity in the Southeastern United States Ground surface ruptures along the newly discovered, ESE-trending Little River Fault parallel other linear topographic features crossing the southern Blue Ridge in locations linked to frequent landslide activity. The coincidence of new technology, the passage of National Landslide Preparedness Act and the ongoing impacts of extreme weather patterns linked to climate change present a compelling opportunity for the geoscience community to press forward in a coordinated effort to reduce losses from landslides. An essential part of meeting this challenge is building partnerships within and outside of the scientific community to increase public awareness of geologic hazards.
2021–22 Jahns Lecture Series Presentations • Debris Flows, Big Slow Movers, and Rocks Slides: Assembling the Geospatial Legacy of Landslides using Lidar, Drones, and Boots on the Ground • The Building and Upkeep of a Landslide Hazards Program: The Confluence (Collision?) of Science, History, Politics, and Public Opinion – A Blue Ridge Perspective on a National Challenge • Responding to Landslide Emergencies: Communicating with Stakeholders and the Feedback Loop of Preparation, Response, Analysis and Lessons Learned • Going Against the Grain: Linking Brittle Cross-Structures with Landslides, Hydrogeology, and Earthquakes in the North Carolina Blue Ridge and Piedmont
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
AEG Outstanding Environmental & Engineering Geologic Project Award
Mission Reach of the San Antonio River Walk Project Team: The San Antonio River Authority Bexar County, City of San Antonio, USACE, Jacobs, and Zachry Construction Corporation The Mission Reach of the San Antonio Riverwalk restored native habitats and added recreational amenities while maintaining the flood carrying capacity of the channel.
National and International Significance of the Project The San Antonio River Walk is world renowned for being lined with hotels, restaurants, and retail which plays host to large river parades that bring over 100,000 people to the river as well as small intimate gatherings like private weddings on Marriage Island. Prior to the pandemic, a recent economic impact study conservatively concluded that 11.5 million people visit the San Antonio River Walk annually, and those visitors stimulate an overall annual economic impact of $3.1 billion and support over 30,000 jobs. The River Walk began in the 1930s, and in 1998, Bexar County, the City of San Antonio, and the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) launched the San Antonio River 34
Improvements Project (SARIP) to expand on the success of the original river park. The SARIP included the innovative Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation Project (Mission Reach). In June 2008, construction began on the $271.4 million Mission Reach portion of the SARIP. The Mission Reach project is one of the largest urban ecosystem restoration projects in the nation and the first of its kind to be justified through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) ecosystem restoration cost-benefit process. The project was completed in October 2013. As the Mission Reach project restores the natural ecosystem of the river and provides new recreational benefits, it also reconnects the river to the historic Spanish Missions that relied on it hundreds of years ago. The San Antonio Missions were recognized in 2015 as a UNESCO World Heritage site,
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING the first such designation in Texas. The Mission Reach project was part of the nomination process and played an important role in the United Nations inscription process. Additionally, by helping to demonstrate that flood mitigation and urban ecosystem restoration can be successfully integrated, the Mission Reach was a significant reason for the San Antonio River being recognized as the winner of the 2017 Theiss International Riverprize, presented by the International RiverFoundation. The Riverprize is the world’s foremost award in river basin management. It recognizes and rewards organizations making waves in the sustainable management of the world’s rivers, whether at the grassroots or transboundary level. The prize rewards inspiring initiatives that demonstrate Integrated River Basin Management to restore and protect rivers, wetlands, lakes, and estuaries.
Project Description Some historical context must be provided to fully understand and appreciate the accomplishment of the Mission Reach project. Flooding has plagued the City of San Antonio for generations, including deadly flooding in 1913, 1914, 1921, and 1946. Following the devastating flood in 1946, the River Authority began working with the USACE to develop strategies that address flooding in and along the San Antonio River and its tributaries. In 1954, the U.S. Congress authorized the USACE to construct the San Antonio Channel Improvements Project (SACIP). Through the SACIP, the River Authority worked with the USACE on major realignment and channelization to 31 miles of
the San Antonio River and its tributaries. Two underground tunnels, one at the San Antonio River and the other at San Pedro Creek, also divert floodwaters from San Antonio’s central government and business districts. These improvements serve as the backbone for the community’s floodwater conveyance system and protected San Antonio from significant loss of life and property damage during other destructive storm events in 1998, 2002, 2013, and 2015. The channelization authorized by the SACIP straightened and widened the river south of downtown turning the river into a trapezoidal channel more akin to a drainage ditch than a river. The grass-lined channel was devoid of native vegetation, contained no woody vegetation, and had little riparian or aquatic habitat value. While the channelization worked for flood mitigation, by 1998 citizens were seeking to restore the San Antonio River to a more natural and native habitat. Therefore, the challenge of the Mission Reach project was to maintain, or improve, the flood carrying capacity of the river channel while implementing ecosystem restoration in an urban environment (See Figure 1.). Adding recreational elements to the project further complicated the project goals. The engineering design of the Mission Reach is intended to increase the quality, quantity, and diversity of native plants and animals along eight miles of the San Antonio River just south of the city’s urban downtown core (the City of San Antonio in the seventh largest city in the nation). The Mission Reach project includes the restoration of approximately 334 acres of riparian woodland habitat. This includes the planting over 10,000 pounds of native grass and
Figure 1. The care and management of water in the river channel was a major challenge during the five-year construction of the Mission Reach ecosystem restoration project.
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING engineering success story.) The native landscape of the Mission Reach looks wild rather than manicured. Grasses and wildflowers are allowed to grow to their natural heights rather than mowed. Boat traffic on the Mission Reach is limited to canoes and kayaks rather than barges. While it will take approximately 50 years for the entire ecosystem restoration process to fully mature, the project is already growing in well. The existing riverine habitat already provides a serene, natural landscape where visitors can enjoy the inherent beauty of the river, and it will only get better in time!
Environmental and Engineering Geologic Principles Applied Figure 2. Important aquatic features, such as riffles, were restored to the San Antonio River, and within a few short years, the habitat of the river is showing strong signs of improvement.
wildflower seeds of over 60 different species and close to 23,000 native trees and shrubs, including 40 different species. The Mission Reach project was designed to mimic the diversity and density of a naturally occurring riparian area that exists during drought and flood conditions. Trees were planted approximately two years after the completion of each phase of the Mission Reach to give time for the vegetation and grasses to become established. Previous flood management efforts had channelized the river and eliminated many of the features that allow for a diverse river ecosystem to thrive, but the Mission Reach helped to revitalize this incredible aquatic habitat. River restoration was accomplished by returning natural river features to 113 acres along the river and restoring two historic river remnants. Natural river elements, such as riffles, runs, pools, and embayments (oxbow lakes, wetlands, or natural backwater habitats) provide different types of habitat to maintain a native, diverse, and healthy aquatic ecosystem (See Figure 2.).
Improvements along the Mission Reach focused on ecosystem restoration using an engineering technique known as fluvial geomorphology, which is the study of the processes and pressures operating on river systems. This technique transformed the straightened river by adding sinuosity where possible while maintaining flood control, reducing erosion, re-introducing native vegetation, and creating an environment more suitable for recreation and wildlife. Hydraulic and Hydrology models were used to design the project. The engineering models were not only used for traditional floodplain mapping, but also to help identify where the optimum location to plant each of the over 23,000 trees along the river to ensure the proper conveyance of flood water while restoring the ecosystem to a more natural and native habitat (See Figure 3.)
• A riffle appears as shallow choppy water as it quickly bubbles over rocks. This action brings oxygen into the river for aquatic species and provides valuable habitat for insects and small fish. • A run is generally a larger area of average depth and velocity. Riffles and runs will lead to larger areas of deep, slow moving water called pools. • Pools provide an area for the sediment in a river to deposit and provide valuable habitat during times of low water where larger species of fish can reside. • Embayments form naturally as bends in the river become crescent-shaped bodies of still water. These areas provide habitat for plants and animals that do not thrive in the flowing water of the river, while also helping to process and filter floodwaters before they move into the river. The Mission Reach looks much different than the historic San Antonio River Walk and the Museum Reach area of the river north of downtown. (The Museum Reach is the other aspect of the overall SARIP that was initiated in 1998 and is also an 36
Figure 3. Engineering models identified four different vegetation zones with specific densities and placement locations for trees and shrubs to ensure proper flood conveyance in the main channel.
• There were several different engineering challenges faced when designing this project, including: • The USACE requirement to maintain or improve the current flood mitigation capacity of the river channel. • Reshaping the river to make it appear more natural by the excavation of 3.5 million cubic yards of earth.
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING • To maintaining slope stability as the river was reshaped, six different types of stabilization techniques were implemented to protect the project: - Temporary EC Blanket - Permanent EC Blanket - Stone Gabion Blanket - Riprap - Organic Compost Mulch - Cellular Confinement Mat • The implementation of grade control structures (e.g., wiers and riffles) during the process. • The restoration of meanders and two old river remnants. As the river was reshaped to better mimic the original flow, four different types of “Toe” techniques were used: - Vegetated Geogrid Toe - Coir Roll Toe - Rock Riprap Toe - Gabion Box Toe
Protection and Enhancement of the Environment The Mission Reach has two formal goals related to vegetation coverage and vegetation diversity which were agreed upon by the USACE and the River Authority. The Mission Reach will sustain coverage of native vegetation throughout at least 70% of the project area to maintain the stability of the San Antonio River, improve water quality through stream buffering, and create riparian habitat. Additionally, the project will maintain a diverse mix of native plants throughout at least 50% of the project to promote a diverse resilient riparian ecosystem. As of 2020, estimated native vegetation coverage is at 54.3% (70% is the target goal) and estimated diversity of native species distributed throughout the planted area is at 50%, which is hitting the target goal. (See Figure 5.) Figure 5. Since the Mission Reach project was completed in 2013, over 300 different species of native herbaceous and woody vegetation have been documented along the river.
• The restoration of riffle, run, pool habitat within the actual river channel. The riffle, run, pool sequence is incredibly important for aquatic health and therefore is an important feature of this project. Over 30 riffle structures were added back to the river. • Creating embayments (i.e., wetland or natural backwater type habitat) throughout the project. • Improving aquatic and riparian habitat along eight miles of the river. The engineering demands of this project were extraordinary as the goal of the project was to restore a native aquatic and riverine habitat all while maintaining (or improving where possible) the existing 1% annual chance (i.e., 100-year) floodplain. The project not only had to meet the rigorous specifications of the USACE, but also the high expectations of the local community who were deeply involved in this extremely visible, long-term public infrastructure project. Today, the average visitor to the project only sees a beautiful river and surrounding native habitat, and they are completely unaware of the intricate engineering that went into restoring the river and its habitat. (See Figure 4.) Figure 4. Today, visitors only see a beautiful river and surrounding native habitat, and they are unaware of the engineering design and construction that restored river.
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The Mission Reach restoration is less than a decade old, but the habitat is already demonstrating that ecosystem restoration can work in an urban environment. The project has also provided the River Authority with numerous opportunities for proactive studies and additional ecological restoration. The first initiative undertaken to restore a native population was the reintroduction of Guadalupe Bass. This endemic species has now spread all the way from San Antonio where it was re-introduced down to Goliad State Park, which is nearly 200 river miles away! The River Authority then conducted a three-year avian study which counted over 65,000 birds using the restored habitat, including over 205 different species. This included both residential bird species that live here all year round and migratory bird species that travel through the Americas using San Antonio as a rest stop. Some notable observations included an interior least tern, which is federally listed as endangered; Cassin’s kingbird, which is only the second record of this species in Bexar County; white-rumped sandpiper, which migrates 8,000 miles each way; and a bald eagle was recorded temporarily nesting in an area not too far from downtown. (See Figure 6.) The next study was conducted to determine if the aquatic habitat would be suitable for freshwater mussel species. The Mission Reach aquatic habitat, which is within an urban environment, has been determined healthy enough to support mussels, and beginning late 2021, River Authority staff will start the reintroduction of four freshwater mussel species into
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING habitat are increasing the numbers of native wildlife species allowing fishermen, birdwatchers, and other nature enthusiasts more opportunities to enjoy wildlife in an urban area. Other quality of life benefits related to these recreational access improvements are bit more difficult to quantify, but no less important to mention. These benefits include the improved health of area residents who now have access to safe, outdoor green space to recreate and the environmental lift brought about by the ecosystem restoration. (See Figure 7.)
Figure 6. Native Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks using an embayment (backwater) habitat, photographed early in the morning during a Mission Reach avian study.
the Mission Reach. The San Antonio River will be the first waterbody in the state to have an assemblage of mussels reintroduced. These organisms are ecologically and culturally relevant and were a food source for indigenous peoples. By reintroducing this filter feeding “Liver of the River,” the ecological foundation of this stretch will be bolstered. Finally, in 2015, the City of San Antonio was designated as the first Monarch Butterfly Champion City by the National Wildlife Foundation (NWF) for outstanding efforts to tend, foster, and honor these creatures. San Antonio is a crucial flyway for millions of Monarchs every spring and fall as they travel from Mexico, through the United States, and onto Canada (and back). The San Antonio community adopted all 24 NWF pledge suggestions—many of which were related to the Mission Reach—making San Antonio the first city in the nation to do so and moving the NWF to create this entirely new category for San Antonio to recognize this accomplishment.
Benefit to the Public In addition to the incredible environmental benefits, that were constructed to maintain or improve flood conveyance, the Mission Reach project has also provided economic and quality of life benefits to area residents as well. Economically, while the Mission Reach cost over $271 million to construct, over $600 million of new development has already been built along the project in less than a decade since its completion. Upwards of another $1 billion of development investment is anticipated to come to this area over the next ten years. This development is benefiting local property and sales tax collections, and most of this new development came to this section of the river because the public infrastructure investment in the Mission Reach served as a catalyst. From a quality-of-life perspective, the Mission Reach project increased recreation opportunities along the river connecting the economically successful downtown River Walk to a historically underserved area of the city. Over sixteen miles of hike and bike trails were installed for pedestrians and bicyclists to enjoy and close to eight miles of paddling trail is now available for canoes and kayaks. Improvements to aquatic and riparian 38
Figure 7. The Mission Reach has become a popular destination for locals and visitors to enjoy the restored native habitat along the San Antonio River.
Overall, Mission Reach usage is trending up, which is a good indicator that citizens are getting outside and utilizing the nature-based and cultural park resources. Additionally, the uncertainty brought about by COVID-19 has caused anxiety, impacted plans, and altered lives in one way or another. For many, the tranquility of the outdoors has provided an escape from the stress of the current times. More people have been seen enjoying a walk, run, bike ride, fishing, or paddle along the San Antonio River. Early in the pandemic, trail counters along the Mission Reach registered nearly 124,000 hits (April and May 2020). That equates to over 7,000 more users on the trails each week as compared to this same period in 2019, which is an 83% increase! Overall, in 2020, nearly 560,000 visitors were counted using the Mission Reach. COVID-19 has reminded us that our creeks, rivers, parks, and green spaces are woven into our life as places that we need for personal physical and mental wellbeing as well as our community’s economic strength.
Advancement of Public’s Understanding of Geology and Engineering Geology As mentioned, the Mission Reach’s ecosystem restoration is already establishing itself well, and the average visitor does not see or understand the level of engineering that was used to build this project. However, the state-of-the-art engineering that went into designing and construction the Mission Reach is not remaining “hidden.” The River Authority has hosted visitors from around the world who travel to San Antonio to learn about
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING the River Walk, and specifically the Mission Reach project. As cities around the world seek to restore their rivers, the Mission Reach project is serving as a national and international model for urban ecosystem restoration. In addition to hosting visitors from around the world, River Authority staff have presented information about the Mission Reach at global conferences, including: • The 2020, 2017, and 2014 International Riversymposium (multiple locations in Australia) • The 2020, 2018, 2015, and 2012 River Rally (multiple locations across the United States) • The 2019 Rivers and Mountains Conservancy Urban Rivers Summit (Los Angeles) • The (2018) 9th Wuxi International Sister Cities Forum, a trip that also had staff meeting with officials in Nanjing and Suzhou, China • The 2015 Mizbering World Conference in Osaka, Japan • The 2012 World River Forum in Deagu, South Korea • The 2012 World Canals Conference & World Canal Cities Expo in Yangzhou, China • The 2010 Joint Workshop of the Ministry of Environment & Forest and the World Bank titled Global Experiences in River Clean-Up and Basin Management—Relevance for the Ganga in New Delhi, India, a trip that also had staff meeting with officials in Chennai. Finally, River Authority educators use the Mission Reach to teach local school children about a variety of river and environmental related subjects. Pre-pandemic, the River Authority hosted 100 field trips per school year along the Mission Reach at Confluence Park, which was built to work with the environment by utilizing unique design principals that catch, collect, and use the rainwater that falls on the property. Confluence Park is also the place where River Authority educators inspire actions for healthy creeks and rivers through the interpretation of the park’s dynamic features and nature-based programming. Being adjacent to the Mission Reach, Confluence Park allows educators and students to walk along the banks of the river
Figure 8. River Authority staff provide Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) educational lessons along the Mission Reach.
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through part of the massive and scenic ecosystem restoration project. (See Figure 8.)
Enhancement of Local Cultural and Historical Understanding In 2015, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed the San Antonio Missions as a World Heritage Site thus recognizing their worldwide significance. Both the historical and cultural importance of the San Antonio River as well as the Mission Reach project were mentioned in the material supporting the World Heritage Status nomination. The adopted UNESCO Statement of Outstanding Universal Value acknowledges the five missions were selected based on their geographical and functional relationship in the San Antonio River Basin and that the San Antonio River continues to play an important role in connecting the missions and providing an essential buffer to help ensure the integrity of the San Antonio Missions World Heritage Site. When recreating along the hike and bike trail of the Mission Reach section of the San Antonio River Walk, visitors can use the “Mission Portals” to connect from the river to four of San Antonio’s World Heritage Mission Sites—Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. These connections feature historic and artistic interpretations of the story of the missions and highlight their social and cultural importance to the area. Project planners worked closely with the National Park Service to ensure that there was a seamless transition between the Mission Reach and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, which is now a World Heritage site. Visitors can now experience the rich history of the area, which reinforces the importance of the river to the missions and encourages visitors to circulate between the missions and the river.
Summary A beautiful, healthy river, breathtaking landscapes, grand artwork, and internationally recognized National Parks are just a snapshot the Mission Reach section of the San Antonio River Walk. By design, the Mission Reach looks much different than the historic San Antonio River Walk and the Museum Reach. The Mission Reach is a global example of urban ecosystem restoration. The fluvial geomorphic principles coupled with Hydraulic and Hydrology modeling helped the project achieve its high aims to restore the San Antonio River while maintaining flood control and reducing erosion. The project has improved the San Antonio River’s water quality, ecosystem function, and health. The result is a serene, natural landscape where visitors can enjoy the inherent beauty of the river unaware of the immense engineering that created the restored environment. (See Figure 9.) The AEG Outstanding Environmental & Engineering Geologic Project Award for the Mission Reach is an honor for the engineering and scientific staff of the San Antonio River Authority as well as from Bexar County, City of San Antonio, USACE, Jacobs, and Zachry Construction Corporation. The Mission Reach is an enormous collaborative effort, and all involved should be commended for their stellar accomplishment.
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
The Mission Reach project is a testament to sound scientific tenets and innovative engineering design.
Steven Schauer, Director of External Communications for the San Antonio River Authority, has been with the agency since January 2007. Schauer oversees the Government Affairs Department and Brand & Public Communications Department. His work includes developing and implementing the strategic direction for the agency’s communication and outreach activities, acting as the Authority’s spokesman, coordinating local, state, and federal legislative and policy agendas, and directing the educational outreach programs. He also manages the River Authority’s national and international relations. Under Schauer’s leadership, the River Authority has received over 75 professional awards and recognitions for the high-quality communication products produced by and/or for the agency. The River Authority’s reputation as an innovative and successful watershed management organization has grown significantly, both domestically and internationally, during his tenure. As a result, the agency regularly hosts domestic and foreign visitors; Schauer leads most of these interactions, which also includes opportunities to travel and present at global river conferences. At the invitation of the World Bank, Schauer traveled to New Delhi, India to present at the 2010 Joint Workshop of the Ministry of Environment & Forest and the World Bank titled Global Experiences in River Clean-Up and Basin Management – Relevance for the Ganga. During that trip, he also traveled to Chennai to meet with local officials regarding efforts to clean the Cooum River. Schauer was a presenter at the 2012 River Rally in Portland, Oregon, and the 2012 World River Forum in Deagu, South Korea. He was a Keynote Speaker at the 2012 World Canals Conference & World Canal Cities Expo in Yangzhou, China. In 2015, Schauer was a Keynote Speaker at the 40
Mizbering World Conference in Osaka, Japan. At the 2017 International RiverSymposium in Brisbane, Australia, Schauer was a speaker at the conference, and he had the honor of accepting the 2017 International Riverprize, which was awarded to the San Antonio River. In 2018, Schauer was a Keynote Speaker at the 9th Wuxi International Sister Cities Forum in Wuxi, China, a trip that also had him meeting with officials in Nanjing and Suzhou. Schauer was a presenter and panelist at the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy Urban Rivers Summit held in Los Angeles, California in 2019. During the 2020 International RiverSymposium, Schauer was asked by conference organizers, International RiverFoundation, to participate on two panels. Schauer has also served as the executive producer and cowriter of the River Authority’s award winning 75th anniversary documentary about the San Antonio River and executive producer and director of the award-winning documentary about the Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation Project. He was also the executive producer, writer, director, videographer, and editor of a film about paddling the San Antonio River from San Antonio to Seadrift—a 200+ mile paddling trip he had the immense pleasure of leading. Schauer has a Master of Public Affairs degree from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin (2001) and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Incarnate Word in San Antonio (1994). Schauer has represented the River Authority on numerous boards and committees, including serving on the board of the San Antonio River Walk Association and Hot Wells Conservancy and on the Visit San Antonio Tourism Committee.
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
Technical Program Schedule WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 – AFTERNOON Technical Session #1A
Coastal Hazards Symposium (Sponsored by AEG Carolinas Chapter) We know that Sea Level is rising. In some cases, Sea Level is rising at greater rates than predicted. As Geoscientists and Engineers, how are we involved? Over the coming years we will deal with these issues through an interaction of Scientists, Engineers, Planners, Educators, and the Public. The following presentations are just an initial sampling of many that will follow. AEG hopes to have more Coastal Hazard Symposia over the next few years, dealing with all coasts, and international impacts, and Coastal Hazards and Sea Level Resiliency will be a focus of the Annual Meeting in Philadelphia in 2024. However, this year we start with three presentations involving the US Gulf Coast.
Convener: Curt Schmidt
Room: Carranza
Time
Speaker
Title
2:00–2:20
Yi Liu
Sea Level Rise and Land Subsidence at Tide Gauge Galveston Pier 21, Texas
2:20–2:40
Claire Babineaux
Geospatial Assessment of Barrier Island Erosion Along the Northern Gulf Coast
2:40–3:00
Cheryl Hapke
Evaluating Resilience of the Beach-Dune System at South Padre Island, TX
Technical Session #1B
Case Studies and Investigation (Sponsored by AEG Carolinas Chapter) Moderator: Stephen Evans
Room: Carranza
Time
Speaker
Title
3:20–3:40
Michael Knight
Groundwater Use Changes in the Arizona and California Basin and Range: A Sustainability Examination
3:40–4:00
Dru Nielson
Bedrock Discontinuities and Glaciation Effects on Bridge Planning in Yosemite National Park, California
4:00–4:20
Stephen Evans
When an Investigation Takes a Left Turn (A Detective Story)
4:20–4:40
Mustafa Saribudak
Geophysical Imaging of Critical Zone of Trinity/Edwards Aquifer over Haby Fault of Balcones Fault Zones, Texas, USA
4:40–5:00
William L. Niemann
More Accurately Measuring Well Efficiency: A Step toward Better Design and Evaluation of Relief Wells
Technical Session #2
Tunneling Symposium (Sponsored by McMillen Jacobs Associates) Continuing our tunnel symposium series of “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants,” we dedicate this session to the late Dr. Ron Heuer who was slated to be this year’s keynote speaker. Our session will include a variety of topics regarding the impact of Engineering Geology on tunneling projects as well as case histories of such projects. Talks discuss tunneling in a wide variety of locations across the United States, methods for mapping, imaging, modeling, and assessment of ground and groundwater conditions and inflow. Several specific tunnel projects will also be discussed.
Conveners: Paul Headland, Ike Isaacson, and Michael Piepenburg
Room: Madero
Time
Speaker
Title
2:00–2:20
Eric Jordan
The NYCDEP Bypass Tunnel – A Triumph in Tunneling
2:20–3:00
Priscilla Nelson
Resilience and the Urban Underground
3:20–3:40
Jason Swartz
W-6 Upper Segment: Hwy 90 to SW Military Drive Sewer Tunnel Project
3:40–4:20
Matt Koziol
BCRUA Phase 2 Tunnel, Delivering Water through the Glen Rose Formation
4:20–4:40
Richard Escandon
Lessons Learned – Case Histories on How Not to Build a Tunnel
4:40–5:00
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Discussion
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Technical Session #3
GeoUAS (Drones) Symposium Data Acquisition and Processing Methods is the subject of AEG’s 2021 UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) Symposium. The use of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, aka Drones) is a rapidly advancing technology that allows for flying of various sensors (photogrammetric cameras, lidar, infrared, etc.) to capture important data sets for projects. The data, typically with survey control is processed by specialized software packages in ordered to produce three-dimensional models for project use (DTM-Digital Terrain Model, DEM4Digital Elevation Model, etc.) These models are very beneficial for project design, construction and monitoring. Various project types will be presented that detail data acquisition and processing methods, all in this half-day symposium of invited Speakers, Wednesday afternoon, September 22, 2021.
Convener: Paul Santi
Room: Villa
Time
Speaker
Title
2:00–2:40
Thomas Chen
Integrating High-Resolution UAV-Sourced Data in a Machine Learning Framework for River Monitoring
2:40–3:00
Andrew Graber
UAS-Based Monitoring of Rockfall in Glenwood Canyon, CO: Preliminary Result
3:20–4:00
Ethan Guzek
Improving Rockslope Stability Investigations Using UAV-Based 3D Modeling
4:00–4:40
Julia Yeakley
Using Drone Imagery to 3D Model and Aid in Remediation Design for an Emergency Landslip in Jefferson County, Ohio
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 – MORNING Technical Session #4
Dams and Levees Symposium – Risk-n-the-River, Part I (Sponsored by Schnabel Engineering) AEG’s Dams Technical Working Group is pleased to host the Dams and Levees Symposium at the 2021 Annual Meeting in San Antonio. The theme of this year’s symposium is “Risk-n-the-River” and will be presented in two parts. This session will lead off with a presentation on the history of Fontana Dam by Scott Walker from the Tennessee Valley Authority. Other speakers represent a combination of federal government agencies and private consultants, and topics include filter compatibility and internal stability, paleoflood analyses, geophysical studies, control of artesian pressures during drilling, block theory applied to scour in a rock spillway, ALARP (as low as reasonably practical) considerations, and lessons learned - sometimes the hard way.
Conveners: Thomas Terry and Holly Nichols Room: Carranza Time
Speaker
Title
8:00–8:40
Scott Walker
The Dam is Growing?!?: A Case History of Fontana Dam
8:40–9:00
Sampson Ash
Filter Compatibility and Internal Stability Evaluation of Three Dam Sites
9:00–9:20
Edwin Friend
20 Years of Lessons Learned – Looking Back on a Dam Rewarding Career
9:20–9:40
Gary Rogers
Control of Artesian Pressures When Drilling Dams and Levees
9:40–10:00
Trever Ensele
Thru-Dam Seismic Tomography: Leveraging Geophysical Techniques for Condition Assessment of a Thin-arch Concrete Dam
10:20–10:40
Bryan Freymuth
Field-based Paleoflood Analyses in a Travel-restricted World: Updates from the Guadalupe River, Comal County, Texas
10:40–11:00
Scott Lewis
Beardsley Afterbay Dam Maintenance Project – Using Data and Evaluations to Revise Designs (Presented by Andy Kositsky)
11:00–11:20
Thomas Terry
ALARP Design Considerations for Dams and Levees
11:20–11:40
Michael George
Application of the Block Theory Rock Erodibility Method to Evaluate Scour Potential and Risk at the Don Pedro Dam Emergency Spillway
WANTS YOUR MEETING PHOTOS! Please submit your BEST SHOTS of field trips, guest tours, technical sessions, social gatherings, and people just having fun. See page 3 for photo requirements. We also welcome REPORTS on the various field trips and other events for possible publication in the meeting summary in the Winter issue of AEG News. Submit photos to news@aegweb.org.
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AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
Technical Session #5
Evaluating Geologic and Seismic Hazards and the Potential Need for Hazard Mitigation Symposium, Part I (Sponsored by GeoEngineers) (Sponsored by Harris-Galveston Subsidence District) This symposium showcases practical examples illustrating how data were collected and analyzed to evaluate the presence or absence of geologic and seismic hazards in a variety of geologic and geographic settings for a broad range of natural hazards. Separate keynote presentations blend related practical examples and lessons learned with the evolutionary histories of the Senior Seismic Hazard Analysis Committee (SSHAC) process and the field of paleoseismology. Other presentations address application of the SSHAC process and parallel paleoseismic and volcanic hazard studies at existing nuclear power plant sites in Taiwan; surface-rupturing earthquakes in slow deforming regions in Peru, Ecuador, and France; geoenvironmental hazards and community growth into geohazard areas in Peru; flooding, debris flow history, and landslide dams in California; paleoseismic studies for characterizing large upper plate earthquakes in Washington and engineering of pipelines across active faults; potential seepage and internal erosion of karstic foundation units at a dam site in Tennessee; communicating with geotechnical and structural engineers about geologic and seismic hazards; geophysical mapping of the Mt. Bonnell Fault of the Balcones Fault Zone in Texas; the 1811–1812 New Madrid earthquakes; potential hazards for proposed nuclear power plant sites related to karst in Tennessee and faulting and reservoir induced seismicity in South Carolina; seismically induced shaking, liquefaction, and lateral spreading in California and New Zealand; volcanism and related hazards at Mt. Adams in Washington; landslides or other slope and rock face stability issues in Arizona, California, Colorado, Utah, and Washington; and implications for federal land management agencies due to the January 2021 National Landslide Hazards Act. If hazards that could pose an unacceptable risk to public health and safety and the environment were determined to exist, then the need for a mitigation plan is also evaluated for some examples. In examples where mitigation planning was not part of the evaluation, the presentations provide information related to data collection and analysis methods that have proven successful for systematic evaluation of geologic and seismic hazards and offer guidance on methods that may be applicable for similar evaluations at other locations.
Conveners: Mark Molinari
Room: Madero
Time
Speaker
Title
8:00–8:40
Kevin & Ryan Coppersmith
Lessons Learned from Implementation of the SSHAC Process over 25 Years of Hazard Studies
8:40–9:00
Jamie Schick
Mountain Tunnel Access Roadway Improvements
9:00–9:20
Edward Wellman
Thermal Imaging for Rockfall Detection
9:20–9:40
Francisco Gomez
Assessing Rock Face Instability with Ground-based Interferometric Radar: Application to Rock Faces in Eastern Utah
9:40–10:00
Kevin Clahan
Seismic and Volcanic Hazard Studies for SSHAC and PVHA Evaluations at Existing Nuclear Power Stations in Taiwan
10:20–10:40
Lynne Carpenter
The 2021 National Landslide Hazards Act and Implications for Federal Land Management Agencies
10:40–11:00
J. David Rogers
Landslide Dams and Historic Outbreak Flood Events, Community of Montecito, Southern Santa Barbara County, California (Presented By Larry Gurrola)
11:00–11:20
Larry Gurrola
Flood and Debris Flow History of the Montecito Watersheds, Santa Barbara County, California
11:20–11:40
Mark Molinari
Empirical Analysis and Development of Landslide Runout Equations for Glacial Strata in the Salish Lowlands, Washington
11:40–12:00
Isaac Pope
Revisiting the Forgotten Volcano: Volcanic History and Hazards of Mount Adams
Join AEG today!
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Interested in joining AEG? Any dues invoices paid on or after September 15th will cover the remainder of 2021 as well as all of 2022. Join today and get over three extra months of membership inlcuded. Visit our booth in the Registration Area or www.aegweb.org/join.
September 2021
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
Images from the Meeting’s Field Courses & Guest Tours clockwise from top left: Field Course 6 – Canyon Lake Gorge Field Course 4 – Karst Cave – Cave Without a Name Natural Bridges Cavern San Antonio River Improvements Project
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
Technical Session #6
Land Subsidence Symposium (Sponsored by Harris-Galveston Subsidence District) This symposium is the first AEG subsidence symposium on land subsidence since the Dr. Joseph F Poland Symposium at the 1995 AEG Annual Meeting in Sacramento, California. Speakers will discuss the causes, monitoring, infrastructure effects, remediation, management, and economic costs of subsidence induced by humankind. Subsidence caused by groundwater and hydrocarbon extraction, mining, hydrocompaction, and oxidation of organic materials often occur in the same location as subsidence resulting from natural causes such as sediment compaction and tectonics. Subsidence in coastal areas complicates the evaluation of sea-level rise. These coincident processes make the quantitative discernment of the individual processes contributing to subsidence difficult. Monitoring techniques such as interferometric analysis of space-based radar data, which have developed substantially in the decades since the Poland Symposium, aid this discernment by providing accurate changes in land surface elevation with high resolution over large regions.
Convener: James Borchers
Room: Villa
Time
Speaker
Title
8:00–8:40
Michael Turco
The Science and Policy of Groundwater Regulation: A Comprehensive Approach to Protecting the Houston Region from Land Subsidence
8:40–9:20
James Borchers
Infrastructure Damage from Land Subsidence in California
9:20-9:40
Matthew Lees
Linking Subsidence to Changes in Stored Water in California’s San Joaquin Valley
9:40–10:00
Brian Conway
Arizona Department of Water Resources Land Subsidence Monitoring Program Using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR)
10:20–10:40
Zhuping Sheng
Land Subsidence Caused by Groundwater Withdrawal and its Mtigation: Development of ASCE Standard Guidelines
10:40-11:00
Michael Byle
A 25-year History of Induced Sinkhole Development Due to Quarry Dewatering in Bucks County, Pennsylvania
11:00–11:20
Michael Carpenter
Continuous Monitoring of an Earth Fissure in Chino, California – A Management Tool
11:20-11:40
Feifei Qu
The Latest Rate, Extent, and Temporal Evolution of Ground Deformation over the Gulf Coast of United States by InSAR (Presented by Zhong Lu)
11:40–12:00
Joseph Hughes
Simulating Groundwater Pumpage Induced Land Subsidence using MODFLOW 6
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 – AFTERNOON Technical Session #7
Dams and Levees Symposium – Risk-n-the-River, Part II (Sponsored by Schnabel Engineering) AEG’s Dams Technical Working Group is pleased to host the Dams and Levees Symposium at the 2021 Annual Meeting in San Antonio. The theme of this year’s symposium is “Risk-n-the-River” will be presented in two parts. This session includes presenters from private consultants, federal and state government agencies, and academia. Topics include grouting, rock scour, 3D modeling, risk assessment, paleoflood investigations, tailings management, and site characterization.
Conveners: Edwin Friend and Hawkins Gagnon
Room: Carranza
Time
Speaker
Title
1:40–2:00
Hawkins Gagnon
Potential Failure Modes Analysis (PFMA) of the Beaver Falls Project in Ketchikan, Alaska
2:00–2:20
Caleb Ring
Rock Scour of the Unlined Lewisville Dam Spillway Channel: A Probabilistic Approach for Risk-Informed Design (Presented by Michael George)
2:20–2:40
Rebecca Martin
Consideration of Bedrock Characteristics in Estimating Grout Fill Volume: Historical Case Studies
2:40–3:00
David Burger
Levees of the Eden Landing Wildlife Preserve, Regional Benefits of Levee Characterization
3:20–3:40
Kevin Richards
Assessing Construction Risk of Proposed High Hazard Dam Modifications – a Case History at Red Rock Dam
3:40–4:00
Holly Nichols
Application of the Dam Site Exploration Framework for the Parish Camp Saddle Dam Raise – More Than Meets the Eye
4:00–4:20
Brian Irsch
Dam Grout Curtain Installation Made Easy with 3D Visual Modeling
4:20–4:40
Justin Pearce
Litho-mineralogic Analyses Applied to Paleoflood Investigations for Dam Safety Risk Assessments (Presented by Bryan Freymuth)
4:40–5:00
Pricilla Nelson
The Future of Tailings Management
Annual Meeting WIFI Code: aeg2021 44
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
Technical Session #8
Environmental Symposium – 1,4 Dioxane (Sponsored by Bryan Environmental) 1,4-Dioxane——the Emerging Contaminant found in shampoo, flea and tick spray, deicing and fracking fluids, and in pesticides applied to food crops—— is the subject of AEG’s 2021 Environmental Symposium. 1,4-Dioxane contamination of groundwater, and drinking water, has become a nationwide problem of vast proportions. Dioxane (DXA) is found at the leading edge of multicontaminant plumes, and has been identified at many Superfund, government, military and industrial sites. The origin of Dioxane (DXA), its extensive spread, and its emerging impacts, will be explored, as well as the EPA regulatory approach to date. The citizens’ actions on Long Island will be highlighted, that resulted in New York State passing the strictest drinking water standard for dioxane in the nation. Remedial technologies that can treat Dioxane down to non-detect levels will be reviewed, and an innovative new bio-tech filter that reduces Dioxane in septic system discharge will be presented, all in this half-day symposium of invited Speakers, Thursday afternoon, September 23, 2021.
Conveners: Patricia Bryan and David Ebinger
Room: Villa
Time
Speaker
Title
1:40–2:20
Joan Smyth
Keynote: 1,4 Dioxane – In Consumer Products, Landfill Leachate, and Surface Water
2:20–2:40
Kyla Bennett
Just Because It’s Legal Doesn’t Mean It’s Safe: The Case of 1,4-Dioxane
2:40–3:00
Adrienne Esposito
Long Island Citizens React to Nation’s Highest Levels of Dioxane in Drinking Water Wells
3:20–3:40
Gary Smith
1,4-Dioxane in Groundwater: Emerging Contaminant Concerns
3:40–4:00
Gary Smith
1,4-Dioxane in Groundwater: A Worldwide Technology Survey
4:00–4:20
Arjun Venkatesan
Innovative and Alternative Treatment Technologies to Mitigate 1,4-Dioxane
4:20–4:40
Discussion
Technical Session #9
Evaluating Geologic and Seismic Hazards and the Potential Need for Hazard Mitigation Symposium, Part II (Sponsored by Collier Geophysics) Conveners: Mark Molinari and Paul Santi
Room: Madero
Time
Speaker
Title
1:40–2:00
Cassidy Grady
Remote Geoenvironmental Hazard Mapping in the Arequipa Region of Peru
2:00–2:20
Brook Eberle
Quantitative Analysis of Community Growth into Geohazard Areas in the Arequipa Region of Peru (Presented by Paul Santi)
2:20–2:40
Matthew Huebner
Characterizing Potential for Seepage and Internal Erosion on Karst Foundation using a Holistic, Data-Based Approach
2:40–3:00
Janet Sowers
Assessing Karst Hazards at a Proposed Nuclear Power Site in Tennessee
3:20–3:40
Mustafa Saribudak
Geophysical Mapping of Mt. Bonnell Fault of Balcones Fault Zone, Central Texas
3:40–4:00
Phyllis Steckel
The 1811–1812 New Madrid Earthquakes: Then & Now
4:00–4:20
Zane White
Projected Climate Change Effects on Post-wildfire Debris Flow Parameters and Runout – 2017 Thomas Fire Area, California
4:20–4:40
Zack Westgate
Glauconitic Sand: A New Geohazard for Offshore Wind?
4:40–5:00
Courtney Johnson
Communicating Geologic and Seismic Hazards with Geotechnical and Structural Engineers
WANTS YOUR MEETING PHOTOS! Please submit your BEST SHOTS of field trips, guest tours, technical sessions, social gatherings, and people just having fun. SEE PAGE 3 FOR PHOTO REQUIREMENTS.
Claire Godwin at tidepools at Pt Lobos State Reserve—an example of Carmelo Formation sandstone.
We also welcome REPORTS on the various field trips and other events for possible publication in the meeting summary in the Winter issue of AEG News. Submit shots to news@aegweb.org.
September 2021
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 – MORNING Technical Session #10
Landslides Symposium – Line ‘em up but don’t knock ‘em down! Landslide Investigation and Mitigation for Linear Infrastructure Projects, Part I (Sponsored by DiGioia Gray & Associates) Landslide Symposium (Parts I and II): A one-day topical symposium on landslide hazard management with a focus on linear infrastructure and multi-region studies. Topics include landslide hazard and risk management programs, mitigation and monitoring case studies, and regional landslide susceptibility assessment.
Convener: Chandan Kumar
Room: Carranza
Time
Speaker
Title
8:00–8:40
April Fontaine
Keynote: USACE Implementation of the Landslide Preparedness Act and A Case for Managing Landslides and Other Slope Stability Hazards with a Risk-Based Portfolio Approach
8:40–9:00
Jennifer Bauer
Unstable Slope Management Program – Implementation along the Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina, Part 1
9:00–9:20
Brian Banks
Unstable Slope Management Program – Implementation along the Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina, Part 2
9:20–9:40
Scott Embry
Keep America Moving – Innovations in Landslide Investigation and Mitigation Affecting America’s Transportation System
9:40–10:00
Matthew Morris
Pennsylvania State Route 26 – Emergency Landslide Mitigation
10:20–10:40
William Gates
Emergency Response and Mitigation for a Sequential Rockslide on US-95 near Riggins, Idaho, July 2020 (Presented by James Struthers)
10:40–11:00
James Arthurs
Characterization of Weathered Granite (Grus) for Retaining Wall Design, Mineral King Road, Sequoia National Park
11:00–11:20
Jennifer Bauer
Waking the Sleeping Giant: Historic Reactivation of Inactive, Dormant Landslides
11:20–11:40
Phil Sirles
Seismic and Electrical 3D Geophysical Imaging for Landslide Remediation Wolf Creek Pass, Colorado
11:40–12:00
Presty Paulose
Practical Applications of Time Domain Reflectometry for Landslide and Slope Monitoring
Technical Session #11
Evaluating Geologic and Seismic Hazards and the Potential Need for Hazard Mitigation Symposium, Part III (Sponsored by GeoVision) Convener: Mark Molinari and Issac Pope
Room: Madero
Time
Speaker
Title
8:00–8:40
James McCalpin
50 Years of Paleoseismology
8:40–9:00
Brian Sherrod
Recurrence of Large Upper Plate Earthquakes in the Salish Lowland, Washington State
9:00–9:20
Mustafa Saribudak
Subsurface Structure of Pilot Knob Submarine Volcano (Austin, Texas) Imaged Using Resistivity and Magnetic Methods
9:20–9:40
Joanna Redwine
Paleoseismic Study of the Gales Creek Fault, Oregon
9:40–10:00
James Sanders
Highly Variable Subsurface Conditions at the New SDSU Mission Valley Campus & Football Stadium Site, San Diego, California
10:20–10:40
Ellen Rathje
Geotechnical and Geologic Investigations to Support Evaluations of Liquefaction-Induced Lateral Spreading
10:40–11:00
Katerina Ziotopoulou
Lateral Spreading in Balboa Boulevard (1994 Northridge): Suspected Mechanisms, Data, and Predictive Capabilities
11:00–11:20
Kristin Ulmer
Addressing Uncertainty Through an Open, Collaborative Database of Liquefaction Case Histories
11:20–11:40
Hamed Tohidi
Evaluation of Non-liquefiable Soil Layer Impact on Liquefaction Surface Manifestation in Dyer County, Tennessee
11:40–12:00
Gerry Stirewalt
Evaluating Potential Hazards from Faulting and Induced Seismicity at the US NRC for a Proposed Nuclear Power Plant Site
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AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
Technical Session #12
From Words to Action: Doing More than Talk about Diversity in the Geosciences (Sponsored by Deborah Green) Join us for a symposium featuring speakers who are pioneers in representing diversity in our industry and others who will talk about ways they have embraced diversity in their company or organization. Our speakers will provide tips for including diversity in interview panels, stories about how embracing diverse backgrounds has improved the breadth and quality of leaders, and how establishing groups to call attention to supporting diverse backgrounds has led to employee longevity. Finally, we’ll discuss how AEG can do better for our association and promote the recognition and appreciation of diversity in the geosciences at the university and professional levels. Come with your questions for our speakers—our last 40 minutes will be a forum-style question and answer session.
Convener: Sarah Kalika
Room: Villa
Time
Speaker
Title
8:00–8:20
Sarah Kalika and Jennifer Bauer
Intro/Background on the DEIC
8:20–8:40
Deborah Green
You Don’t Look Like a Geologist—Why are the Geosciences the Least Diverse of the STEM Fields?
8:40–9:00
Sarah Kalika
Let’s Get Real—Stories from Women in the Geoscience Workplace, Listening to Learn, and Adapting to Cultural Changes without Shutting out Folks Who Aren’t There Yet
9:00–9:20
Minda Moe
What to Look for in an Inclusive Company
9:20–9:40
Scott Walker
Neurodiversity: Challenges and Advantages of Autism in the Technical Workplace
9:40–10:00
Q&A Mini-Panel
10:20–10:40
Masai Lawson
Equity and Inclusion as a Business Imperative: How One Firm Created Change from Within
10:40–11:00
Holly Nichols
Changing the Bureaucracy – Advances in the California Department of Water Resources’ DEI Culture and Policy
11:00–11:20
Danielle Wyrick
To Boldly Go: Field Notes on Diversity in Planetary Science
11:20–12:00
Panel
Panel - Vanessa Bateman, Georgette Hlepas, Kenneth Darko- Kagya and Other Speakers
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 – AFTERNOON Technical Session #13
Landslides Symposium – Line ‘em up but don’t knock ‘em down! – Landslide Investigation and Mitigation for Linear Infrastructure Projects, Part II Convener: Chandan Kumar
Room: Carranza
Time
Speaker
Title
1:00–1:20
Lauren Herbert
Controls on Debris Flow Avulsions: White Mountains of California and Nevada
1:20–1:40
George Freitag
103 Years of Debris Flows, Dodson, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
1:40–2:00
Chandan Kumar
Landslide Susceptibility Prediction in Arid-Mountainous Terrain Using Machine and Deep Learning Models
2:00–2:20
Thomas Oommen
Comparing the Scoop3D and the GIS-TISSA Models for Slope Stability Analysis in Idukki, Kerala, India
COMMUNICATING
WORDS IMAGES
Andrea Leigh Ptak writing • editing • design • production • project mgmt. Specializing in publications and assisting authors with all aspects of self-publishing. Contact me for a FREE half-hour consultation. Seattle, WA • office: 206-725-9169 • cell: 206-300-2067 andrealeighptak@me.com • www.andrealeighptak.com
September 2021
Index to Advertisers Advertiser AEG 2022 Annual Meeting–Las Vegas
Page Inside Front Cover
AEG 2023 Annual Meeting–Portland, Oregon
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AEG Corporate Sponsors
48
AEG USSD Isobar Science University of Arizona University of Mississippi
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
92–93 49 Back Cover 49
47
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
Technical Session #14
Geophysics (Sponsored by Collier Geophysics, LLC) Moderator: Kate McKinley
Room: Madero
Time
Speaker
Title
1:00–1:20
Eric Cross
The Use of Seismic Shear Wave Testing to Supplement Geotechnical Drilling - Analysis of Rock Depth and Integrity Along a Proposed Light Rail Alignment
1:20–1:40
Gary Norris
Shallow Foundation Load-Settlement Behavior Assessed from Surface Geophysical Data
1:40–2:00
Kate McKinley
The Challenges of Large Scale Terrain Conductivity Mapping and Inversion for Shallow Bedrock Determination
2:00–2:20
Sebastian Goodfellow
Regional Stress Estimation Method using Acoustic Televiewer Data (Presented by McLain Pray)
2:20–2:40
Phil Sirles
3D Geophysical Investigations to Evaluate Risk at Karstic Wind Turbine Foundation Sites
2:40–3:00
Doug Laymon
Imaging and Mapping of Karst Features in Central Texas Using Geophysical Methods
Technical Session #15
Environmental Topics (Sponsored by University of Pennsylvania) Moderator: Sarah Kalika Room: Villa Time
Speaker
Title
1:00–1:20
Kevin Finneran
Rendered Animal Co-Products as Electron Donors for Subsurface Remediation
1:20–1:40
Sarah Kalika
Using Elevated Concentrations of Chromium and Nickel as an Indicator for the Presence of Chrysotile Asbestos in Serpentinite Rock Units
1:40–2:00
James Struthers
Emergency Response and Navigating Naturally Occurring Asbestos - Rockslide Mitigation on US-95 near Riggins, Idaho
2:00–2:20
Wayne Isphoring
Extinction is Forever! A Further Reason for Strict Control of Industrial Fly Ash and Power Plant Discharge Products
2:20–2:40
Kathryn Murdock
Pyrite and Construction: Evaluating Pre- and Post-Failure
e t a r o p r o C Sponsors 2021 Kilimanjaro
Kilauea Collier Geophysics, LLC Phil Sirles, phil@collierconsulting.com 7711 W 6th Ave., Suite G Lakewood, CO 80214 720-487-9200 https://colliergeophysics.com/
The University of Arizona College of Engineering (888) 658-2042 1209 East 2nd St., Room 100 Tucson, AZ 85721 onlineengineering@arizona.edu https://online.engineering.arizona.edu/online-eng-mining/
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Lettis Consultants International, Inc. Earth Science Consultants Ion Bazgan, bazgan@lettisci.com 1981 N. Broadway, Suite 330 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (925) 482-0360 http://www.lettisci.com/
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
Poster Sessions (See each poster for their available schedule. Schedule changes can be found in the Mobile App.)
Vote for Your Favorite Poster! We will once again be holding a student poster competition. There will be three cash prizes ($200, $100, and $50) for the top three vote recipients of the poster sessions. Voting will be conducted exclusively through the Mobile App, so bring your mobile device to vote for your favorite. Winners will be awarded at the Poster Reception on Thursday evening.
Wednesday, September 22 & Thursday, September 23 – 8:00am–4:00pm Speaker
Title
Altuntas, Gozde
Refining the Estimate of Slip Rate and Earthquake Potential of the Owl Lake Fault (Eastern California) Using Data and Dating of Faulted Landforms
Asare-Adjei, Henry
Evaluating the Engineering Properties of Coarse Aggregates
Cohen-Waeber, Julien
IAEG Congress Update: How AEG Ranks and Why Membership is so Valuable
Elliott, Bill
Coyote Flat Landslide an Alternative Interpretation for the Coyote Warp
Foran, Jack
Choosing the Appropriate Method to Predict Volume for Non-fire Related Debris Flows
Gomez, Francisco
Use of Low-Altitude Aerial Photogrammetry for Neotectonic and Geomorphic Investigations: Mapping, Morphometry, and Landform Modeling
Kim, Yebin
GIS-Based Analysis of Deforestation near Seongheung Mine in North Korea
Pope, Isaac
Lidar Analysis of Sector Collapses and Lahar Paths at Mount Adams
Potter, Michael
Active Faulting in the South Granite Mountains Fault Zone: Reactivated Compressional Faults Vs. Extensional Overprinting
Poster Reception
Thursday 5:00–7:00pm in the Navarro Foyer Sponsored by Enviro-Equipment
Cash Bar. Each Full, Thursday One-day, and Student Registration receives one drink ticket.
IS HIRING!
Assistant/Associate Professor in Geological Engineering The University of Mississippi invites applications and nominations for a tenuretrack faculty position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor in Geological Engineering. The area of teaching and research expertise is open but should supplement our existing areas of expertise. Contact Dr. Robert Holt, search committee chair, or visit for more information.
September 2021
Professional Strontium Isotope Analysis & Geochemical Fingerprinting Services
https://isobarscience.com/ AEG NEWS WANTS YOUR MEETING PHOTOS! Please submit your BEST SHOTS of field trips, guest tours, technical sessions, social gatherings, and folks having fun to news@aegweb.org. See page 3 for photo requirements. We also welcome REPORTS on the various field trips and other events for possible publication in the meeting summary in the Winter issue of AEG News.
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
49
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
Special Event–Tickets Still Available! Evening on the Paseo del Rio (River Walk) Wednesday, September 22, 6:30–9:00pm $130/person Join us for an evening on the beautiful San Antonio River. We will begin at dusk with a cruise on the river in open-air barges. Enjoy cocktails and other beverages for a relaxing hour as the lights along the River Walk begin to sparkle.
There is no official dress code, but we recommend dressy casual to semi-formal attire in keeping with the venue’s setting. As always, layers are recommended— though the river cruise will be warm, the venue is, of course, air conditioned.
The barges will drop us off right at the Briscoe Western Art Museum where we will then enjoy nouvelle Mexican cuisine in The River View Room, situated on the first floor of the museum’s Jack Guenther Pavilion. The pavilion brings together exquisite modern architecture—luscious white oak paneling and rich earth tones—an idyllic location, and floorto-ceiling windows offering stunning vistas and unparalleled views of the River Walk. Its attached patio with waterfall cascading into the river creates an outdoor setting that is sure to delight.
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AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
Abstracts Refining the Estimate of Slip Rate and Earthquake Potential of the Owl Lake Fault (Eastern California) Using Data and Dating of Faulted Landforms
Evaluating the Engineering Properties of Coarse Aggregates
Altuntas, Gozde, University of Missouri Columbia, gozdesengez@gmail.com; Sean Polun, polunsg@missouri.edu; Francisco Gomez, fgomez@missouri.edu (Poster)
Ghana is developing rapidly in infrastructure such as roads, buildings, and other construction works. The developments of these infrastructures generate a high demand for construction materials such as quarry products of which aggregates are a major component. The quality of aggregates used in the construction of any civil engineering structure affects its general structural performance and integrity. Hence, the objective of the study was to evaluate the engineering properties of aggregates produced by KAS Product Limited, a major producer of aggregates in the country, to ascertain their suitability for use in construction works. Aggregates of size range 16mm to 10mm were collected from the quarry and subjected to various physical and strength tests such as: Water Absorption, Specific Gravity, Flakiness Index, Elongation Index, Aggregate Impact Value, Aggregate Crushing, Ten Percent Fines, and Los Angeles Abrasion Value Tests. The mean values obtained for the Specific Gravity, Water Absorption, Elongation Index, and Flakiness Index tests were 2.8%, 0.67%, 30.24%, 9.62% respectively showing that the aggregates were generally strong and workable. Mean values of 9.33%, 29.58%, and 20.36% were obtained for Aggregates Impact Value, Los Angeles Abrasive and Aggregate Crushing Value tests respectively, indicating the aggregates could resist gradual, impact loading as well as wearing. The results of the tests indicate that aggregates produced by KAS Products Limited, are suitable for use in concrete and road works according to the British standard (BS), Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard specifications for such purposes.
The Owl Lake Fault is an active, ~25-km-long, left-lateral strike-slip fault that splays NE from the Garlock Fault in eastern California and transfers regional strain to the fault systems in Death Valley. As an active fault, the Owl Lake Fault is a poorly understood link between the extension of Death Valley and other active faults within Mojave Desert. A significant limitation on the understanding of the Owl Lake Fault’s role in this regional tectonic framework is the wide range of estimates on its slip rate, which range from 0.5 to 7.8 mm/yr. Constraining the slip rate will provide key information on this tectonic linkage. Improved understanding of the Owl Lake Fault as a seismogenic structure has direct implication for the assessment of the earthquake hazard in Eastern California. The study provides new insight on the slip rate and seismogenic behavior of the Owl Lake Fault through the analysis of high-resolution topographic data (lidar and low-altitude photogrammetry) and new age constraints. Airborne lidar data (approximately 10 points/m2) enable detailed mapping of the Owl Lake Fault and measurement of multiple large offsets. Additionally, the Owl Lake Fault kinematics change from predominantly strike-slip in the SW to a combination of strike-slip and normal faulting in the NE, associated with strike changes in fault geometry. Subsequent to lidar mapping, field work facilitated the ground-truth verification of initial mapping as well as more precise measurements of small fault offsets using kinematic GPS and low-altitude photogrammetry. Additionally, sample material has been collected for dating faulted landforms using terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide concentrations. The detailed, local “microtopography” permits assessing the smallest offsets (75–100 cm) which are interpreted as reflecting the last coseismic offset.
Characterization of Weathered Granite (Grus) for Retaining Wall Design, Mineral King Road, Sequoia National Park Arthurs, James, FHWA - Central Federal Lands, james.arthurs@dot.gov (TS #10) The Mineral King Road in Sequoia National Park provides the only vehicular access to the southern portion of the park. The road was originally constructed in 1873 to access silver claims and was gradually improved during the 20th century, with is present route being finalized in a 1915 reconstruction. The road is narrow, with steep grades and tight curves, and crosses terrain underlain by granite and grus. Grus, or decomposed granite, is a common weathered bedrock in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The grus material behaves like a highly angular, consolidated sand, especially where it is confined. Where grus is unconfined, such as in a roadcut, grains of material can be removed by hand and the grus is easily eroded. At several locations along the route, roadside drainage culverts caused severe erosion of the grus and undermining of the roadway. As part of a project to rehabilitate the roadway, retaining walls are proposed to stabilize and protect the undermined areas. Appropriate characterization of the grus for wall design was critical, and included in situ and laboratory testing, and stability evaluation of the existing slopes on the project. Following this careful characterization, retaining wall analysis and design was performed using typical methods.
September 2021
Asare-Adjei, Henry, CSIR-BRRI, Ghana, henryasareadjei@gmail.com; Juanita Selina Nkuah, jsnkuah@gmail.com (Poster)
Filter Compatibility and Internal Stability Evaluations at Three Dam Sites Ash, Sampson, Schnabel Engineering, sash@schnabel-eng.com; Zachary Ostrum, zostrum@schnabel-eng.com; Gary Rogers, grogers@schnabel-eng.com; Jonathan Harris, jharris@schnabel-eng.com (TS #4) Filter compatibility and internal stability were evaluated in three embankment dams constructed of rock and earthfill. Internal erosion is one the most common causes of failure for embankment dams and accounts for about half of total failures where mode of failure is known. Filter compatibility and internal stability is assessed quantitatively using geotechnical index testing, and qualitatively using construction history and geologic site conditions. The evaluations were used to inform risk analyses at the three dams. Filter compatibility evaluations are used to characterize the ability of embankment zones to filter material from adjacent or upstream zones. Several standardsbased filter evaluation methods are available. For the purposes of evaluating the three embankment dams, the Foster and Fell method (2001) was selected due to its applicability to existing dams, and suitability for use in risk assessments. Internal Stability evaluations are used to assess whether the in-situ material exhibits sufficiently wide ranges of particles sizes such that finer soil particles could migrate through the voids of coarser particles. Two different methods were used to identify two different types of internally unstable soils, the Wan and Fell method (2008) identifies potentially unstable broadly graded soils, and the USBR/Sherard (1979) identifies potentially unstable gap-graded soils. Spreadsheets were developed to quantitatively evaluate conditions using each of the methods described
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING above. Qualitative factors were considered during the evaluations of the three dams including construction history, construction methods, construction materials, and geologic foundation materials. Factors such as use of crushed rock versus rounded quartz sand for filters, or removal of cobble and boulders from samples prior to laboratory testing were important considerations for how the evaluations were performed and interpreted.
Geospatial Assessment of Barrier Island Erosion Along the Northern Gulf Coast Babineaux, Claire, Northern Gulf Institute, Mississippi State University, ceb445@msstate.edu; Randall McMillen, randall@gri.msstate.edu; John Cartwright, johnc@gri.msstate.edu (TS #1A) Geospatial technologies are often utilized for the assessment of areas that are prone to various types of natural hazards. Coastal hazards, such as erosion and flooding, are common issues for the coastline of the United States. Rising sea levels and the increasing frequency and intensity of tropical storm systems are amplifying these issues. Government agencies (federal, state, and local) utilize many management techniques for coastal and barrier island environments. Research funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration at Mississippi State University is mapping the shorelines of Mississippi’s barrier islands with high resolution DEMs. The DEMs were derived from lidar data sets from 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2019 with a maximum point spacing of one meter. The shoreline was mapped based on the zero-elevation value of each raster dataset and extracted to vector feature classes for further analysis. The delineated shorelines were then entered into the Digital Shoreline Analysis System v5.0 software developed by the U.S. Geological Survey to perform shoreline change analysis and calculate rate-of-change statistics.
Unstable Slope Management Program – Implementation along the Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina, Part 2 Banks, Brian, Schnabel Engineering, bbanks@schnabel-eng.com; Jason Holland, jholland@schnabel-eng.com; Majed Abdelhadi, majed.abdelhadi@dot.gov; Jennifer Bauer, jennifer@appalachianlandslide.com; Andrew Bain, Andrew.bain@wsp.com (TS #10) The Unstable Slope Management Program (USMP), developed by FHWA in 2019, is in its early stages of implementation. The program provides a framework to rank the hazards and risks associated with unstable slopes along roads and trails as part of a proactive geotechnical risk management strategy. As more fully described in Part 1 of this presentation, a consultant team implemented the USMP to inventory unstable slopes along 71 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway in western North Carolina. This project was a first of its kind conducted by the Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division (EFLHD) on behalf of the National Park Service (NPS). In our presentation we will discuss the experience gained on this large-scale implementation of the USMP by a consultant team that resulted in a number of lessons learned and suggested best practices including schedule and resource expectations, safety protocols, experienced personnel, GIS and lidar usage, maintenance history, field equipment, and quality control. For example, the consultant team relied on the expertise of geologists and engineers with experience in recognizing and evaluating slope instability issues. We believe this ultimately led to a comprehensive unstable slope inventory as well as accurate relative ratings among the field teams. These personnel were able to use their experience to apply the project-specific slope selection criteria, which was in large part based on field evidence of slope instability. As a next step, EFLHD will proactively pursue risk mitigation strategies for the locations with the 52
highest ratings. They will develop design concepts and comparative cost estimates to allow them to prioritize slopes to receive mitigation based on cost-benefit analysis. In this way, the USMP is the first step for EFLHD and NPS to take a proactive approach in managing its slope assets, reducing the maintenance burden, and ultimately increasing safety for park visitors.
Waking the Sleeping Giant: Historic Reactivation of Inactive, Dormant Landslides Bauer, Jennifer, Appalachian Landslide Consultants, PLLC, jennifer@appalachianlandslide.com; Stephen Fuemmeler, stephen@appalachianlandslide.com; Philip Prince, philip@appalachianlandslide.com; Kenneth Gillon, ken@appalachianlandslide.com; Aras Mann, aras@appalachianlandslide.com; Rebecca Latham, latham@appalachianlandslide.com (TS #10) Prior to the availability of QL1 lidar topographic data, landslide geologists in Western North Carolina suspected the presence of large, inactive-dormant, debris and weathered rockslides, but did not have the detailed topographic mapping to confirm the boundaries with confidence. With the availability of updated lidar topography (processed to 0.5m DEM) in 2018, these large features become much easier to identify and delineate. Using geomorphic characteristics, ALC and the NC Geological survey are now classifying these inactive slides based on the Keaton and DeGraff (1996) activity state and relative age classifications: “Dormant - historic,” “Dormant - young,” “Dormant mature,” and “Dormant - old” if confidence of the researcher allows. Development in the mountains of Western North Carolina is increasingly moving to higher topography and steeper slopes. Due diligence property evaluations by geologists have identified large, inactivedormant deep-seated landslides on these properties of interest. Some in the building community have questioned if these large, older slides can reactivate. Before the high resolution lidar, making this case with confidence was more difficult. With the more detailed topographic data, it is apparent that many slides that geologists have monitored for years are reactivations of larger, older features. This talk will discuss multiple examples of reactivation due to construction activities including underground linear infrastructure and provide the evidence that understanding and extra care must be taken when modifying these sleeping giants.
Unstable Slope Management Program – Implementation along the Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina, Part 1 Bauer, Jennifer, Appalachian Landslide Consultants, PLLC, jennifer@appalachianlandslide.com; Stephen Fuemmeler, stephen@appalachianlandslide.com; Brian Banks, bbanks@schnabeleng.com (TS #10) The Blue Ridge Parkway, connecting Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the south to Skyline Drive near Shenandoah National Park in the north, was primarily constructed between 1935 and 1966. Over the years, there have been many rockfalls and landslides on the cuts and fills of the roadway. In 2009, the North Carolina Geological Survey completed evaluation of many of the rock slopes, including a relative ranking of the potential for future movement. In 2021, the Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division contracted WSP, Schnabel Engineering, Inc., and Appalachian Landslide Consultants, PLLC to use the Unstable Slope Management Program (USMP), developed by the Federal Highways Administration in 2019, to inventory and assess slopes in three sections along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. The USMP system determines relative numerical rankings based on rockfall or landslide characteristics, maintenance history, slope geometry, and potential impacts outside of the right-of-way, among other factors. The
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING USMP helps owners prioritize slopes for future mitigation, as well as helps limit liability, and adds to the geotechnical asset management program inventory. The team used laptop computers equipped with GIS software to view high resolution lidar hillshade data, precipitation data, slope and elevation data, and roadway information to increase accuracy and productivity. They entered slope location information in the GIS as well as into the USMP mobile application, which became important during the QC process. Past landslide inventory data and geologic mapping from the NCGS were also referenced in the GIS. Maintenance history is one of the most important factors in the rating, and team members captured history data in the GIS while riding with maintenance personnel discussing each slope. In three weeks, three field teams collected data on ~314 slopes; 190 cut slopes and 124 fill slopes. Eighty-three of these have a rating of Poor (>400 score).
Just Because It’s Legal Doesn’t Mean It’s Safe: The Case of 1,4-Dioxane Bennett, Kyla, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), kbennett@peer.org (TS #8) The chemical 1,4-dioxane is a likely human carcinogen, and has contaminated the drinking water of roughly 88 million Americans in 45 states. The toxicity of 1,4-dioxane has been acknowledged for decades, yet it is still largely unregulated. Specifically, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not have a regulatory limit for 1,4-dioxane in drinking water, and a patchwork of state regulations do not protect human health. This presentation will explore the longterm failure of EPA to act on 1,4-dioxane, and the devastating effects this has on New York and California water supplies. We will also examine how the industry is fighting any regulation of 1,4-dioxane in drinking water, and how industry influence is preventing regulators from protecting the public from this, and other, carcinogens.
Infrastructure Damage from Land Subsidence in California Borchers, James, Consulting Hydrologist, Hydrogeologist, jimborchers@sbcglobal.net (TS #6) In California, land subsidence results from collapse of underground cavities, tectonics, natural sediment consolidation, oxidation of organic deposits, hydrocompaction of moisture deficient sediments, development of geothermal energy, and extraction of hydrocarbons, but primarily occurs as a result of groundwater extraction. Because several of these processes can be active at the same time, distinguishing the contributions of each to total subsidence at a particular locale sometimes is not possible without substantial investigation. Land subsidence from groundwater extraction has created what has been called the largest human alteration of the Earth’s surface— subsidence in excess of 1 foot and as great as 29 feet occurred over more than half of the San Joaquin Valley (5,200 square miles) between 1926 and 1970. Damage to canals, wells, roads, bridges, and pipelines approached $2 billion (2013 dollars) there. Groundwater mining between 1910 and 1969 caused subsidence as great as 14 feet and put 17 square miles of the northern Santa Clara Valley below the level of high tides in the adjacent San Francisco Bay. Costs to remediate the effects of land subsidence there exceeded $756 million (2013 dollars). Land subsidence during droughts, or in areas underserved by surface water, destroyed wells in the Sacramento, San Joaquin, and Santa Clara Valleys, and in coastal and arid southern California basins. Reconnaissance surveys by radar satellites during 2007–2020 indicate that high rates of groundwater extraction in the San Joaquin Valley have reinitiated land subsidence at historically high rates of about 1 foot per year in two large areas– a 7,000 km2 (2,700 mi2) swath between Tulare and Kettleman City, September 2021
and a 3,200 km2 (1,200 mi2) area south of Merced and west of Madera. Remediation of severe impacts to the flow capacity of rivers, canals (including the California Aqueduct) and flood-bypass channels will exceed a $1 billion.
Levees of the Eden Landing Wildlife Preserve, Regional Benefits of Levee Characterization Burger, David, Cal Engineering & Geology, dburger@caleng.com; Chris Nardi, cnardi@caleng.com (TS #7) Levees constructed within a tidal marsh between 1899 and 1954 were used as salt evaporators until 2003 when the Eden Landing site was established under California Fish and Wildlife as a protected wildlife refuge and included as part of the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration project (SBSPRP). Extensive geologic investigations were undertaken to support either levee certification or conversion of the site to the SBSPRP. Because the levees are situated on upwards of 30 feet of young bay mud deposits and centered within protected habitat, evaluation of the levees has presented geologic, geotechnical, environmental, and construction challenges. Improvements to the levees, site access, and exploration efforts required extensive collaboration between Federal, State, County, and local jurisdictions. More than 100 subsurface exploration locations, several geologic reconnaissances, and numerous engineering analyses were completed for the 25+ miles of levees. Variations in the historical areal loading of the young bay mud deposits have created substantially different geologic conditions within small areas. The variable loading conditions required extensive reliance on historical maps (circa 1900) of pre-development marsh conditions for planning of exploration and testing. Selected levees have been evaluated and certified under FEMA 44 CFR 65.10, while others have been breached as part of the SBSPRP and flood control efforts. Since 2008, improvements to the levees consisted of levee armoring, deep soil mixing and sheet pile cutoff walls, and selected breach locations. Additional conceptual projects have included levee raise and reconstruction, new levees and landmass designs, trail, and pedestrian bridges, new and upgraded tide gate structures, and new breaches. Both the certified flood control levees and restoration improvements have proved to be important components for effective long-term mitigation against sea level rise, incorporation into the San Francisco Bay Area trails system, and protected habitat for endangered species.
A 25-year History of Induced Sinkhole Development Due to Quarry Dewatering in Bucks County, Pennsylvania Byle, Michael, Tetra Tech, Inc, Michael.Byle@tetratech.com; Ira Sasowsky ISasowsky@sasowsky.com, ids@uakron.edu; Anthony Rana, AJRanahydro@gmail.com (TS #6) Throughout the world, sinkholes are a characteristic and common landform of regions underlain by carbonate bedrock. If the landscape is in equilibrium with current conditions, the creation of new sinkholes, or the growth of existing ones, is generally a slow process. However, if conditions are changed by human activities, formerly stable land surfaces may be stressed and rapidly lowered, a process of induced sinkhole development. Depending on conditions, this may be relatively benign, or it may develop into threat to property and human safety. The specific causes of induced sinkhole development are quite varied, though frequently they are associated with surface-water drainage changes and/or large groundwater withdrawals. This presentation will report on the development of induced sinkholes over a 25-year period in a small tributary drainage basin in eastern Pennsylvania (Primrose Creek drainage basin). The site is unique in that a) it has clear topographic demarcated basin boundaries and geologic control; b) the stressor, the expansion and dewatering of a carbonate bedrock
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING quarry, is extreme and has been plainly identified; c) the groundwater withdrawals and water-level elevations have been heavily monitored; and d) the historical record of land conditions goes back a century or more. The data for the basin are presented and evaluated. The water level data for wells monitored for the longest period are compared to quarry mining and dewatering and the occurrence of sinkholes. The long-term monitoring indicates an episodic reduction in water levels together with lateral and vertical expansion of the quarry, and episodic occurrence of collapse sinkholes. Episodic nature is compared with mining activity including mining through geologic features and areas of varying karst permeability and dewatering to demonstrate correlation.
The 2021 National Landslide Hazards Act and Implications for Federal Land Management Agencies Carpenter, Lynne, USDA Forest Service, Minerals & Geology Management, Geologic Hazards Program, lynne.chastain-carpenter@usda.gov (TS #5) The National Landslide Preparedness Act (NLPA) was signed into Law January 5, 2021. The primary purpose of the Act is to increase landslide preparedness by establishing a national-level landslide preparedness program. The NLPA directs the formation of an Interagency Coordinating Committee on Landslide Hazards (ICC), The ICC is directed to develop, by January 2022, a national strategy for landslide identification, management, and response as a major component of the National Landslide Hazards Reduction Program established by the Act. The National Landslide Hazards Reduction Program is intended to identify and inventory landslides through a publicly accessible database, mitigate landslide hazards, protect communities at risk of landslides, reduce landslide event losses, and improve landslide event communications and emergency preparedness. Management of landslide-prone areas on National Forest Service (NFS) lands under the NLPA is important for the following reasons: the USDA Forest Service manages the second largest federal land base; NFS lands generally have a high percentage of steep, unstable slopes and landslide-prone terrain; due to climate change, NFS lands can quickly change to more landslide-prone terrain (such as post-wildfire landscapes); the agency’s multiple use mission includes management of potentially landslideexacerbating activities such as mining and logging; management includes oversight of campgrounds, roads, pipelines, dams, telecommunication structures, and other infrastructure that may be impacted by landslides; and many non-federal lands with at-risk values exist adjacent to and downslope of NFS lands with landslide hazards. The NLPA establishes a framework for federal land management agencies to reduce losses and decrease hazards from landslides, requiring proactive identification and management of landslide risk areas by the USDA Forest Service.
Continuous Monitoring of an Earth Fissure in Chino, California – A Management Tool Carpenter, Michael, U.S. Geological Survey, retired, mccarp@dakotacom.net; Richard Wilson, wilsonhydro@yahoo.com; Eric Lindberg, Eric.Lindberg@Waterboards.ca.gov (TS #6) Continuous measurements of deformation were made in Chino, California across an earth fissure and nearby unfissured soil during 2011–13 in two buried, horizontal, 150 mm pipes, 51 m long, which were connected by sealed boxes enclosing vertical posts at 6 m intervals. Horizontal displacements and normal strain were measured in one line using nine end-to-end quartz tubes that were attached to posts and spanned fissured or unfissured soil. The free ends of the tubes were supported by slings and moved relative to the attachment post of the next quartz tube. Linear variable differential transformer 54
(LVDT) sensors measured the relative movements. Five biaxial tilt sensors were also attached to selected posts in that line. Relative vertical movement was measured at nine locations along the line in the second pipe using low-level differential pressure sensors. The second pipe was half full of water giving a free water surface along its length. Data were recorded on a Campbell CR10 using multiplexers. The quartz-tube horizontal extensometers exhibited more than 3 mm of predominantly elastic opening and closing in response to about 32 m of seasonal drawdown and recovery, respectively, in an observation well 0.8 km to the south. The nearest production well was 1.6 km to the west. The horizontal strain was 5.9 x 10-5 or 30 percent of the lowest estimate of strain-at-failure for alluvium. Maximum relative vertical movement was 4.8 mm. Maximum tilt in the fissure zone was 0.09 arc degrees while tilt at a separate sensor 100 m to the east was 0.86 arc degrees, indicating a wider zone of deformation than is spanned by the instrumentation. High correlation of horizontal displacements during drawdown, and especially recovery, with change in effective stress supports differential compaction as the mechanism for earthfissure movement. Continuous measurements of horizontal strain coupled with water-level fluctuations and vertical borehole extensometry provide a real-time adaptive management tool for restricting pumping if strain approaches the lower limit of strain-at-failure or a stress-strain curve deviates from the previous mostly elastic regimen.
Integrating High-Resolution UAV-Sourced Data in a Machine Learning Framework for River Monitoring Chen, Thomas, Academy for Mathematics, Science, and Engineering, thomaschen7@acm.org (TS #3) As climate change accelerates and human-caused pollution continues, the largest rivers in the world are at threat from a number of changes that can influence landscapes and ecology. As a result, it is crucial that computational mechanisms are developed to assess these changes, especially with the rise of big data and their applicability in a machine learning and artificial intelligence context. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as drones, are key assets in gathering visual imagery data that can be harnessed on a large scale in machine learning applications to assess rivers. When drones gather large quantities of such data, especially in a multitemporal context, deep learning algorithms such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can be trained to detect change over time and analyze pollution levels and micro- and macro-level ecological changes. However, when seeking to conduct research of this kind on river, it is often difficult to source a dataset of sufficient quantity from this method. Therefore, it is almost always necessary to utilize transfer learning, whereby a CNN is trained on data from a larger scope of river drone imagery and then reused as a starting point for a more specific task. In this work, we develop a framework for automated change detection of the Yangtze River. The output of the CNN that we train on multitemporal drone imagery, which is of the SqueezeNet architecture, is a digit from 0 to 6 indicating the degree of visual change. We do not explicitly define what this digit represents at first because it is a conglomeration of a number of factors that affect the visual appearance of the river, such as pollution, sediment, and seasonal change. We use a Markov logic network for transfer learning. The goal is to provide a baseline framework for automated large river monitoring.
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING Seismic and Volcanic Hazard Studies for SSHAC and PVHA Evaluations at Existing Nuclear Power Stations in Taiwan Clahan, Kevin, Lettis Consultants International, clahan@lettisci.com (TS #5) In 2012, in response to the 2011 Tohuku earthquake, the Taiwan Atomic Energy Council (AEC) requested the Taiwan Power Company (TPC) to reevaluate seismic hazards and review the seismic design of nuclear facilities in Taiwan. Consequently, the TPC launched the “Seismic Reevaluation of Nuclear Facilities” project which follows the guidelines of the Senior Seismic Hazard Advisory Committee (SSHAC) Level 3 process (Budnitz et al., 1997; NRC, 2012). Lettis Consultants International (LCI) participated on the Technical Integration team and the Participatory Peer Review team for the SSCHAC Level 3 project. In parallel with the SSHAC project, LCI conducted paleoseismic and volcanic hazard studies across all of Taiwan to better characterize features which could affect the safe operation of nuclear facilities. The island of Taiwan is a product of both subduction and collision of the Philippine Sea plate and the stable Eurasian tectonic plate. The Philippine Sea plate subducts northwestward beneath the Eurasian plate as part of the Ryukyu subduction system in northeast Taiwan but overrides the Eurasian plate in southern Taiwan in the Luzon arc as part of the Manila subduction system. This active tectonic region was evaluated as part of the SSHAC study for Seismic Source Characterization (SSC) and Ground Motion Characterization (GMC) to perform PSHA studies at all four nuclear power stations in Taiwan. In addition, recent seismic hazard studies have identified new active fault features in both northern and southern Taiwan. This presentation will outline the efforts of the recently completed SSHAC study as well as the results and findings of the paleoseismic and volcanic hazard studies that supported the SSHAC evaluation.
IAEG Congress Update: How AEG Ranks and why Membership is so Valuable Cohen-Waeber, Julien, Exponent, jwaeber@exponent.com (Poster) The AEG boasts a long-standing tradition of world-renowned practitioners and academics in the fields of environmental and engineering geology. Yet, for many, the 2018 San Francisco annual meeting was their first introduction to the International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG). As the United States national group, AEG represents our profession and our culture on the everimportant international stage that is IAEG. For decades, US based consultancies have been taking an increasingly active role in international projects while its participation in the IAEG remains relatively limited. This not only represents a missed opportunity for US practitioners to showcase their knowledge and expertise, but more importantly to learn from the tremendously diverse technical and cultural resources that IAEG has to offer. Currently, less than 200 of AEG’s roughly 1500 members represent the US national group among IAEG’s over 4000 members. Still, US membership with IAEG has increased by an impressive 50% since 2019. This is a trend AEG should strive to continue. It highlights the engagement of AEG’s membership in the international forum and underlines its presence as leaders in the profession. This update presents the current state of IAEG’s activities including publications, conferences, symposiums, and awards with particular attention to where AEG stands with respect to the IAEG’s 62 member nations, and the benefits of AEG’s involvement.
September 2021
Arizona Department of Water Resources Land Subsidence Monitoring Program Using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) Conway, Brian; Arizona Department of Water Resources, bdconway@azwater.gov (TS #6) The Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) land subsidence monitoring program has been greatly enhanced by the use of Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR). ADWR’s InSAR program started in 2002 with the awarding of a three-year NASA Earth Science grant, allowing ADWR the opportunity to develop the InSAR program. Since 2005, ADWR has been collecting and processing monthly SAR data from various satellites, producing Level-2 and 3 InSAR-derived products for the State of Arizona. Since 2005 the program has developed important partnerships with numerous State, County, and Local Agencies, Water Districts and Water Companies who provide annual contributions to help support the data collection costs. ADWR has identified more than twenty-eight active land subsidence features that cover an area of 4,175 square miles, determining the spatial extent, deformation rates, and time-series history of each land subsidence feature. The process of collecting, processing, and interpreting InSAR data has resulted in ADWR producing land subsidence maps for each land subsidence feature covering different time periods. There currently is a total of 614 land subsidence maps that are available for download on ADWR’s website, https://new.azwater.gov/hydrology/fieldservices/land-subsidence-arizona. With the recent launching of higher-resolution SAR satellites, such as the Sentine-1 A/B satellites, ADWR has seen an increase with data availability (spatially and temporally). Engineers, hydrologists, geologists, GIS professionals, and scientists involved in the fields of water resources, structural engineering, geological engineering, hydrological engineering, land planning, floodplain management, and surveying greatly benefit from the InSAR data to identify and evaluate areas of land subsidence, uplift, earth fissures, faults, and many other geologic features.
Lessons Learned from Implementation of the SSHAC Process over 25 Years of Hazard Studies Coppersmith, Kevin, Coppersmith Consulting, Inc., kevin@coppersmithconsulting.com; Ryan Coppersmith, ryan@coppersmithconsulting.com (TS #5) Guidance for conducting probabilistic hazard analyses using the Senior Seismic Hazard Analysis Committee (SSHAC) methodology was issued 25 years ago and the SSHAC approach has now been implemented for all nuclear power plants in the US, many other nuclear and critical facilities in the US, and in several other countries. During that time, additional documents have been issued by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (e.g., NUREG-2213) and American Nuclear Society (e.g., ANS-2.29) that provide detailed guidance on the implementation of probabilistic seismic hazard analyses (PSHA) using the SSHAC approach. This presentation will discuss the lessons learned from conducting SSHAC Level 3 and 4 projects for seismic and volcanic hazards analyses for the Yucca Mountain repository, nuclear facilities in the United States (e.g., CEUS SSC, Hanford, Idaho National Laboratory), and other countries (e.g., Canada, South Africa, Spain, Japan). Examples will include site-specific studies, multi-site phased studies, and integrated multi-site studies. Lessons will be described relating to the development of project databases, collection of new data, interactions of experts in workshops and working meetings, use of specialty contractors, and approaches to facilitating objective evaluations in the face of controversial technical issues. The examples discussed will illustrate the evolution of approaches over time, the use of SSHAC for multiple natural hazards, and future potential applications.
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING The Use of Seismic Shear Wave Testing to Supplement Geotechnical Drilling – Analysis of Rock Depth and Integrity along a Proposed Light Rail Alignment Cross, Eric, Pyramid Geophysical Services, eric@pyramidenvironmental.com (TS #14) The Triassic Basin soil and rock formations in the Durham, North Carolina, region provide challenges for geotechnical design and construction. These formations consist of highly heterogenous stratigraphy including sands, silts and clays overlying a weathered rock unit that can contain boulders, fractures, and an inconsistent competent bedrock surface. A proposed light rail system was under design to extend through downtown Durham, and a geotechnical investigation was performed to better understand the behavior of the rock formation and its integrity. Pyramid Geophysical Services was contracted to perform a Multi-Channel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) seismic survey across specific portions of the proposed rail alignment where geotechnical borings either could not be performed, or where significant variability in the depth of competent rock was observed. The goal of the seismic survey was to “connect the dots” between the geotechnical borings and provide a more comprehensive understanding of bedrock behavior along the alignment. Pyramid performed a total of 542 separate MASW shots resulting in twenty individual 2D cross sections of velocity that were used to analyze the overburden, weathered rock thickness and depth to competent rock across the site. The results of the seismic testing were combined with geotechnical boring data to generate plan-view contour maps of competent bedrock depths across the site. Correlations between the geophysical interpretations and boring data were exceptionally high, and the resultant data set provided engineers with a clear understanding of geologic conditions with which to finalize design plans. This presentation will provide an overview of the MASW testing, the cross-section results, correlations to geotechnical borings and the final plan-view bedrock contours that were used for geotechnical design.
Quantitative Analysis of Community Growth into Geohazard Areas in the Arequipa Region of Peru Eberle, Brook, Colorado School of Mines, baeberle@mymail.mines.edu; Paul Santi, psanti@mines.edu; Pablo Meza, pmezaa@unsa.edu.pe (Presented by Paul Santi) (TS #9) The Arequipa Region in Southern Peru is vulnerable to a unique set of geologic hazards which are a function of geology, climate, tectonic setting and the conditions of population settlement and local industries. The presence and expansion of mining in the region has the potential to directly affect geologic hazards by ground disruption and indirectly affect hazards by population increase and settlement in dangerous areas. We develop a set of geologic hazard maps for 12 communities in the region, and then quantify changes to hazard exposure based on community expansion patterns over time periods ranging from five to 17 years. Mapped hazards include debris flow, rockfall, flood, landslide, and earthquake liquefaction. Community expansion is measured from analysis of aerial imagery where developed areas are outlined at the beginning and end of the analyzed time. For the twelve communities evaluated, the percent of the area of each community exposed to hazards remained near constant, even with growth. Small changes were noted for specific hazards: rockfall is the most common hazard to have in increase in exposure, flood and liquefaction are the most likely to have decrease in exposure, while landslides are the most likely to have no change. The percent of area exposed to high and medium levels of hazards in a community tends to decrease as development expands over time, while area exposed to low levels of hazards increase. When analyzed by community 56
characteristics, certain characteristics are associated with higher probability of larger changes in percent area exposed to hazards: river communities as opposed to coastal or mountain communities, small communities (< 0.5 km^2 in area), and communities located within 1.5 km of mining areas. Communities with extreme growth rates (more than 25% area increase per year) did not show different hazard exposure than communities with slower growth rates.
The Coyote Warp – An Alternative Landslide Explanation Elliott, Bill, Retired Consulting Engineering Geologist, redbeds77@gmail.com (Poster) The Coyote Warp is located on the east side of the Sierra Nevada, between Bishop and Big Pine, California. It is a prominent physiographic feature that protrudes conspicuously into Owens Valley. Previous work suggested that the still visible old Eocene(?) erosion surface had been somehow warped down to the north, northeast and east by some mysterious tectonic forces. A fresh look at geologic and physiographic features suggest that the history of this huge mass of rock and soil is better attributed to gravity tectonics than to seismic tectonic forces. The back scarp is defined by a locus of lakes and in-line drainages. Side scarps are well-defined by deep arcuate drainages. The toe is buried by alluvium in Owens Valley. Topography is immature. Benches abound. Grabens and horsts are accompanied by hummocky topography. Deep V-cut canyons have no obvious drainage catchment basins to explain their origin. Springs, immature drainage development and ponded drainages are ubiquitous. Its age is at least pre-Wisconsin, as glacial drift covers the main Coyote Fat bench and thick lateral moraines line the side scarp drainages. Major earthquakes along the eastern Sierra fault zone as well as ice-loading during the most recent glaciations could well have provided nudges as well as driving forces. Future investigations would benefit from lidar, gravity, seismic, and subsurface work. Back calculations would be useful in determining probable subsurface geometry, as well as strength parameters.
Keep America Moving – Innovations in Landslide Investigation and Mitigation Affecting America’s Transportation System Embry, Scott, GeoStabilization International, scott.embry@gsi.us (TS #10) The U.S. Geological Survey estimated annual losses from damages caused by Landslides to be between $2 billion and $4 billion annually. Even worse, these damages cause very dangerous conditions to the traveling public. Although the consequences of landslides are easily discerned, infrastructure owners are tasked with the dilemma of justifying the large expense of mitigating landslides prior to catastrophic failure or reacting to the landslides post failure. This presentation outlines new innovative landslide mitigation methods and technologies that are both relatively lower in cost when compared to traditional repair methods and robust enough to achieve standard design life (e.g., 75 years). Relevant technologies include soil nailing, micropiles, and GeoSynthetically Confined Soil (GCS®) walls, among others. Several case studies will be presented for remediation projects that occurred prior to and after catastrophic failure of landslide events. Relative economics will be shared for each scenario to help equip the infrastructure owners with data that can be used to help justify the expense of remediation at the early signs of imminent failure or if continued monitoring is warranted. Additionally, the repairs for landslides present many logistical challenges. Some of these challenges will be presented with the solutions that were used to overcome them.
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING Thru-Dam Seismic Tomography: Leveraging Geophysical Techniques for Condition Assessment of a Thin-arch Concrete Dam Ensele, Trever, Collier Geophysics, trever@colliergeophysics.com; Roy Bowling, roy@colliergeophysics.com; Phil Sirles, phil@colliergeophysics.com; Doug Yadon, Douglas.Yadon@aecom.com; Linsey Chalfant, lchalfant@fcgov.com (TS #4) Halligan Dam is a 112-year-old, 70-foot-tall, concrete thin-arch dam located 25 miles northwest of Fort Collins, Colorado. The Halligan Water Supply Project by the City of Fort Collins proposes to expand the dam height by 25 feet to expand the potential storage of Halligan Reservoir by 8,100 acre-feet. As part of the design process for the dam expansion, condition assessment of the existing dam was performed. In addition to traditional coring and sampling techniques, a method was developed that could provide insight into the internal condition of the dam that would bridge the gap between point sampling methods. Crosshole Seismic Tomography (CST) is a seismic geophysical method used to image the distribution of seismic compressionalwave velocity (Vp) of geologic material between two parallel or sub-parallel boreholes. This method was adapted to image the Vp distribution of Halligan Dam using the upstream and downstream faces of the dam itself as analogs to the boreholes in the CST method. Using rope-access techniques, sensor arrays (comprised of both hydrophones and geophones) were installed on the upstream face, and hammer-impact sourcing was performed along the downstream face. This “Through-Dam Seismic Tomography” (TDST) technique was performed at three regularly spaced intervals along the length of Halligan Dam. Tomographic sections through the dam structure were computed using the Vp travel times recorded for all active source-receiver pairs for each source location. Results successfully show Vp trends and variations within the imaged sections of the dam. These measurements, alongside traditional concrete coring, provide key information for dam assessment and expansion design.
Lessons Learned – Case Histories on How Not to Build a Tunnel Escandon, Richard F., Kleinfelder, Inc., rescandon@kleinfelder.com (TS #2) This presentation focuses on two small tunnel projects in soft ground in southern California where near cohesionless alluvial soils were anticipated. The first case involved a 400-foot-long tunnel planned beneath an active creek with young alluvial soils and shallow groundwater. The owner and their design consultant were originally concerned about the potential impact of cobbles and boulders during their planned bore and jack tunneling. A geotechnical investigation indicated the likelihood of encountering cobbles and boulders was low. However, the owner and their consultant did not consider the potential impact of shallow groundwater on the planned bore and jack means and methods which could have led to a disastrous result during tunneling. The second case involved three canal tunnels including a 500-foot-long, 11-foot-diameter tunnel beneath a major freeway with only 10 to 12 feet of cover. Ground improvement using sodium silicate chemical grout to stabilize the ground was planned prior to tunneling under the freeway. However, the contractor awarded the project was inexperienced in this type of ground improvement but elected to self-perform the grouting. Because of the lack of experience, the contractor was required to demonstrate their grouting methods at one of the smaller tunnels planned beneath a railroad spur. The contractors grouting program failed miserably and they were not allowed to self-perform the grouting beneath the freeway unless it was under the direction of an experienced grout “expert.” Concerns regarding the expert hired by the contractor lead September 2021
to another test section demonstration by the expert which also failed. At this point the contractor was not allowed to self-perform the grouting and was directed to hire a recognized experienced ground improvement company for the grouting program.
Long Island Citizens React to Nation’s Highest Level of Dioxane in Drinking Water Wells Esposito, Adrienne, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, aesposito@citizenscampaign.org (TS #8) 1,4-dioxane is considered a “likely human carcinogen” which has been found in drinking water wells throughout the nation. Out of 4,400 wells tested by the EPA, Long Island was home to the highest levels in the country. Long Island is a sole source aquifer, which means we are 100% dependent on groundwater for drinking water. To better understand 1,4-dioxane contamination in LI water supply wells, Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE) compiled drinking water quality reports from the EPA and local water suppliers and created an interactive map of 1,4-dioxane contamination for each water district on Long Island. Thirty-nine water districts had 1,4-dioxane detections and some wells contained levels over 100 times higher than the EPA’s cancer risk guideline for the chemical (.35 ppb). Many of these high detections are likely legacy contamination from past industrial practices, however there were 1,4-dioxane detections in areas with no history of heavy industry or manufacturing. CCE theorized that small levels of 1,4 Dioxane were likely from household products, which can contain 1,4-dioxane as a bi-product of manufacturing but do not list the chemical on the label. Unfortunately, we still have approximately 400,000 septic systems on Long Island. What washes down the drain, ends up in the aquifer system. CCE conducted first-of-its-kind testing on 80 popular household products, including shampoo, body washes and soaps, laundry detergent, and even baby products, and found that 80% of these products contained detectable levels of 1,4-dioxane. From this data, we created a consumer guide to help residents avoid products with high levels of 1,4-dioxane, conducted an extensive community outreach program, and lobbied for a 1,4-dioxane ban in household products in New York State. We successfully passed this landmark bill and in 2019, NY became the first state to pass legislation mandating the removal of 1,4-dioxane in products. In 2020, NY approved the strongest drinking water standard for 1,4-dioxane in the nation at 1 ppb. We believe that the extensive work done to combat 1,4-dioxane contamination in NY can serve as a guide for other states and federal regulators seeking to address this emerging contaminant.
When an Investigation Takes a Left Turn (A Detective Story) Evans, Stephen, PanGeo, Inc., sevans@pangeoinc.com (TS #1B) In July 2019, we were called out to review indications of settlement of a three-story apartment building in Seattle, which we were told was experiencing settlement issues. The building was situated on steep slope area on the west side of Queen Abbe hill, on a bench about 12 feet above the level of a parking area west of the building. Another parking area was located east of the building at the third story level. A two-level concrete retaining wall structure east of the building provided separation between the lowest building level and the lot level. We initially visited the site on July 30, 2019, to observe settlement below the floor slab in one ground floor unit, where utility damage was reported. As expected, there were void spaces under the slab. To outline and assess the extent of the settlement, we next carried out an extensive drilling program to assess the soil conditions affecting the building, including borings in the lot to the east, at the building level, and in the lot to the west. However, as we spent time on site, we realized that we were observing damage to the building that was not con-
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING sistent with settlement alone. When a boring below the retaining wall system on the east side of the building suggested the retaining wall had little or no footing, we began to suspect that the wall was yielding, and pressing on the building through bridge structures that gave access to the second and third floors. Further studies confirmed this was a significant source of distress to the building. Plans are now in progress to stabilize the wall and relieve the lateral pressure on the building, and to address the settlement issues.
Rendered Animal Co-Products as Electron Donors for Subsurface Remediation Finneran, Kevin, Clemson University, ktf@clemson.edu; John Houston, jkhoust@clemson.edu (TS #15) Electron donor amendment technologies have evolved over time, utilizing varying lipid or carbohydrate-based compounds. Several popular electron donor amendments contain soybean based emulsified vegetable oil (EVO), or low molecular mass organic acid compounds including acetate and formate. This project seeks to develop a group of novel electron donor amendments based on animal co-products to outperform conventional products. These co-products are comprised of waste generated in the animal rendering process such as feathers or bone. The now patented technology will lead to considerably lower cost electron donor amendments compared to commonly used substrates. Serum bottles were assembled with 50 grams of sediment collected from a local site contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE). The bottles were dosed with various animal co-products at different concentrations (3.2mg/L – 1g/L). Additionally, 20 ml of aquifer water and 20 Mols of TCE were added to each bottle. Bottles were then sealed, and headspace was replaced with nitrogen. Control bottles were assembled with no electron donor, lactate, and emulsified vegetable oil. Chlorinated solvents and dissolved gases were monitored, and measurements continued until stoichiometric ethene production (our operationally defined point of “success”). Animal co-products are readily utilized as electron donors for in-situ chlorinated solvent remediation. Many co-products rendered for this study display comparable dichlorination rates to lactate and emulsified oil controls. Several co-products including feather meal (FMed) and meat and bone meal (MBM) reduced TCE completely to ethene faster and more completely than emulsified vegetable oil. Time to stoichiometric ethene production was typically twenty to thirty days faster with FMed and MBM. Data suggest protein content, and nitrogen release, accelerated complete dichlorination. One significant aspect of these co-products is the substantially lower cost when compared to alternate electron donors. Traditional soybean-based electron donors cost between $0.25-3.00 per pound, while animal co-products based electron donors cost between $0.005-0.225 per pound. Considering many sites may require thousands of pounds of electron donor amendment, the savings potential is significant. Furthermore, by lowering the cost of the electron donor substrate, many more sites could potentially benefit from access to this technology.
USACE Implementation of the Landslide Preparedness Act and a Case for Managing Landslides and other Slope Stability Hazards with a Risk-Based Portfolio Approach Fontaine, April, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, April.l.fontaine@usace.army.mil; Bateman, Vanessa, vanessa.c.bateman@usace.army.mil (TS #10) Despite owning a lot of federal property, the US Army Corps of Engineers generally only address impacts to infrastructure by landslides, which are often minimal at our projects. However, when there are impacts to infrastructure from landslides on USACE responsible lands, it has become clear that USACE needs a better way to iden58
tify and prioritize mitigation efforts, instead of simply asking for emergency funding. This involves taking a more risk-based and asset management-based approach, but funding, to date for this effort has not been available. With the passage of the Landslide Preparedness Act in January 2021, there is an opportunity to develop a risk-based landslide database to articulate and justify financial need, considering not only the likelihood of the event happening, but more accurately depicting the consequences to the public. While there have been many different hazard rating systems, risk has only been included in a few. Developments in the Dam Safety community of a risk-based approach can be applied to landslides, to better assist with capturing subjective probabilities of adverse events occurring, assist in capturing consequences of those events happening, both life safety and financial, and understanding uncertainty in our analysis. Using the Landslide Preparedness Act as a catalyst, USACE is planning a programmatic evaluation of landslides in our purview and their impacts to prioritize and justify mitigation of our highest risk slope stability problems.
Choosing the Appropriate Method to Predict Volume for Non-fire -related Debris Flows Foran, Jack, Colorado School of Mines, jforan@mymail.mines.edu; Paul Santi, psanti@mines.edu (Poster) Debris flows constitute a significant hazard in many parts of the developed world. There currently exist many different methods to predict debris flow volumes on the basis of a single design rainstorm, most of which rely on multiple regression models with predictor variables such as basin area, precipitation, and the gradient of the watershed, among others. However, there does not currently exist a comprehensive guide to existing methods and how and where they should be utilized. Furthermore, the accuracy of the methods is not consistently measured. The goal of this project is to evaluate the performance of these predictive methods in a variety of climatic zones and identify where each method makes the best predictions of debris flow volume, for non-fire related sites, and to quantify the error associated these predictions. Preliminary findings from 12 predictive equations to 478 debris flow events from 9 different geographic and climatic regions suggest that most methods do not accurately predict debris flow volumes outside of the regions for which they have been validated. By classifying regions by climate zones and comparing residuals for each method in that zone, we identify the most accurate and usable predictive method for each zone. We also identify the simplest and most accessible variables that contribute to debris flow volume, as some equations require parameters that are difficult to obtain. For regions without historical records of measured debris flow volumes, knowing how to choose the appropriate prediction method will allow practitioners to effectively and accurately estimate non-fire related debris flow volumes as a first step in hazard assessment and towards designing mitigation.
103 Years of Debris Flows, Dodson, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Freitag, George, GRI, gfreitag@gri.com; Mike Marshall, mmarshall@gri.com (TS #13) The community of Dodson, Oregon, has been subject to repeated debris flows over the past 103 years. Dodson is located in eastern Multnomah County about 35 miles east of Portland and is situated at the toe of a 2 sq mi alluvial fan formed between the south walls of the Columbia River Gorge and the Columbia River. The fan source cliff area is composed of a 3,000 ft thick sequence of Columbia River Basalt, Troutdale Formation, and LKT Plio-Pleistocene basalt. In 1918 a debris flow on the order of 2M cy in volume closed the Columbia River
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING Highway. In 1996, following a significant rain on snow event, seven debris flows occurred, including the Tumalt Creek debris flow that affected Interstate I-84, damaged a passing freight train, and flowed into the Columbia River creating a small sediment delta. Mid-fan observations on the Tumalt Creek debris flow in 1996 documented pulse heights on the order of 15 ft from debarked fir trees and 10-ft-high sets of stacked 10-ton basalt boulders. The 1996 Royce debris flow enveloped a residence. In 2001 a debris flow west of Royce affected the I-84 frontage road. In 2021, debris flows again occurred in the Tumalt and Royce drainages, affected I-84 and resulted in a fatality. Lidar mapping reveals entrenched eroded channels near the fan head, channel levees, and multiple coalescing anastomosed channels in the mid-fan and distal regions. In 2017 the Eagle Creek fire burned the entire source and depositional area. High annual precipitation (average 77 in rain + 17 in snow) will continue to drive future debris flows.
Field-based Paleoflood Analyses in a Travel-restricted World: Updates from the Guadalupe River, Comal County, Texas Freymuth, Bryan, US Army Corps of Engineers, bryan.s.freymuth@usace.army.mil; Keith Kelson, keith.l.kelson@usace.army.mil; Bryan Robinson, bryan.j.robinson@usace.army.mil (TS #4)
20 Years of Lessons Learned – Looking Back on a Dam Rewarding Career Friend, Edwin, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, edwin.r.friend@usace.army.mil (TS #4) Geological and geotechnical engineering are rooted in observing processes and identifying trends in data. Terzaghi was a master at this concept and sadly many of his lessons have been forgotten or not learned. As a profession we need to share not only our successes, but also our failures, near misses, and stressful situations, because it is from these events where we truly learn. This presentation will depict several lessons learned from the presenter’s personal experience and lessons he has identified as key case histories that helped him throughout his career in dam geological engineering. Lessons learned will deal with differing subsurface site conditions, dewatering of problematic materials, trench stability with slurry supported excavations, stability of clay shales, the value of investigation and construction experience, and others.
Potential Failure Modes Analysis (PFMA) of the Beaver Falls Project in Ketchikan, Alaska
Paleoflood analyses (PFA) are utilized increasingly in dam safety risk assessments for reducing uncertainties and improving confidence in flood frequency analyses. The basics of PFA rely on field-based geologic data documenting peak flood stages from paleostage indicators (PSI) or non-exceedance bounds (NEB). Multiple field-based PFA across the country were initiated by USACE in late 2019 and early 2020, but COVID-related travel restrictions in spring 2020 eliminated field data collection. Sustained restrictions forced reliance on office-based analyses of high-resolution topography, existing fluvial chronosequences, soil surveys, and archaeological data to identify paleoflood deposits and estimate flood age ranges. Although not ideal, positive benefits of restricted field access include improved pre-field preparation and, subsequently, better field data collection efficiency. An ongoing PFA along the Guadalupe River in central Texas developed an initial paleoflood chronology via virtual mapping efforts utilizing high-resolution hillshade terrain models, inundation extents, and existing geologic maps. Field reconnaissance verified a series of three fluvial terrace remnants based on height above the Guadalupe River, soil development, and down-valley longitudinal profiles. The terrace remnants occur at elevations between the stages of the 1913 flood of record (FOR) and probable maximum flood (PMF) and are interpreted as PSI based on sedimentologic and geomorphic characteristics. Peak discharges associated with paleoflood features were estimated based on calibrated HEC-RAS hydraulic models of the FOR and PMF, using both 1D and 2D simulations. Based on these efforts, the Guadalupe River reach near New Braunfels appears to be viable for paleoflood analysis should field data collection be possible in the future. This effort highlights the benefit of combining remote and traditional field mapping and shows that valuable paleoflood information can be developed from relevant office-based data if, and only if, augmented by subsequent field information. This approach may be applicable to other PFA reaches having restricted field access.
Gagnon, Hawkins, Schnabel Engineering, jgagnon@schnabel-eng.com; Tom Fitzgerald, tfitzgerald@schnabel-eng.com; Jennifer Holstrom, JenniferH@City.Ketchikan.Ak.Us (TS #7) The fourth potential failure modes analysis (PFMA) for the Beaver Falls Project (FERC ID 1922) was performed by Ketchikan Public Utilities (KPU), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and Schnabel Engineering on August 8, 2019. The Beaver Falls Project is located within Tongass National Forest on the western side of Revillagigedo Island in southeastern Alaska. Project structures are built around two natural lakes and the project includes two storage dams (Upper Silvis and Lower Silvis), one diversion dam, two spillways, three power conduits and two powerhouses. Due to the Project’s seismic, geologic, and physiographic setting, geomorphologic and seismic failure modes are key components of the Project risk. This presentation will highlight risk-driving geology-related potential failure modes (PFMs) and will cover the importance of geology to understanding project risk. Many of the hypothesized PFMs for the Beaver Falls Project are related to the potential for slope instability and/or earthquake loading. For Upper Silvis, PFMs include the possibility of a seiche wave created by a landslide causing dam overtopping, failure of the rock slope above the Upper Silvis powerhouse, failure of the penstock due to rockfall or impact, and spillway failure due to rockfall/debris. For Lower Silvis, PFMs include failure of Upper Silvis, failure of the penstocks due to rockfall or earthquake, and a seiche wave created by a landslide that overtops the dam.
Emergency Response and Mitigation for a Sequential Rockslide on US-95 near Riggins, ID, July 2020 Gates, William Chester, McMillen Jacobs Associates, gates@mcmjac.com; James Struthers, struthers@mcmjac.com; Jamie Schick, schick@mcmjac.com; Ethan Guzek, guzek@mcmjac.com; Luke Ferguson, ferguson@mcmjac.com (TS #10) (Presented by James Struthers) US-95 is the sole north-south route in the Idaho panhandle. The route borders the Salmon River canyon and cuts large unstable rockslopes with adverse dipping structures that have been historically prone to rockslides. In December 2012, a large rockslide occurred about five miles south of Riggins, Idaho blocking the highway and leaving a large unstable rock mass. Eight years later, on July 3rd and 10th, 2020, two large, sequential rockslides occurred blocking the highway and leaving a large unstable block stranded 200 feet above the highway. Idaho
September 2021
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING Transportation Department (ITD) retained McMillen Jacobs to provide emergency response and geotechnical consultation including geologic characterization of the slope using rope access techniques, recommendations for rock scaling, installation of telemetered monitoring equipment, and development of mitigation strategies for the slope. Remote monitoring methods were used to develop criteria for safe drilling and reopening of the highway. Immediately, plans and specifications for the project were developed and advertised 21 days after the failure. Concurrently, we worked with Wallace Technical Blasting to develop a cushion blasting design to remove the remnant unstable rock mass. The project was awarded to Scarcella Brothers on August 18th for $3.2 million. Within seven days of the award, 122 blastholes were drilled, loaded with 6000 pounds of explosives, and shot on August 28th to remove the remaining unstable block. Following the blast, we developed final mitigation plans including design and installation of rock anchor reinforcement, on-slope rockfall mesh, brow stabilization, design of rockfall mitigation, and design of catchment systems and assisted ITD with the oversight of construction of the design with a full-time presence. Mitigation was completed on November 14th and followed immediately by repaving and full opening of US-95. ITD and McMillen Jacobs were awarded the Association of General Contractors Top Gold Medal for Excellence in Construction Partnering.
Application of the Block Theory Rock Erodibility Method to Evaluate Scour Potential and Risk at the Don Pedro Dam Emergency Spillway George, Michael, BGC Engineering USA, Inc., mgeorge@bgcengineering.ca; Cole Christiansen, cchristiansen@bgcengineering.ca; Casey Smith, casmith@bgcengineering.ca; Evan Lucas, emlucas@tid.org (TS #4) Scouring processes in rock are complex and present several challenges for practitioners to confidently assess scour potential. This is particularly relevant for dams and spillways where scour can pose a significant risk to infrastructure and individuals present in the flood inundation zone downstream. Scour of rock, particularly in unlined channels, is predominantly controlled by removal of discrete blocks of rock by hydraulic forces. Stability of these blocks is largely governed by the orientations of discontinuities within the rock mass, but until recently, no method was available to incorporate 3D orientations of these discontinuities into scour assessment. The Block Theory Rock Erodibility Method is a new, physics-based methodology developed for that purpose of evaluating erodibility of 3D rock blocks subject to hydraulic loading. This presentation provides an overview of the Block Theory Rock Erodibility Method as well as an example application for evaluation of scour potential of the Emergency Spillway at Don Pedro Dam (the 9th highest dam in the United States) located in the Sierra Nevada foothills near La Grange, CA. The results of the scour assessment were used to inform a semi-quantitative risk assessment (SQRA) that was performed to identify key risk drivers at the site.
Assessing Rock Face Instability with Ground-based Interferometric Radar for Rock Faces in Eastern Utah Gomez, Francisco, University of Missouri, fgomez@missouri.edu; Brent Rosenblad, rosenbladb@missouri.edu; Charles Miles, charles.miles@idsgeoradar.com (TS #5)
movements that may pose a more significant risk. This study presents new results on the detectability threshold of GBIR, as well as an application to detecting potentially unstable rock faces. Quantifying the minimum detectable displacement was assessed using controlled experiments with a rock-like target that was moved with precisely controlled displacements at distances ranging from 40 to 150 meters. Results show the GBIR system was capable of reliably measuring displacements as low as about 0.2 mm with accuracy in the range of 0.1 to 0.2 mm. This detectable threshold is an order of magnitude improvement over techniques using EDM or LiDAR. An example of the utility of infrequent GBIR surveying is shown for a study site above a road near Moab, Utah. Repeat surveys were conducted twice per year (November and May) over a three-year duration. A large previously undocumented rock mass was identified after the second survey. Subsequent surveys demonstrated that the rock mass creeps downslope seasonally with up to 5 cm of displacement during the late winter or early spring. Additionally, several smaller, boulder-sized features were also identified. These results demonstrate how GBIR can efficiently identify small movements in rock faces that may pose a more significant risk.
Use of Low-Altitude Aerial Photogrammetry for Neotectonic and Geomorphic Investigations: Mapping, Morphometry, and Landform Modeling Gomez, Francisco, University of Missouri, fgomez@missouri.edu; Sean Polun, polunsg@missouri.edu (Poster) Low-altitude aerial surveying is emerging as a tool that greatly improves the ease and efficiency of measuring landforms for quantitative geomorphic analyses. High-resolution, close-range photogrammetry produces dense, 3D point clouds that facilitate the construction of digital surface models, as well as a potential means of classifying ground targets using spatial structure. This study presents results from recent applications of sUAS-based photogrammetry, including high resolution surface morphometry of a lava flow, repeat-pass applications to mass movements, and fault scarp degradation modeling. In all cases, high-precision ground control points are key for accurate (and repeatable) orientation—relying on low-precision GPS coordinates (whether on the ground or geotags in the aerial photos) typically results in substantial rotations (tilt) of the reference frame. Using common ground control points between repeat surveys results in matching point clouds with RMS residuals better than 10 cm. In arid regions, the point cloud is used to assess lava flow surface roughness using multi-scale measurements of point cloud dimensionality. For the landslide study, the point cloud provides a basis for assessing possible displacements. In addition, the high resolution orthophotos facilitate mapping of fractures and their growth. For neotectonic applications, we compare fault scarp modeling results from UAV-derived point clouds versus field-based surveys (kinematic GPS and electronic distance measurements). High-resolution topography also permits improved mapping of subtle fault scarps using artificial sunshading. In summary, there is a wide-ranging toolbox of low-altitude aerial platforms becoming available for field geoscientists. In many instances, these tools will present convenience and reduced cost compared with the effort and expense to contract acquisitions of aerial imagery.
Ground-based interferometric radar (GBIR) is an imaging-based technology with potential for early detection of unstable rock faces and earth slopes, owing to its capability to measure small (sub-millimeter) displacements by differencing phase between two radar images. Portable GBIR systems, in particular, provide a cost-effective means for infrequent scanning of rock faces to identify and characterize small 60
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING Regional Stress Estimation Method using Acoustic Televiewer Data Goodfellow, Sebastian, KORE Geosystems, sgoodfellow@koregeosystems.com; Patrick Hooker, phooker@dgigeoscience.com; Chris Drielsma, cdrielsma@dgigeoscience.com; McLain Pray, jmpray@dgigeoscience.com (Presented by McLain Pray) (TS #14) Regional stress is traditionally a challenging and expensive measurement, and the available methods, such as overcoring, produce sparse data that are subject to high levels of uncertainty. DGI obtained principal stress orientations from Acoustic Televiewer (ATV) data, which was previously acquired for other geotechnical purposes (fracture analysis, fault modelling). Multiple holes drilled in different orientations were analyzed for borehole breakout patterns, and a global optimization algorithm was run to step through all possible stress states fitting the observed breakouts. The global minimum, defined as the stress state which minimizes the angular residual between observed breakout orientations and theoretical breakout orientations, was found and uncertainties calculated for sigma 1, 2, and 3. Extracting stress information out of ATV data resulted in a stress state calculation supported by hundreds of observations across the entire rock volume of interest.
UAS-Based Monitoring of Rockfall in Glenwood Canyon, Colorado: Preliminary Result Graber, Andrew, Colorado School of Mines, apgraber@mymail.mines.edu; Paul Santi, psanti@mines.edu (TS #3) In any given year, the stretch of Interstate 70 passing through Glenwood Canyon, Colorado, experiences multiple rockfall events. In Fall 2020, the Grizzly Creek fire burned portions of the canyon and adjoining Grizzly Creek and Dead Horse Creek drainages, as well higher elevations of the White River uplift to the north and south of the canyon. Anecdotally, rockfall activity is expected to increase for a time after the fire, but the degree of this increase has not been well studied in the literature. In addition, the ongoing background risks of rockfall impacts to the highway necessitate monitoring and study of rockfall processes to better understand the hazards. This research seeks to use UAS-based rockfall monitoring and Structure from Motion photogrammetry to 1) quantify the increase in rockfall frequency resulting from the wildfire by monitoring a burned slope and an unburned slope with similar rockmass characteristics and 2) monitor two additional slopes close to the highway to evaluate rockfall frequency from two different lithologies that are common along the highway alignment. Data collection began in January 2021 and will continue at least through January 2022 with scans of each of the four slopes on a monthly basis. Rockfall frequency is computed using the M3C2 change detection algorithm applied to point clouds generated using Structure from Motion photogrammetry. We present preliminary results from change detection of rockfall in Glenwood Canyon and Grizzly Creek, as well as observations of burn damage and talus depositional behavior.
Remote Geoenvironmental Hazard Mapping in the Arequipa Region of Peru Grady, Cassidy, Colorado School of Mines, clgrady@mymail.mines.edu; Paul Santi, psanti@mines.edu; Gabriel Walton, gwalton@mines.edu; Percy Colque, scolquer@unsa.edu.pe, Pablo Meza, pmezaa@unsa.edu.pe (TS #9) In the Arequipa region in Peru, numerous geoenvironmental hazards impact the daily life of small communities situated in the mountains, on the coastline, and in the hills in between. A lack of hazard susceptibility characterization in the region means that there is limited capability to predict and mitigate hazards, leaving small communities without the September 2021
necessary tools to reduce their vulnerability to hazards. At present, there is a deficiency in the literature for efficient mapping of a wide range of hazards in various environments. The primary focus of this study is to remotely characterize geoenvironmental hazards at ten sites in the Arequipa region, including landslides, debris flows, flooding, erosion, liquefaction, rockfall, and seismic and volcanic hazards. An array of hazard mapping techniques is used to develop hazard inventories from aerial imagery and adaptations of existing hazard rating systems to produce preliminary hazard maps of the ten sites. Next, we calibrate the preliminary maps using field observations, local community knowledge, and other published hazard inventories. Then we create GIS-based models for automatic mapping of hazard identification and susceptibility and validate the models against our maps. These methodologies will decrease the dependency on timeconsuming field investigations to characterize geoenvironmental hazards in remote sites, providing preliminary maps that improve upon current approaches in the literature. While these maps are no substitute for field-confirmed maps, they are an important resource to help prioritize future mapping and investigation efforts. A diverse assortment of environments and hazards are included in this research. Thus, the resulting framework is expected to be relevant for further hazards analysis in Peru and other countries with similar hazards and geomorphic and climatic settings. Community members, local governments, and hazard and disaster-focused organizations will be able to implement these methodologies to prepare for hazardous events and develop mitigation strategies at a community level.
You Don’t Look Like a Geologist—Why are the Geosciences the Least Diverse of the STEM Fields? Green, Deborah, GeologistWriter deb@geologistwriter.com (TS #12) As a young geologist I was often told, “You don’t look like a geologist.” I haven’t heard that in years, which speaks to the fact that more women are studying geology and going on to careers in the field. The face of a geologist isn’t necessarily male anymore. According to statistics from the American Geosciences Institute (AGI) at least forty percent of geology graduates are women. However, we are still an overwhelmingly white profession. The same report indicates less than twelve percent of geology graduates identify themselves as underrepresented minorities. For three years, beginning as the 2018–2019 Jahns Lecturer, I have been holding conversations with students and professionals on the lack of diversity in the field. There is no single reason, instead a number have come to light, including economic, cultural, and demographic issues. In 2020, due to the murder of George Floyd, millions more than ever before have opened their eyes to the issues of discrimination, individual and systemic, plaguing society. And so have many members of our profession, bringing additional momentum to understanding and mitigating the lack of inclusion in the geosciences.
Flood and Debris Flow History of the Montecito Watersheds, Santa Barbara County, California Gurrola, Larry D., The Project for Resilient Communities (TPRC), lg@larrygurrola.com; J. David Rogers, rogersda@mst.edu (TS #5) Watersheds in the Santa Ynez Mountains of southern California discharge sediment-charged floods that debouche at canyon mouths to form coalesced debris fans on the coastal piedmont surface. Developed on the bajada, the community of Montecito was mauled on January 9, 2018, by post-fire debris flows (PFDF) resulting in 23 fatalities, over 500 homes destroyed or damaged, and closure of U.S. Hwy 101 for 13 days. Funded by TPRC, one of this study’s objective is to construct a historical inventory of flood events that records
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING physical evidence of the relative severity of damages, inundation paths, meteorological conditions, and type of events to understand the history of flood events for the last 200 years. Historic records establish nineteen debris flows and debris-laden flood events have occurred in the Montecito watersheds, in 1825, 1861–62, 1872, 1879, 1884, 1889, 1907, and 1911, three events in 1914, 1926, 1964, 1969, 1971, two events in 1995, 2018, and 2019. These events account for 66% of all events (29) recognized in southern Santa Barbara County. Nearly 80% of the Montecito events occurred during post-fire watershed conditions establishing that the catchments are sensitive to the environmental impacts of brush fires. Several PFDF events were triggered by rainfall intensities of 0.6 inches per 20-minute interval. Long duration, intense precipitation or multiple storm events with high antecedent moisture triggered not only debrischarged floods but also landslide dams. Reconstruction of early 20th century debris flows with latter 20th century events in Montecito reveal similar flow paths and avulsion sites. Avulsions repeatedly occur at points of constriction due to flow jams diverting the flow outside their low flow channels, and these out-of-bank flows spread coarse debris on the fan surfaces. This inventory establishes that debris- charged floods occur more frequently than previously realized and often impact the same flow path corridors.
Improving Rockslope Stability Investigations Using UAV-Based 3D Modeling Guzek, Ethan, McMillen Jacobs Associates, guzek@mcmjac.com; Thomas Pallua, pallua@mcmjac.com (TS #3) Unstable rockslopes are surrounded by difficult-access terrain which presents challenges in obtaining large-scale measurements and gaining line-of-site to broad features located high above the ground surface. Imagery obtained using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) provides “bigpicture” perspective, allowing critical features to be observed in context of the entire slope. Imagery sets also provide data to produce 3D point clouds and surfaces using photogrammetry techniques. These factors lead to increased project efficiency and refined stability analysis and design. Trained personnel can identify stability-controlling features across a given slope within hours of arriving onsite. Further, rope-access techniques and on-slope data collection can then be focused towards zones of apparent instability. In addition to mission planning, products of UAV-based photogrammetry and 3D modeling provide accurate data that can be directly incorporated into existing analyses and workflows. For instance, 2D cross-sections can be extracted and input into traditional limit-equilibrium stability models. Linear and surface area measurements can also be extracted directly from point clouds to provide block dimensions when determining the depth, strength, and number of anchors required to reinforce a particular slope. Beyond traditional practices, 3D data allows industry practitioners to reduce the number of assumptions and error during analysis of design elements. This includes QA/QC for items such as rock reinforcement embedment depths, blast pattern design regarding burden and release planes, and estimates of construction quantities. These methods have been used during several emergency responses to rockslides in the Western Unites States over the past year.
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Evaluating Resilience of the Beach-Dune System at South Padre Island, TX Hapke, Cheryl, Integral Consulting, chapke@integral-corp.com; Patrick Friend, pfriend@integral.com; Kristina Boburka, kboburka@myspi.org; Steven Watt, swatt@integral-corp.com; Chris Flanary, cflanary@integral-corp.com (TS #1A) South Padre Island, Texas, is a narrow low-relief barrier island along the south Texas coastline that is frequently affected by storms and sea level rise. The City of South Padre Island (SPI), on the southern end of the Island, is a top Gulf Coast tourist destination and provides a multitude of coastal recreational opportunities that contribute substantially to the region’s economic viability. A study is being undertaken at SPI to understand both long- and short-term evolution of beach-dune system. The purpose of the study is to determine a characteristic “resilient” beach morphology that the City of SPI can recommend as the best alternative for maintaining the important recreational and ecological functions of the system, but also provides a high level of protection from coastal hazards. The initial phase of the study evaluates the historical changes to the beach-dune morphology using a time series of twenty-five cross-shore profiles spanning twenty-six years. The historical changes are correlated to an equivalent time series of wave data to evaluate various processes that drive change to the system. The analysis includes examination of a variety of morphometrics, including beach morphology, volume, dune crest and toe elevations, beach width, and shoreline change. The beaches and dunes are re-nourished on a regular basis and the nourishments are accompanied by extensive dune vegetation planting. Presently the dune field is relatively wide (~ 150 feet) except in the northern reaches, where it narrows to nearly non-existent in some areas. Profile volumes show a distinct trend with beach volumes decreasing substantially in the north portion of the study area through all time periods. The initial results indicate that the northern section of the study area is substantially more vulnerable to flooding and erosion than the central and southern portions.
Controls on Debris Flow Avulsions: White Mountains of California and Nevada Herbert, Lauren, Colorado School of Mines, lherbert@mymail.mines.edu; Paul Santi, psanti@mines.edu (TS #13) The process by which debris flows shift from an active channel and branch out into new channels or areas is termed avulsion. Debris flow avulsion poses serious risks for structures and populations residing on debris-flow fans, yet avulsion mechanisms are relatively unknown and unaccounted for in hazard assessments, as compared to better understood fluvial avulsions. However, avulsion is a critical mechanism controlling the distribution of debris flow deposits. This study analyzes six debris-flow fans in the White Mountains of California and Nevada to identify relationships between channel and avulsion characteristics, constrain the controlling factors on avulsion, and assess the probability that avulsion will occur at specified locations. This study aims to develop a method to predict avulsion based on the factors that control avulsion on debris-flow fans. The fans on the western flank of the White Mountains are an ideal study area for this work, as they have a long record of debris flow and avulsion events. A database of avulsion locations and their channel characteristics was compiled in the field. These were compared to the characteristics of other positions on the fan surface that show evidence of debris flows, but not avulsion. The database (n=58) of avulsion and non-avulsion characteristics was analyzed through stepwise, binary logistic regression. Results indicate that two-thirds of avulsion likelihood at a site can be attributed to its percentage of boulders, slope angle, channel width, and ratio between flow thickness and average slope. The accuracy of this model can be
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING improved with the consideration of a coarse channel plug, which increases the likelihood of avulsion. Application is demonstrated by runout simulations with forced avulsions from modeled channel plugs. These results improve our ability to predict and model debris flow avulsion so that it may be readily incorporated into geohazard assessments in the future.
Characterizing Potential for Seepage and Internal Erosion on Karst Foundation using a Holistic Data-Based Approach Huebner, Matthew, Tennessee Valley Authority, mthuebner@tva.gov; Joshua Shinpaugh, jeshinpaugh0@tva.gov; Husein Hasan, hahasan@tva.gov; Jeffrey Munsey, jwmunsey@tva.gov (TS #9) Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Dam Safety recently completed a detailed investigation of several potential failure modes related to seepage and migration of embankment material, particularly into foundation karst features, at a dam located in the Valley and Ridge province of eastern Tennessee. The evaluation focused on identifying potential seepage patterns, specific vulnerabilities to soil erosion, defensive features, and the possibility that internal erosion could be presently occurring at the dam. This study consisted of a holistic approach that integrated numerous data sets in a spatial, temporal, three-dimensional context. Available data, including foundation mapping, design information, construction records, borehole data and grouting records, dam safety performance instrumentation data, inspection records, and remote sensing data (including InSAR) were compiled, spatially referenced, and synthesized as part of this investigation. Additionally, new land- and marine-based geophysical data were acquired to characterize subsurface conditions at the dam, with the primary focus on identifying potential karst cavities or seepage pathways. While the evaluation did not indicate internal erosion has initiated or is currently progressing, areas that could possibly represent potential seepage paths or advanced karst dissolution were identified, which informs our efforts for future investigations and highlights focus areas for routine dam safety inspections and monitoring. Overall, the results of this study highlight the benefits of directed geophysical studies designed to address specific project objectives to gain a better understanding of the geologic conditions at a site, and also demonstrate the importance of evaluating all pertinent data in a spatial context to better understand and inform risk estimates for geologically based failure modes.
Simulating Groundwater Pumpage Induced Land Subsidence using MODFLOW 6 Hughes, Joseph D., U.S. Geological Survey, jdhughes@usgs.gov; Jacob E. Knight; John H. Ellis; Jason K. Ramage (TS #6) Compressible fine-grained sediments are susceptible to inelastic compaction in response to groundwater pumpage in many aquifer systems in the world. Inelastic compaction of fine-grained sediments results in land subsidence, which can damage infrastructure and increase the frequency and intensity of flooding. The adverse effects of inelastic compaction resulting from groundwater pumpage have been observed in many unconsolidated, heterogeneous aquifer systems including the Central Valley, California, USA; the Houston-Galveston region, Texas, USA; the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta, Bangladesh; the Jakarta basin, Indonesia; the lower Mekong Delta, Cambodia and Vietnam; and the Virginia Coastal Plain, USA. A skeletal storage, compaction, and subsidence (CSUB) package has been developed for MODFLOW 6 that can simulate elastic compaction of coarse-grained sediments and elastic and inelastic compaction of fine-grained sediments resulting from changes in pressure heads and geostatic stresses in an aquifer system. The CSUB package incorporates the September 2021
functionality of the subsidence packages available in previous versions of MODFLOW. Unlike previous subsidence packages, the CSUB package can simulate compaction of fine-grained sediments that respond quickly and slowly to effective-stress changes. The CSUB package is being applied in the GULF-2023 model, which is a replacement for the Houston Area Groundwater model (HAGM). In the HAGM, compacting fine-grained sediments were assumed to respond quickly to water-level changes. Fine-grained sediments in the GULF-2023 model are represented as slowly compacting sediments. Sediment properties are being calibrated using a combination of benchmarks, subsidence contour maps, extensometer data from 12 sites, and vertical displacement data from 173 Global Positioning System (GPS) sites. GPS data, located throughout the model domain unlike the extensometer data which are limited to Galveston and Harris counties, have improved confidence in the GULF-2023 model’s ability to predict land subsidence. Preliminary projections indicate additional subsidence could occur with current groundwater pumping rates with little or no additional water-level declines.
Dam Grout Curtain Installation Made Easy with 3D Visual Modeling Irsch, Brian, Schnabel Engineering, birsch@schnabel-eng.com (TS #7) A double-row grout curtain was constructed to reduce the permeability of the highly weathered, interbedded sandstone and shale foundation at the original spillway location during construction of a new relocated spillway. A 3D visual model was developed concurrently as field data was gathered during the drilling, water pressure testing and grouting. Data from the spreadsheet field records was parsed with internal software and converted into a 3D model in SketchUp, which could be viewed in the field on a laptop. Individual layers such as the geology, permeability from water pressure test results, and injected grout volumes were displayed together and could be individually controlled, to present the most relevant features and relationships for analysis. The 3D visual model easily revealed the location of high permeability areas allowing hydrogeologic analysis of the trends and/or anomalies to be quickly assessed and decisions made with respect to target pressures and grout mix selection. Performance of the grout mixes could also quickly be assessed by comparing grout volume injected to permeability, and subsequent permeability testing of the upstream curtain, as the grouting program progressed. This real-time visual assessment allows for more efficient and higher quality technical decisions, than looking at a 2D profile with numbers. Use of 3D models becomes even more useful on geologically complex sites, those with extensive data sets, or those with complicated grout line geometries.
Extinction is Forever! A Further Reason for Strict Control of Industrial Fly Ash and Power Plant Discharge Products Isphording, Wayne, Tierra Consulting Associates, isphordingw@bellsouth.net (TS #15) The generation of electrical power by burning of coal has been shown to be clearly inefficient, when compared with the use of either gas or fuel oil. Further, waste products associated with coal burning plants (e.g., fly ash) are responsible for numerous deleterious environmental effects that are potentially harmful to the health of both human and animal life. A clear example of the impact of such wastes has been documented by “watchdog” environmental groups for the Barry Steam Plant located twenty-five miles north of Mobile, Alabama. Leaching of the exposed 600-acre fly ash waste site has generated levels of arsenic, lead, mercury, and other metals in the groundwater and surface water runoff that, on occasion, far exceed maximum values imposed by the EPA and the State of Alabama. The impact on the immediately adjacent Mobile Delta River System, often termed
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING “America’s Amazon” because of its rich biodiversity, has been further exacerbated by discharge of power plant cooling waters whose low dissolved oxygen content and elevated temperatures frequently exceed maximum allowable levels. Collectively these create a “dead zone” several miles in length up and down the river from where discharge waters from the plant enter the Mobile River. This zone is clearly visible on LANDSAT satellite imagery and has been implicated in the marked demise of anadromous fish species, such as the Gulf Sturgeon and Stripped Bass. Future plans by the power company to simply “de-water” and cover the waste pile and construct a redundant dike system around the waste site, have been shown to be ineffective at similar sites elsewhere in the State. Environmental groups are urging total removal and relocation of the fly ash to dry lined landfills, such as are now mandated elsewhere in a number of states, as a means of safeguarding the watershed.
Communicating Geologic and Seismic Hazards with Geotechnical and Structural Engineers Johnson, Courtney, Slate Geotechnical Consultants, Inc., cjohnson@slategeotech.com (TS #9) In our built environment, there exist countless opportunities for geologists to assess geologic and seismic hazards and therefore just as many chances to communicate findings to engineers, clients, owners, and regulators. Many geologists spend a great deal of time communicating with and educating their non-geologist colleagues, project team members, and clients on geologic concepts and the hazards they have identified. Identification of such hazards, creating maps, and writing a report are just the first steps. Effective communication of how, how much, and how often those hazards may impact a structure or site starts with learning the language of not only the geotechnical engineers we often work closely with but also clients such as structural or civil engineers. Taking this step is imperative for successful project completion when hazards are involved because geologists are often relied upon to build context for project foundations (literally). In addition, the identification and assessment of geologic and seismic hazards becomes even more crucial as resilience and risk-informed decision making become larger factors in the consideration of mitigation measures. Examples will be provided where technical language differences resulted in confusion on scope and budget. These lessons learned show how early two-way discussions and learning to ask the right questions can help rectify issues early in the project. Pulling from experience working on all types of structures at various scales of scope, schedule, and budget, other examples of both successes and failures in hazard communication will be provided.
TBM Hard Rock Mining through Difficult Ground and High Groundwater Pressure in the Mid-Hudson Valley of New York The NYCDEP Bypass Tunnel – A Triumph in Tunneling Jordan, Eric W., Parsons Corporation, eric.jordan@parsons.com (TS #2) New York City is presently constructing a new hard-rock, high-pressure water tunnel to bypass documented leaks in the City’s primary water supply tunnel, the Delaware Aqueduct. The Delaware Aqueduct conveys approximately 50 percent of New York City’s drinking water on a typical day. The existing leaks in the aqueduct coincide with water bearing, fault zones. A new, state-of-the-art Robbins single shield, segmental tunnel boring machine was designed to mine through variable ground conditions with hydrostatic pressure approaching 20 bar. The project required innovative approaches by the owner, contractor, and construction manager to mine almost 2.5 miles with variable conditions under the Hudson River. Project purpose, strategies, design, technical challenges, and solutions are described in the paper. 64
Using Elevated Concentrations of Chromium and Nickel as an Indicator for the Presence of Chrysotile Asbestos in Serpentinite Rock Units Kalika, Sarah, DiabloGeo Environmental, skalika@diablogeo.com (TS #15) Serpentine, a magnesium silicate mineral formed when peridotite is altered by extremely hot water during tectonic plate subduction and partial crustal melting from heat from the upper mantle, is composed of the platy minerals lizardite and antigorite crisscrossed by veins of chrysotile. In California, serpentinite is typically found within the Coast Range, Klamath Mountains and Sierra Nevada foothills. When analyzed for metals presence, serpentinite rocks typically contain elevated chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and chrysotile. When project sites are evaluated for the presence of potentially hazardous substances or waste soil is analyzed for landfill disposal pre-approval, metals are part of the list of required analytes, but often evaluation for the presence of asbestos is not included. Following years of anecdotal observation, this research intended to evaluate whether the presence of elevated chromium and nickel concentrations could be a reliable indicator for the presence of chrysotile asbestos. If such a correlation could be made, at what concentrations would the presence of Cr and Ni be a predictor for chrysotile? This study used data from soil samples collected within California’s Coast Ranges and reported within site investigation reports published for public use on the California Department of Toxic Substances Control Envirostor database and California’s State Water Resources Control Board Geotracker database. Data was evaluated using statistical tools to establish a threshold concentration for Cr and Ni, above which, serpentinite is likely to be the source and warrants additional analysis for the presence of chrysotile asbestos.
Let’s Get Real – Stories from Women in the Geoscience Workplace and Listening to Learn Kalika, Sarah, DiabloGeo Environmental, sarah@georx.net (TS #12) Women, people of color, LGBTQ, and others often experience an alternate workplace or life experience that messes with our psyches. Many of us have experienced the feeling that despite your education and knowledge—you don’t belong or you’re playing a part that isn’t actually deserved. Was I admitted to college because they were trying to include more women into my STEM program? Will I keep my job if I show my “true” self? Women, POC, and LGBTQ professionals often adapt by creating a workplace persona that differs from their real self. Examples include a set of “professional” clothing, conservative haircuts, even speaking differently. Workplace micro-aggressions and inappropriate behavior continue to exist and often there is not a clear path established by a company or university to lodge a complaint and prevent this behavior from happening in the future. This presentation will summarize a few real-life stories from professional workplaces in an effort to share knowledge of things that still happen that weigh all of us down. Companies lose talented employees when they protect inequality and toxicity. Universities lose talented students. What do we do about this? The first step should be to open our ears to the stories of others. When we listen to learn, we gather information that helps us eliminate our blind spots, feel empathy toward others, and make conscious choices. Understanding that not everyone comes from the same backgrounds and being willing to learn, include, and support— not marginalize, dismiss, and cancel—can create change that benefits all of us.
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING GIS-Based Analysis of Deforestation near Seongheung Mine in North Korea
BCRUA Phase 2 Tunnel, Delivering Water through the Glen Rose Formation
Kim, Yebin, Seoul National University, yebin96@snu.ac.kr; Hyeong-Dong Park, hpark@snu.ac.kr (Poster)
Koziol, Matt, Schnabel Engineering, mkoziol@schnabel-eng.com; Kemp Lewis, klewis@schnabel-eng.com (TS #2)
Although North Korea has abundant minerals, the number of mines out of operation is increasing. One of the reasons is that the infrastructure is outdated, making natural disaster response and restoration difficult. Mining activities cause deforestation, but reforestation is mitigation method for natural disasters. In this study, to understand the status of deforestation and analyze landslide susceptibility near Seongheung Mine, Pyeonganam-do in North Korea, remote sensing, and GIS analysis for data-scarce area were conducted using Landsat 8 OLI (Operational Land Imager), ASTER DEM. Slope, aspect, elevation, curvature, TWI (Topographical Wetness Index), distance from road and water were used to estimate landslide susceptibility. As a result, it was confirmed that deforestation is in progress, thus, the appropriate mine reclamation must be carried out for sustainable mine development. Acknowledgement: This work was supported by a grant from the Human Resources Development program of the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP), funded by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy of the Korean Government.
Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority (BCRUA) is a partnership established to deliver raw water from Lake Travis, which is owned and regulated by the Lower Colorado River Authority, to meet the rising demands of the rapidly growing cities of Round Rock, Leander, and Cedar Park, Texas. Phase 2 of the project includes the design and construction of two new lake taps in Lake Travis, a two-mile intake tunnel, a pump station with an underground cavern, a 300-ft-deep wet well and access shaft, six pump well shafts, a half-mile transmission pipeline tunnel, and a secant pile and blind bore shaft. The project site is located within the Edwards Plateau, which is a physiographic region bounded by the Llano Uplift to the West, the Balcones Escarpment to the South and East, and the Blacklands Prairie to the East. A majority of the underground project features will be constructed in the Glen Rose Formation, which is comprised of Lower Cretaceous aged rocks alternating from thin- to medium-bedded soft and hard limestone, dolostone, and siltstone/marl. Softer limestones are mostly biomicrite (fossil fragments in a fine-grained calcium carbonate matrix), marly limestone (clayey limestone or clayey biomicrite), or marl (lithified material of calcareous clay origin or calcareous clay-like material). The presentation will describe these key project features and the geologic exploration including the methods utilized, locations, and in-situ and laboratory testing conducted. A summary of the results of the investigation will be presented along with a summary of previous tunneling experience in this formation. Design considerations with regard to the anticipated behavior of the geology for construction of the tunnels and shafts and requirements for construction means and methods and rock support will be discussed.
Groundwater Use Changes in the Arizona and California Basin and Range: A Sustainability Examination Knight, Michael, Gannett Fleming, Inc., mknight@gfnet.com; Byron Dixon, bdixon@gfnet.com; Thomas Waddington, twaddington@gfnet.com (TS #1B) Land use changes that alter consumptive water use patterns have the potential to increase groundwater availability within subsidiary basins of the Basin and Range Province. Evolving changes are significant because water is so valuable and contentious near regional population centers. Water consumption in Arizona’s Gila Bend Basin and California’s Harper Lake Basin has undergone measurable reduction in the last decade because agricultural land uses have been replaced by the renewable energy industry. Reduced demand for groundwater has accompanied Concentrated Solar Plant (CSP) development that replaced crop irrigation systems with groundwater systems for mechanical cooling. Ideally, groundwater for CSP cooling would have a lower ionic load than is available, but superb regional solar characteristics, outweigh ambient water quality concerns. The Province’s groundwater is found within alluvium comprising a system of interconnected and isolated sub-basin aquifers. Sub-basin groundwater has been tapped regionally but not without concerns for inherent recharge limitations; water table declines; land subsidence; and soil salinity. Many such impacts are not recoverable, so even minor changes have magnified importance. In the Harper Lake Basin, a fee structure imposed by the Water Master aims to reduce consumption and support aquifer replenishment. In Arizona’s Butler Valley, studies on State Trust Land examined replenishment options for restoring groundwater that has supported agricultural concerns. Stemming impacts from irrigation is challenging because Butler Valley lacks replenishing natural inflows. If implemented, the water bank will be available for other uses. Reversing impacts in the Province’s alluvial aquifers is clearly possible but many opposing factors exist including arid conditions, low natural recharge rates and increasing population demands. Subtle land use changes can have favorable long-term groundwater sustainability outcomes, but these may be difficult to discern, and they compete with increasing regional demands.
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Landslide Susceptibility Prediction in Arid-Mountainous Terrain Using Machine and Deep Learning Models Kumar, Chandan, Colorado School of Mines, chandankumar@mines.edu; Paul Santi, psanti@mines.edu; Gabriel Walton, gwalton@mines.edu; Cassidy Grady, clgrady@mymail.mines.edu; Carlos Luza, cluzah@unsa.edu.pe (TS #13) Landslides are common natural hazards that threaten human populations across the globe. The spatial prediction of landslide susceptibility plays a significant role in assessing vulnerability and applying safety measures to reduce landslide risk. The arid and mountainous terrain of Peru experiences a diverse range of landslides, including rockfall, shallow landslides, and debris flows. This study implements an integrated approach of ensemble feature selection, machine, and deep learning (DL) models for accurate landslide susceptibility mapping and spatial risk zonation. The study site is situated in the Arequipa region of southwestern Peru. The area includes a few active volcanoes and experiences active seismicity that can trigger slope instability. We prepared a historical landslide inventory using high-resolution and temporal imageries from Google Earth. Several factors contributing to landslide occurrence, including topographical (elevation, slope, aspect, curvature, topographic position index, ruggedness index, convexity), hydrological (rainfall, drainage density, topographic wetness index, stream power index, stream transportation index), geological (lithology, soil type, lineament density, distance from faults, seismic zone, distance from volcanoes) and anthropogenic (land use/landcover, distance from roads, distance from settlements) factors, were derived with conjugate utilization of multi-sensor remotely sensed and secondary datasets. The geolocation of landslides was used to derive the training datasets and subsequently used in developing machine learning (support vector
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING machine and random forest), convolution and recurrent DL models with different architectures. Models were evaluated using performance metrics and field verification. A sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the impact of training data quantity on the performance of models. The developed models successfully produced accurate landslide susceptibility maps, which were further used in spatial vulnerability analysis to categorize areas as higher or lower risk by considering the locations of settlements and road networks. The susceptibility and risk zonation map can be used as valuable baseline data to develop strategies to mitigate landslide risk.
Equity and Inclusion as a Business Imperative: How One Firm Created Change from Within Lawson, Masai, Gannett Fleming, Inc., mlawson@GFNET.com (TS #12) Tackling inclusion and diversity in a business can seem like too tangled a knot to untie. Some think they must be the CEO to make a difference in this realm, and others think it’s too large of an issue to affect change. Creating change is often a lonely endeavor. Those who take on this challenge are not only looking to create a culture of inclusion and harness the power of diversity, but they’re also trying to convert the nonbelievers. Every ounce of energy is worth the investment, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but also because the numbers don’t lie: diverse teams are nearly always more profitable—enjoying higher rates of retention and client satisfaction than homogenous teams. This, in turn, translates into stronger employee engagement and an improved company culture. Simply put, inclusive teams can propel your firm to success. But merely talking about diversity and inclusion doesn’t make it so. How can an engineering firm move from words to action? Successfully implementing change requires support at the executive level of the organization, as well as broad company awareness and education. It also requires both qualitative and quantitative ways to measure success. As individuals, we can all influence shifts in our firm’s culture, and we can all impact change, no matter our years of experience or role in a firm. Using specific tactics and strategies, my presentation will explore Gannett Fleming’s journey to elevate inclusion and diversity in the 105-year-old, 2,500-person firm.
Imaging and Mapping of Karst Features in Central Texas Using Geophysical Methods
examples of the use of geophysics for characterization of karst features include pre-drilling of a utility corridor near an artesian spring and critical habitat, additional mapping of a cave near an existing roadway, and preconstruction characterization of a tunnel route to limit potential risks to tunneling machinery due to the presence of karst.
Linking Subsidence to Changes in Stored Water in California’s San Joaquin Valley Lees, Matthew, Stanford University, mlees@stanford.edu; Rosemary Knight, rknight@stanford.edu; Ryan Smith, smithryang@mst.edu (TS #6) 1D compaction models have provided critical insights into the nature of subsidence in clay-rich aquifer systems. However, they have not been applied to the problem of estimating the change in total stored groundwater ( Sgw). Sgw is a quantity of fundamental importance for many groundwater management decisions, yet it is seldom known with a high degree of confidence. In this presentation, we describe how we used a 1D compaction model to estimate the change in stored groundwater in the multi-layered aquifer system in California’s San Joaquin Valley. In our model, we took hydraulic head timeseries in the coarse-dominated aquifer material as inputs and solved the governing equations for the compaction of clay and sand layers. We validated our model with surface deformation data from interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) and levelling surveys. Our model directly solved for the compaction of sands and clays, which is one of the three storage components in an aquifer system. As a biproduct, the model also calculated the head within all sand and clay layers in the aquifer system. We used this head information to compute the two other components of storage: drainage of pores and expansion of water. We could thus accurately quantify the total storage Sgw. We applied our model in the San Joaquin Valley, where we found a total loss of storage of almost 5 m of water between 1990 and 2017. We found drainage of pores and compaction of clays provided approximately equal volumes of water, while expansion of water contributed only a small portion of the total. Our study demonstrates a method which can provide accurate estimates of ∅Sgw and which could be used around the Valley to provide critical information to support groundwater management decisions.
Laymon, Doug, Collier Geophysics, LLC, doug@colliergeophysics.com; Juan Ortega (TS #14)
Beardsley Afterbay Dam Maintenance Project – Using Data and Evaluations to Revise Designs
Subsurface imaging and mapping investigations of karst features were completed in central Texas using geophysical methods. Karst features are prevalent in the central Texas region and are found predominantly in the Edwards Group and other similar limestone formations in the area. The Edwards is also a major aquifer in the region and much of the deeper karst features are water filled. However, depending on the location and depth, these features can be filled with air, sediment, water, or a combination thereof and will provide different geophysical responses. Additionally, some karst features in the central Texas area are home to several endangered species and provide an important component of their habitat. These karst features can also be a geohazard of concern in the region due to their potential effect on construction projects. These effects can be related to both pre and post construction subsurface structural features and the potential effect to critical habitats if present. Subsurface imaging using geophysical methods such as electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and seismic refraction tomography (SRT) can be useful in mapping these features to address engineering and construction related concerns. Case histories are presented to support the use of geophysics for preconstruction characterization and mapping of karst features. Application
Lewis, Scott, Condor Earth, slewis@condorearth.com; Andy Kositsky, akositsky@condorearth.com (Presented by Andy Kositsky) (TS #4)
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Beardsley Afterbay Dam is a 41-foot-high wood crib dam in the Sierra Mountains on the Middle Fork Stanislaus River in California. The dam impounds the afterbay below a hydroelectric plant at Beardsley Dam. Tri-Dam Project (TDP) owns the facility. California Division of Dam Safety (DSOD) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regulate the facility. TDP completed Beardsley construction in the late 1950s with Beardsley Afterbay providing tailwater for a turbine. In the early 1980s, TDP began diverting afterbay water through a new tunnel to a lower hydroelectric plant. Recently, DSOD restricted the pool elevation in the afterbay because of potentially unsafe conditions caused by increasing seepage through the dam estimated at 77 cubic feet per second (cfs). The lowering had a significant negative effect on TDP power generation downstream of the afterbay. TDP retained engineering geologists/civil engineers at Condor Earth (Condor) to expeditiously investigate the seepage and design maintenance repairs. Condor performed pre-construction and during-construction investigations and found that significant seepage occurred through deteriorated abutment cutoff walls, deteriorated deck planking, and created erosion
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING holes in crib backfill and surrounding ground. We designed sheet pile walls, backfill, deck replacement and other measures to reduce seepage to be constructed during short annual outage periods when afterbay lowering was possible. Condor evaluated conditions for design, during construction and between construction phases. We revised the designs based on our data evaluations to effectively mitigate the seepage. TDP’s construction contractor successfully constructed the work, and the seepage rate reduced to 7 cfs. DSOD removed the restricted pool elevation and TDP resumed water diversion/power generation.
Lugeon tests and test-grouting, are compared to popular statistical and computational estimation methods of the past two decades, and the accuracy of each is evaluated in varying unstable rock types.
50 Years of Paleoseismology McCalpin, James, GEO-HAZ Consulting, Inc., mccalpin@geohaz.com (TS #11)
Relative sea level rise at tide gauge Galveston Pier 21, Texas, is the combination of absolute sea level rise and land subsidence. Geologic type at the tide gauge location is classified for land subsidence type determination. Land subsidence at the tide gauge includes basement rock subsidence (tectonic or GIA and rock creep subsidence) measured by GPS, creep subsidence of unconsolidated and/or semi-consolidated aquifer systems, and consolidation subsidence due to subsurface fluid withdrawals from the aquifer systems. We estimate subsidence rates of 3.53 mm/a during 1909–1937, 6.08 mm/a during 1937–1983, and 3.51 mm/a since 1983. Subsidence attributed to aquifer-system compaction accompanying groundwater extraction contributed as much as 85% of the 0.7 m relative sea level rise since 1909, and an additional 1.9 m is projected by 2100, with contributions from land subsidence declining from 30 to 10% over the projection interval. We estimate a uniform absolute sea level rise rate of 1.10 mm ± 0.19/a in the Gulf of Mexico during 1909–1992 and its acceleration of 0.270 mm/a2 at Galveston Pier 21 since 1992. This acceleration is 87% of the value for the highest scenario of global mean sea level rise. Results indicate that evaluating this extreme scenario would be valid for resource-management and flood-hazard-mitigation strategies for coastal communities in the Gulf of Mexico, especially those affected by subsidence.
In the early 1970s, engineering geology (EG) added a new field of endeavor to its portfolio—studies of active faults. This field complimented the existing field of observational seismology, which had no techniques to study “dormant” faults (i.e., not currently seismically active). The realization slowly dawned that: 1) many Quaternary-active faults had a recurrence interval much longer than the historic record in the USA, and 2) considerable hazard existed from faults which could generate earthquakes only up to the M6s and lay in/near urban areas; it wasn’t just the M7-8 faults we needed to worry about. To study dormant faults from geologic evidence, EG had to import scientists with experience in geomorphology, Quaternary stratigraphy, and soil stratigraphy. These were found in academia and became strange in-house bedfellows to the older, traditional engineering geologists. A collaboration began between the EG industry, USGS, and academia that continues today; it swept me up in 1976. Over the past 50 years paleoseismic data has become a necessary input for Seismic Hazard Assessment (SHA) of ground motions and surface faulting. The field experienced a stairstep evolution of rapid advances triggered by new data collection tools (lidar, optically stimulated luminescence), separated by plateaus in which the new techniques were applied to large geographic areas. Research funding was plentiful in the 1970s–80s, but by the mid-1990s was subsumed by the growing dominance of climate change funding. By the late 2000s leadership in the field passed to Europe and Asia, which provided more funding for national and global paleoseismic studies. But the United States remained the incubator of new ideas/techniques, such as lidar, luminescence and cosmogenic dating, and the most sophisticated codes for Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment. Paleoseismic projects will be affected by the national transitions away from fossil fuel projects to renewable energy, and by increasing water supply projects.
Consideration of Bedrock Characteristics in Estimating Grout Fill Volume: Historical Case Studies
The Challenges of Large-Scale Terrain Conductivity Mapping and Inversion for Shallow Bedrock Determination
Martin, Rebecca, Missouri University of Science and Technology, rmg6c@mst.edu (TS #7)
McKinley, Kate, THG Geophysics, Ltd., ksm@thggeophysics.com; Alex Balog, axb@thggeophysics.com (TS #14)
The engineer’s best answer to permeable, porous, fractured, jointed, or faulted rock at a proposed dam site—short of selecting a different location—is often grout injection. Injection of grout into abutment walls and foundations can mitigate poor rock stability by filling fissures, decreasing permeability, and improving shear strength. However, because abutment rock is unexposed and has site-unique characteristics, predicting the volume of grout required and thereby generating an accurate project budget is challenging. Volumes of grout significantly exceeding expectations are at times demanded mid- or post-project if dam stability is to be assured. Recent studies of grout injection have focused primarily on such questions as rheology and filtration tendency, and there have been few comparative studies evaluating models of seepage and grout take in differing rock types and strata. This presentation reviews case studies of major mid-twentieth century dams located in rhyolite ashflows and karstic limestone on the Tennessee, Snake, and Teton Rivers, examining the abutment rock in question, the methods used for grout volume estimation, modes of correction, and effects on the overall success of the dam projects. Available estimation methods from the twentieth century, namely,
With the recent increase in utility-scale solar projects, engineers are faced with the challenge of determining the appropriate foundation design in geographic areas that are dominated by varying shallow subsurface conditions. THG Geophysics has assisted in mapping shallow bedrock on several projects, some exceeding 1,000 acres, by deploying a UTV mounted terrain conductivity meter. THG deployed a GF Instruments CMD Explorer, a 3-dipole tool, to collect datasets that could be inverted to obtain maps of varying apparent conductivity with depth. Using boring data, associations were derived between apparent conductivity and rock conditions. In all cases, inverting datasets from records that cover large tracts with variable geologic conditions introduces challenges in formulating an apparent conductivity model that fits site conditions. In karst-dominated regions, shallow, high-quality limestone often occurs alongside sporadic sand deposits and thick, conductive clays overlie deep, weathered bedrock. In developing a conductivity cutoff model to represent the transition from soil to bedrock across a site, discriminating between clay and competent limestone was often simple. However, weathered limestone bedrock often exhibited higher conductivities than sand deposits, generating a
Sea Level Rise and Land Subsidence at Tide Gauge Galveston Pier 21, Texas Liu, Yi, Morgan State University, yi.liu@morgan.edu; Jiang Li, jiang.li@morgan.edu; John Fasullo, fasullo@ucar.edu (TS #1A)
September 2021
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING map that overestimated the presence of shallow bedrock in those areas. Further, areas underlain by shale bedrock often exhibited apparent conductivities similar to that of soil, resulting in deeper modeled bedrock than was indicated in boring data. Evaluating the relative success of modeled bedrock depth required an iterative process of adjusting model cutoffs and comparing results against known boring data. Although this method is fast and efficient for assessing large areas of shallow rock, it requires intensive geologic assessment of the inversion residuals to quantify misinterpretations.
What to Look for in an Inclusive Company Moe, Minda, Arcadis U.S., Inc Minda.Moe@arcadis.com (TS #12) This presentation will summarize important facets of an LGBTQ+ inclusive workplace that job seekers may look for, and which companies can use to improve their own policies. Internal structures and policies which helped Arcadis achieve a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign’s 2021 Corporate Equality Index, including its corporate DE&I support and local Employee Affinity Groups structure, will be showcased.
Empirical Analysis of Landslide Runout in Glacial Strata in the Salish Lowland, Washington Molinari, Mark, GeoEngineers, mmolinari@geoengineers.com; Carla Woodworth, cwoodworth@geoengineers.com; Cody Gibson, cgibson@geoengineers.com; Michelle Deng, mdeng@geoengineers.com (TS #5) This study developed empirical relationships to estimate potential landslide runout for slopes in Salish Lowland river valleys draining the North Cascade Mountains in western WA. There are multiple published studies relating landslide runout parameters of length (L), height (H), reach angle ( ), deposit area (A) and volume (V) using linear or log regressions. Most data sets include varying landslide types and sizes, geology, and geographic locations and/or are for large, long runout debris flows, lahars, and rock avalanches. River valleys in the eastern Salish Lowland are well suited for regional empirical study because of available high-quality lidar, numerous Holocene landslides, and slopes with relatively consistent topography and geology of glacial and interglacial deposits with underlying weathered rock on some lower slopes. Our data set consists of 160 landslides mapped in three river valleys: Cedar, North Fork Stillaguamish, and Skagit. The data includes H and L for debris slides/avalanches (120), debris flows (12) and flow and long runout (>3000 ft) landslides (28). Debris slides, avalanches and flow slides have unconstrained or partially constrained flow paths between the source area and valley floor, whereas debris flows have constrained flow paths. The failure H minimum is 34 ft and maximum is 955 ft, with 130 slides ranging in H from 100 ft to 600 ft. Runout lengths range from 127 ft to 5,998 ft. Analysis results indicate good correlations (R2 = 0.61 to 0.75) for regressions of H vs. L for the total data and subsets by landslide type. V vs. A data from the Cedar River valley also had good correlations; however, unlike some prior studies, relationships using or tan as a parameter have very poor correlations. Uncertainties in the source parameters and the equations can be used to assess a range of probabilities for future landslide runout risk assessment.
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Pennsylvania State Route 26 – Emergency Landslide Mitigation Morris, Matthew, Gannett Fleming, Inc., mmorris@gfnet.com; Joseph Krupansky, jkrupansky@gfnet.com (TS #10) Throughout Appalachia, Departments of Transportation (DOTs) are impacted by slope stability issues affecting their roadways and infrastructure. These slope failures commonly occur in an unpredictable manner and location, prompting the DOT to mobilize quickly to evaluate and mitigate the failure impacting the roadway. On April 26, 2020, a significant landslide slide occurred on State Route 26 near the town of Riddlesburg in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. The slide extended laterally 300 feet along the road and upslope approximately 100 feet above the roadway grade. The soil and rock that mobilized downslope completely covered SR 26 in tens of feet of soil and rock. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) engaged Gannett Fleming through an existing engineering agreement to evaluate the slide conditions, develop a mitigation plan and prepare contract bid documents. PennDOT set a goal of awarding the project to a contractor within three weeks, ultimately opening the roadway to traffic no later than July 4th weekend, as the road provides critical access to a popular recreational area. This presentation will cover the slide evaluation, development of the mitigation concept, plan and specification preparation, bidding processes, and construction consultation required to remove 15,000 cubic yards of soil and rock, stabilize the slope, and restore functionality of the road. The goal of the presentation is to show a landslide case history commonplace throughout Appalachia, and to educate the audience on the processes that PennDOT used to streamline the mitigation design and construction activities. Special emphasis will be placed on the innovative investigation methods used to evaluate the slide and adapting to unforeseen conditions revealed during construction.
Pyrite and Construction: Evaluating Pre- and Post-Failure Murdock, Kathryn, Exponent, Inc., kmurdock@exponent.com (TS #15) Since the 1950s, the destructive potential of pyrite and related sulfide minerals to structures has been observed across four continents. The two manners by which iron sulfide minerals typically cause construction issues are: incorporation of soluble sulfate minerals into concrete mixes thus causing degradation from within the structure, or the presence of those minerals in fill or surrounding native soils which then through chemical interactions ultimately cause heaving of the nearby structures. Both processes are highly dependent on oxygen, iron sulfide, and carbonate availability, however the oxidation reaction of iron sulfide minerals is cyclic and will continue once oxygen has been introduced to the system. Increasingly, iron sulfide minerals have been identified as the causes of concrete degradation in homes and other structures in the northeast United States, leading to interest in mitigation of this hazard as the effects of iron sulfide-induced structural failures can appear years to decades after initial oxidation. Regulations as to the amount of acceptable iron sulfides vary by country and there is no universal standard. For example, Ireland has a maximum allowable sulfate of 0.2% in an acid soluble test, but this test does not measure the amount of pyrite, only the soluble sulfate, which is a byproduct of pyrite oxidation. The European standard EN 12620:2008 requires total sulfur content to be less than 0.1% if pyrrhotite is detected, or 1% if only other iron sulfides are present. Canada and Japan have also determined acceptable amounts of sulfate or total sulfur allowed in concrete, but a national standard has not been created for the United States. Identification of localized geology is paramount to preemptively reduce the risk of iron sulfide-induced damage. Once structural failures occur, visual, geochemical, and geophysical methods are available to evaluate if the cause is related to iron sulfides.
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING The Future of Tailings Management Nelson, Priscilla, Colorado School of Mines, pnelson@mines.edu (TS #7) The global industry currently anticipates annual production rates of billions of tons of mine tailings and waste rock, with increases in the future expected due to the higher utilization of lower-grade ores. There is an increasing concern worldwide for the potential consequences from tailings dam seepage and failure due to the combination of unprecedented tailings production and the possibility of more extreme weather events associated with global climatic change that can adversely affect tailings disposal facilities. The mining industry must address and mitigate these risks by considering the continuity of materials flow and the integrated value chain. Holistic tailings management, including integrated selection of physical + geometallurgical + chemical + biological processes (sequenced here in general chronological order of involvement) is needed to achieve sustainable extraction (including remining, reprocessing, and recycling) and minimized tailings volume, with the attending positive social and environmental benefits. The value chain includes the ore body itself (characterization and modification of ore and gangue), excavation, transport, mineral processing, and tailings management/disposal/storage. Intervention can be designed to occur at any step in the value chain.
management. As could be expected, when the geology team delved into each of these topics, the need for more and more explorations became apparent. This presentation will discuss the evolution of this site exploration plan and how it was presented (and accepted) by the project team.
Changing the Bureaucracy – Advances in the California Department of Water Resources’ DEI Culture and Policy Nichols, Holly, California Department of Water Resources, holly.nichols@water.ca.gov; Hilary Garibay, hilary.garibay@water.ca.gov; Tim Ross, timothy.ross@water.ca.gov (TS #12) Diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice are important topics being discussed nationally, if not globally. Many employers are taking actions to help support diverse workforces, provide opportunities equitably, and create an inclusive working environment. The California Department of Water Resources has strived to create a trusting and welcoming workplace where employees embrace diverse viewpoints and treat each other with civility and respect. Within DWR, the geology community regularly meets to discuss DEI topics as they specifically relate to our profession. This presentation will discuss the actions being undertaken by DWR as a whole, but also within the subset of the geoscience community, including our bi-monthly diversity, equity, and inclusion roundtable discussion.
Resilience and the Urban Underground Nelson, Priscilla, Colorado School of Mines, pnelson@mines.edu (TS #2) The underground construction industry has consistently provided the nation with needed infrastructure, meeting schedule, cost, and scope goals. Population growth will continue, and much of this growth will happen in our cities. Future urban development requires increasing and intensive planned use of underground space, but in order to make better decisions concerning the underground, the functions and operations of the human and physical infrastructure systems must be understood under normal operations and under extreme events as integrated systems with common and meaningful metrics and representations. This presentation introduces a framework for infrastructure analysis that can include all urban sectors—physical, social, and environmental.
Application of the Dam Site Exploration Framework for the Parish Camp Saddle Dam Raise – More Than Meets the Eye Nichols, Holly, DWR, holly.nichols@water.ca.gov; Nicholas Hightower, nicholas.hightower@water.ca.gov; Joseph Mason, joseph.mason@water.ca.gov (TS #7) Parish Camp Saddle Dam is a 27-foot-high earthen embankment dam that is part of the Oroville Dam facilities in California. The dam was constructed in 1967 and is located about ten miles northwest of Oroville Dam. As a result of a comprehensive assessment of the vulnerabilities of the Oroville facilities, the Department of Water Resources Dam Safety Services Office created a dam safety project to raise Parish Camp Saddle Dam as much as 5 feet. This dam raise would lower the risk of overtopping failure during PMF-type flood events. The preliminary design consists of a full downstream overlay and dam raise, possibly steepening the uppermost portion of the upstream side of the dam. As part of the design process, the geology team was consulted to evaluate the need for additional geologic exploration. To develop the exploration workplan, the geology team utilized the exploration framework presented by Morley et al. (USSD Conference Proceedings, 2020). This dam site exploration framework ensures that the following five components have been considered: understanding the site geology, informing potential failure modes (both current and future), answering design questions, evaluating constructability, and supporting construction September 2021
Geology of a Tuolumne River Crossing in the Poopenaut Valley of Yosemite National Park, California Nielson, Dru R., McMillen Jacobs Associates, nielson@mcmjac.com; Su Soe, soe@mcmjac.com; Jon Burgi, burgi@mcmjac.com (TS #1B) The 306-foot-deep Hetch Hetchy Reservoir was formed in 1923 by construction of the 400-foot-tall O’Shaughnessy Dam across the Tuolumne River in Yosemite National Park, California. The dam spans a 900-footwide gap formed within an assemblage of granitic plutons that partition the Tuolumne River into upper and lower reaches. Prior to construction of the dam, the Upper Tuolumne River meandered through the nowflooded wide and expansive Hetch Hetchy Valley while the Lower Tuolumne River was, as it is today, confined in the narrow and steepsided Poopenaut Valley. The evolution of the landscape now occupied by the river and associated valleys included: 1) plate subduction–related volcanism and ancestral mountain range development rooted in Mesozoic plutons of the Sierra Nevada batholith; 2) erosion of the ancestral mountains exposing their granitic basement by the middle Cenozoic; 3) tectonic uplift, brittle jointing, and stream downcutting of V-shaped valleys of the modern Sierra Nevada by the late Tertiary; 4) several episodes of Pleistocene glaciation that resulted in the development of U-shaped and hanging valleys, roches moutonnée, moraines, and polishing striations of the basement bedrock; and, most recently, 5) renewed stream downcutting and scour, rockfalls, and forest-fire-influenced mass wasting. Collectively, these elements influence siting and design of civil structures in one of the most environmentally protected, pristine, and scenic natural landscapes of North America. This presentation summarizes the results of a geotechnical investigation of a bridge crossing of the Tuolumne River in Poopenaut Valley. The investigation included geologic field mapping of stream deposits, artificial fills, glacial signatures, granitic bedrock types with their associated sills and dykes, and discontinuities; seismic refraction surveys; bedrock coring; and a review of previous reference studies, published geologic maps, and historical aerial photographs and topographic maps. Data from the investigation were used to evaluate foundation characteristics and potential channel scour.
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING More Accurately Measuring Well Efficiency: A Step toward Better Design and Evaluation of Relief Wells
Practical Applications of Time Domain Reflectometry for Landslide and Slope Monitoring
Niemann, William L., US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)-CELRH, William.L.Niemann@usace.army.mil; Andrew M. Keffer, Andrew.M.Keffer@usace.army.mil; Kenneth K. Darko-Kaga, Kenneth.Darko-Kaga@usace.army.mil; Erich D. Guy, Erich.D.Guy@usace.army.mil; Trevor T. Deere, Trevor.T.Deere@usace.army.mil (TS #1B)
Paulose, Presty, KANE GeoTech, Inc., presty.paulose@kanegeotech.com; Brian Forsthoff, brian.forsthoff@kanegeotech.com (TS #10)
Relief wells are used worldwide to reduce uplift pressures at dams and levees. Accurate measurement of well efficiency (Ew) is critical in the design and evaluation of these wells. This paper presents a detailed analysis of Ew for a US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) relief well at the Magnolia (Ohio) Levee based on step-drawdown pump test data. The analysis entailed multiple recognized methods to quantify individual components of the total well losses at the design discharge. Such an approach is necessary to compute true Ew, and in a form that can be used to project uplift pressures against the blanket layer overlying the project foundation. Relating Ew to well losses is preferred to other measures such as specific capacity (discharge per unit drawdown) and the Lp of Driscoll (1986), which is the ratio of aquifer head loss to total head loss. We show how the step-drawdown test data used in this study is key in isolation of the individual components of the total well losses. In addition, we discuss challenges to data interpretation including geologic heterogeneity and partially penetrating wells.
Shallow Foundation Load-Settlement Behavior Assessed from Surface Geophysical Data Norris, Gary, University of Nevada, Reno, norris@unr.edu; Sherif Elfass, elfass@unr.edu (TS #14) Given soil data from the Soil Conservation Service (USDA NRCS) and the shallow geophysical test shear or P wave record, the following method and spreadsheet provide the means for undertaking a preliminary evaluation of the load-settlement response of a shallow foundation at the prospective site. From the shear wave velocity (Vs), the initial shear modulus (Go) and then initial Young’s modulus (Ei) at the level of geophysical test field strain (1 x 10-6) is assessed. The Young’s modulus (E) at a specified stress level (SL) is then determined from a modulus reduction relationship. From the Schmertmann et al. (1978) relationship between Young’s modulus E and the cone penetration test point resistance, qc, and the Robertson and Campanella (1983) relationship [qc/N60= f(D50)], the standard penetration blow count N60 is determined. From the corrected blow count, N1,60, the soil friction angle (f) is obtained from the Florida DOT (2004) modified Peck, Hanson and Thornburn curves. The net bearing capacity, qnet, is then assessed knowing c (assumed) and f of the soil and the soil’s unit weight. The mobilized bearing pressure, qnet,m, and the strain (e = SL EXP(3.707 SL) e50/l ; e50, the strain at 50% SL (provided from a supplied figure) at the specified stress level (SL) and the settlement (= e B for a square footing from the Schmertmann triangle of strain beneath the footing) follow. The preceding method is for a c-f soil. A separate method is provided for the immediate load-settlement response of a c soil (saturated clay). Those who email me (norris@unr.edu) can get a gratis copy of the spreadsheet.
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Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) has been around for decades and is widely used for monitoring and diagnostic purposes in various fields. For geotechnical applications, TDR is used to detect and locate subsurface movement by installing and sealing coaxial cables in boreholes. The electrical properties of the TDR sensor cable change as it deforms. TDR sends an electrical pulse along the cable, and then the changes in that pulse are measured. Rapid data collection and simple installation methods make TDR a cost-effective solution to slope monitoring over other popular methods such as inclinometers. This methodology has been successfully implemented on infrastructure projects, including railways, pipelines, and dams in North America. TDR systems are configured for manual readings or remote monitoring. Manual readings routinely take less than a minute. In remote monitoring, alerts such as emails and text messages, notify key personnel of critical activity. It is possible to monitor dozens of installations from one location. Sensor cables are either installed horizontally or vertically. For example, in Tennessee an approximately 4,000-ft-long horizontal TDR sensor cables were installed along a potentially liquefiable dam embankment. In California, vertical TDR sensor cables were implemented to alert gas company personnel of landslides that could damage pipelines. One drawback of inclinometers is that they are unusable once the casing has deformed, and reliable readings are unobtainable. Since the TDR cable is smaller and more flexible, the sensor cable conforms to the deformations in the inclinometer casing. By retrofitting unusable inclinometer casing with TDR sensors in a California landslide, the life of existing monitoring systems was extended. This presentation describes the goals, design, construction, and challenges involved in implementing TDR systems with linear infrastructure applications.
Litho-mineralogic Analyses Applied to Paleoflood Investigations for Dam Safety Risk Assessments Pearce, Justin, USACE Risk Management Center, justin.t.pearce@usace.army.mil; Bryan Freymuth, bryan.s.freymuth@usace.army.mil (Presented by Bryan Freymuth) (TS #7) A paleoflood investigation is being conducted along part of the Arkansas River to better characterize overtopping risk-driving failure mode for John Martin Dam in southeastern Colorado. One approach used in our paleoflood analysis is evaluating slack water deposits (silts and fine sands) found within arroyos tributary to the mainstem Arkansas River. A crucial uncertainty using this approach involves determining the provenance of the sediment—did the fluvial sediment interpreted as slack water deposits within Mud Creek arroyo originate from flood flows emanating from the tributary arroyo watershed or from large floods along the Arkansas River creating backwater inundation into the tributary arroyo watershed? Geomorphic and stratigraphic field evidence were equivocal; that is, onlap relationships and orientation of laminae and ripple marks were not fully sufficient to clearly demonstrate the fluvial origin. However, because the Arkansas River watershed headwaters contain volcanic rocks that are not present within the Mud Creek watershed, a litho-mineralogic approach was developed to semi-quantitatively assess the provenance of the flood deposits. Sediment samples from the flood deposits were hand processed and reviewed under optical microscopy. Results of the analysis determined the presence of minerals endemic to the Arkansas River watershed (e.g., olivine, topaz, beta-quartz) in each of the horizons sampled. Based on the results
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING the analysis, the slack water deposits were assessed as originating from backwater flooding into the Mud Creek arroyo from large rare past floods on the Arkansas River. This in turn permits the slack water flood deposits to be analyzed as a paleostage indicator for Arkansas River flood flows. This litho-mineralogic approach demonstrates a useful geologic tool to support paleoflood analyses in watershed tributary to mainstem rivers.
Comparing the Scoop3D and the GIS-TISSA Models for Slope Stability Analysis in Idukki, Kerala, India Pikul, Stepan, Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences, Michigan Technological University, spikul@mtu.edu; Thomas Oommen, toommen@mtu.edu; K.S. Sajinkumar, sajinks@keralauniversity.ac.in (Presented by Thomas Oommen) (TS #13) Landslides are the most destructive hazard in the mountainous Idukki district in the State of Kerala, India. Therefore, evaluating the possible occurrence of landslides and analyzing the factors that trigger failure is an essential part of a reliable landslide assessment. Physics-based models are commonly used to determine potential landslide susceptible areas in terms of Factor of Safety (FS). Recent years have seen the use of physics-based methods for regional-scale landslide susceptibility analysis using geospatial tools. In this study, we compare two physics-based models using the same data from Idukki. The two models are the Geographic Information System-Tool for Infinite Slope Stability Analysis (GIS-TISSA) that utilizes the infinite slope stability analysis, and the Scoops3D algorithm that uses limit-equilibrium analysis. The significant difference between these two physics-based models is that the GIS-TISSA assumes a shallow failure surface parallel to the slope angle. In contrast, the Scoops3D evaluates deeper rotational failure surfaces. The results from these two physics-based landslide models are critically evaluated with the existing landslide database to verify the validity of these methods for Idukki.
Revisiting the Forgotten Volcano: Volcanic History and Hazards of Mount Adams Pope, Isaac, Centralia College, isaac.pope@student.centralia.edu (TS #5) Reaching nearly 3000 meters above southwest Washington, Mount Adams is the second most voluminous stratocone along the Cascade Magmatic Arc. Sporadic eruptions over the past 520 ka have built the edifice of modern Mount Adams in three concentrated periods (about 520 ka, 350 ka, and between 40 to 10 ka), but despite its complex history, Mount Adams has largely been ignored in the literature. With an estimated postglacial output less than its rival Cascade stratocones (Hildreth and Fierstein, 1997), Mount Adams has been viewed as practically dormant, yet a reanalysis of the volcanic history suggests a different story. Based on lidar and field data, Pope (2020) argued that a lahar from Mount Adams deposited poorly sorted gravels along terraces over 30 m above the current Cispus River. Over 0.31 km3 in volume, this postglacial lahar likely destabilized slopes and triggered landslides (Pope, 2021). Furthermore, the Cispus River lahar likely originated from a large scarp on Mount Adams’ western slopes, suggesting that it may have been triggered by an eruption. Not only has the main stratocone been more active than previously thought, but the neighboring parasitic cones have produced a network of nearly twenty lava flows. Lidar analysis by Pope (In Preparation) revealed that most flows formed between 14 to 11 ka and 7 to 4 ka, showing that long distance flows are common and are potential hazards. This research indicates that Mount Adams has played a far greater role in the evolution of southwest Washington than previously believed and suggests that the current quiescence is temporary. Continued research will reveal interactions between Mount September 2021
Adams and the surrounding volcanic complexes and illustrate the range of volcanic hazards to provide a better understanding of such hazards in locations characterized by volcanic features.
Lidar Analysis of Sector Collapses and Lahar Paths at Mount Adams Pope, Isaac, Centralia College, isaac.pope@centralia.edu (Poster) As the second most voluminous Cascade stratocone, Mount Adams in southwest Washington has produced a variety of debris flows and sector collapses in the past 15 ka. Vallance (1999) conducted the most detailed analysis of lahar deposits in the White Salmon River flowing from Mount Adams’ southern flank towards the Columbia River. All three flows were triggered by debris avalanches on Mount Adams’ southwest flank, the oldest (Trout Lake Lahar) occurring about 6.0 ka ago and measuring over 0.07 km3. In each case, however, these flows occurred irrespective of any volcanic activity, leaving little incentive for further research on volcanic hazards. Even so, Pope (2020) identified deposits resulting from a lahar along the Cispus River over four times larger than the Trout Lake Lahar, suggesting the potential for eruption-induced flows. To ascertain the laharic history, Lidaranalysis was conducted of the Mount Adams stratocone. Along the western flank, a scarp measuring 20 km2 resembles major eruption induced sector collapses on other Cascade Volcanoes. At the headwaters of Adams Creek leading to the Cispus River, this scarp provides a likely source for the Cispus Lahar, but such major sector collapses appear to be the least frequent. Several slump blocks occur along the eastern rim of the peak where past glaciation remains particularly evident. Downstream the slump blocks are a highly aggraded stream bed with sparse vegetation between two lateral moraines, indicating that the slump blocks may have reactivated in the recent past to produce debris flows. Similar stream beds have been identified in the northeast and southeast quadrants draining into the Klickitat River to the east, as well as in the southwestern quadrant leading to the White Salmon River. The identification of such youthful sector collapses and flow paths suggest Mount Adams remains far more active than previously thought.
Active Faulting in the South Granite Mountains Fault Zone: Reactivated Compressional Faults Vs. Extensional Overprinting Potter, Michael, University of Missouri Columbia, mrp4dd@umsystem.edu; Sean Polun, polunsg@missouri.edu; Francisco Gomez, fgomez@missouri.edu (Poster) Quaternary faulting in and around Wyoming’s Wind River Basin may pose a moderate earthquake risk for dams and other infrastructure within the region. The South Granite Mountains Fault Zone, located adjacent to the Wind River Basin, is one of several Quaternary faults in the region. The South Granite Mountains formed during the Late Cretaceous Laramide orogeny (75-45 Ma). Subsequently, during the Eocene, the extensive downfaulting and downfolding caused the Precambrian mountain core to collapse forming the Sweetwater Graben. Recent Quaternary deformation is expressed as fault scarps along the north side of the Granite Mountains. These features were originally studied in the 1980s but have received little attention since. In particular, the nature and style of faulting of this recent deformation was previously undocumented, and prior age estimates were broad. Recent data collected from the Quaternary faults in the northern Wind River Basin suggests active faulting occurs along reactivated Laramide thrust planes, this may also be true for the Granite Mountains region. This study applies new methodologies to assess the active tectonics and earthquake potential of the South Granite Mountains Fault Zone. Low-altitude aerial surveying using drones facilitate the measurement
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING and analysis of fault scarp morphology. Shallow seismic reflection profiling (planned for summer 2021) will used to image the fault geometry to depths of approximately 400–500 meters, thus providing critical constraints on the geometry of the active fault. Application of scarp degradation models, in addition to new age constraints from pending results using terrestrial cosmogenic nuclides, will improve the estimation of the Quaternary slip rate along the South Granite Mountains Fault Zone. A final component of this study involves the kinematic analysis of mesoscopic faults in the bedrock, along strike with the faulted Quaternary scarps.
The Latest Rate, Extent, and Temporal Evolution of Ground Deformation Over the Gulf Coast of United States by InSAR Qu, Feifei, Department of Earth Sciences, Southern Methodist University; Zhong Lu, zhonglu@smu.edu; Jin-Woo Kim; Michael J Turco (Presented by Zhong Lu) (TS #6) Land surface deformation has occurred in many parts of the Gulf Coast. Complicated geological composition and high intensity of exploitation of underground fluids along the Gulf Coast have changed the aquifer system, reactivated faults, generated fissures, and caused damages to infrastructures. We investigated land surface deformation development of Gulf Coast using multi-temporal InSAR technique with 33 paths of L-band ALOS PALSAR images from 2007 to 2011, a dozen paths of Sentinel-1A/B during 2015 and 2019, as well as hundreds of Envisat, ALOS2 and COSMO-SkyMed scenes. We produced, for the first time, yearly displacement maps over the Gulf Coast from Texas to northern Florida. Deformation velocities from all tracks were mosaicked together to produce seamless maps of land displacement over about a wide area of ~500,000 km2, with a measurement precision of ~0.8 cm/year. Generally, the Gulf Coast is fairly stable except for the broadscale subsidence, such as Houston region (up to 4 cm/yr) and New Orleans (about 2 cm/yr), and some localized uplift/subsidence associated with water disposal/injection, oil/gas production and salt mining. Comprehensive ground stability analysis using InSAR measurements and other observations will continue to enhance our understanding of the deformation history, processes, and mechanisms, thereby further distinguishing the anthropogenic deformation from natural processes.
Geotechnical and Geologic Investigations to Support Evaluations of Liquefaction-Induced Lateral Spreading Rathje, Ellen, University of Texas, e.rathje@mail.utexas.edu (TS #11) Liquefaction-induced lateral spreading is a major co-seismic geohazard and often the primary cause of damage to infrastructure; however, the geological and geomorphic controls responsible for triggering and controlling the extent and magnitude of lateral spread are poorly characterized. We explored lateral spreading along the Avon River in Christchurch, New Zealand from the 2011 Christchurch earthquake using a variety of methods including optical image differencing displacement maps, shear wave velocity profiles, boreholes, cone penetration (CPT) soundings, and paleoseismic trenching with accompanying radiocarbon dating. The geotechnical investigations indicated liquefaction and lateral spreading would be expected along the Avon River, although the observed magnitudes and lateral extents (i.e., horizontal distance from the free face/active river channels) of lateral spread displacement were under-predicted by the geotechnical lateral spread models. Lateral spreading recurrence was investigated using paleo lateral spread features, and the lateral extent of the spreading was significantly controlled by geologic conditions that can be identified by geomorphic mapping. Surface displacements terminate at points inward from the river at what we call paleo lateral spreading headscarps (PLSH), which look like fluvial terrace risers and are coincident with surface 72
cracks due to lateral spreading. Trenching of these features indicated multiple paleo lateral spread events occurred in the last 600 years. The integration of geotechnical and geologic investigations at potential lateral spread sites can provide a more thorough evaluation of the magnitude and lateral extent of lateral spreading displacements.
Paleoseismic Study of the Gales Creek Fault, Oregon Redwine, Joanna, Bureau of Reclamation, jredwine@usbr.gov; Ralph E. Klinger, rklinger@usbr.gov (TS #11) We undertook a multi-year, phased approach to study a local fault source in northwestern Oregon, to evaluate its impact on (or input or effect on?) a site-specific probabilistic seismic hazard analysis. The impetus for this study was the recognition that the Gales Creek fault zone (GCFZ), a major fault not known to be active, was mapped through a critical structure that lies less than 200 km east of the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ). We took an iterative approach in evaluating the relative contributions to the seismic hazard in order to focus our efforts on the most important aspects. The first order question was whether the GCFZ is active. Long-term right-lateral strike slip displacement along the GCFZ was mapped and interpreted from displaced folded Eocene and Miocene-aged strata (Wells et al., 2020). Our evaluation of lidar imagery and field reconnaissance identified tectonic geomorphic features strongly suggesting active faulting. Based on that assessment, three trenches were excavated across the fault near the critical structure to definitively assess if the fault was active. The trenches exposed disrupted loess, colluvial, and waterlain sediments that were deposited throughout the past several hundred thousand years and indicated multiple surface-rupturing earthquakes occurred throughout the Pleistocene and Holocene. IRSL analysis of windblown quartz and feldspar and radiocarbon analysis of charcoal provide numerical age constraints on the timing of earthquakes. Our results demonstrated the GCFZ is an active strike-slip system with recurrence rates on the order of 2–3 kyr. Hazard assessments using those preliminary results show this local fault source does affect the seismic hazard at the site, even within ~180 km of the CSZ. To confirm our initial results and reduce uncertainty in segmentation models, four trenches were excavated across two fault segments, all exposing similar rupture histories. Segmentation models still include a range of uncertainty.
Assessing Construction Risk of Proposed High Hazard Dam Modifications – A Case History at Red Rock Dam Richards, Kevin, USACE, kevin.richards@usace.army.mil (TS #7) The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has been using Risk Registers for many years to evaluate economic risks during preparation of cost estimates for complex construction projects. This practice has improved the management of cost-related risks associated with construction cost growth and has become a routine activity on all major projects. However, construction at high hazard dams can also pose a different set of risks that are related to life-safety. Recent emphasis on the use of risk informed decision making has led to improvements in managing risk during all stages of a project where life-safety risk is paramount, including dam modification construction. Red Rock Dam is on the Des Moines River, southeast of Des Moines, Iowa, and is operated by USACE. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a license in 2011 to develop a 36.39 MW hydropower plant at Red Rock Dam. The plans and specifications for this addition were reviewed by USACE in 2012 as part of an Agency Technical Review (ATR), which is a peer review that was done in typical fashion as if the project were being designed and built internally. FERC and USACE incorporated a semi-quantitative risk assessment (SQRA) as
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING part of the ATR, with the purpose of the risk assessment being threefold for USACE: 1) to inform the Section 408 modification request, 2) to ensure the completed modification would meet USACE dam safety criteria, and 3) to ensure the modification would not impose an unacceptable level of life-safety risk during construction. A number of potential failure modes were evaluated during the SQRA with a few being notable in terms of the potential for risk management measures. Risk management considerations prior to construction offer options that normally cannot be considered for an existing dam, such as: revising construction phases, modifying or supplementing design details, the addition of contingency planning, or reconfiguration. Based on the results of the SQRA, a design modification consisting of extending a cutoff wall into the embankment section was incorporated to address concerns of the potential for concentrated leak erosion (CLE). CLE was thought to be a potential risk driving failure mode due to anticipated relaxation of the temporary braced structures and planned steepening of the wrap-around section that would occur during construction. Although the amount of deformation in the wrap-around section was larger than anticipated, the recommended risk management measures performed well during construction and allowed the construction to continue without unnecessary delays or increased life-safety risk.
Rock Scour of the Unlined Lewisville Dam Spillway Channel: A Probabilistic Approach for Risk-Informed Design Ring, Caleb, BGC Engineering, CRing@bgcengineering.ca; Michael George, mgeorge@bgcengineering.ca; Bradley Clark, bradley.d.clark@usace.army.mil (TS #7) The Lewisville Dam, owned and operated by USACE, provides flood control, drinking water, and recreation for the Dallas, Texas region. The dam releases flood flows through an uncontrolled ogee crest spillway with a concrete apron that discharges into an unlined bedrock channel. Since completion of the dam in 1955, seven flood events have discharged through the spillway resulting in scour of the Eagle Ford Shale bedrock. The shale is subject to slaking from alternating drying-wetting periods between discharges, which has resulted in channel degradation during spill events. Continued degradation of the unlined channel increases potential for scour immediately downstream of the concrete apron resulting in potential damage to the apron, and in the worst case, breach of the reservoir due to head-cutting erosion. As such, USACE is evaluating spillway modifications within a risk-informed design (RID) framework to reduce risk at the site associated with the spillway. This consists of modification to the concrete apron as well as addition of a turndown wall immediately downstream of the apron to limit head-cut erosion potential. To inform the turndown wall design, a probabilistic rock scour study was completed immediately downstream of the apron. A key challenge was the continued degradation of the downstream channel which influences the hydraulic flow regime at the end of the apron and the ultimate scour depth. Ultimate scour depths were estimated for multiple discharges up to the probable maximum flood for both current and possible future channel conditions based on observed channel degradation. A key finding was that lower return period flood discharges yielded some of the largest estimates for the ultimate scour depth over the anticipated design life of 50 to 100 years. USACE incorporated these results in the RID framework to select an appropriate design for the turndown wall.
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Control of Artesian Pressures When Drilling Dams and Levees Rogers, Gary D., Schnabel Engineering, grogers@schnabel-eng.com; Victor de Wolfe, victor.dewolfe@deereault.com; Sampson Ash, sash@schnabel-eng.com; Hawkins Gagnon, jgagnon@schnabel-eng.com; Susan M. Buchanan, sbuchanan@schnabel-eng.com (TS #4) Flowing artesian conditions may occur at dams and levees, both at the ground surface and when drilling in galleries of concrete dams. Once started, flow is difficult to control and can lead to movement of particles or interconnections in the subsurface which can endanger the dam or levee. Prior knowledge of potential artesian conditions, planning based on this information, and application of specific drilling techniques are critical to preventing uncontrolled flow from drill holes. Multiple techniques are available for preventing and controlling artesian pressures. First, and critical to preparedness, is the recognition that flow may occur and understanding the range of artesian pressures that may be encountered. Drilling and sampling under artesian conditions in a controlled manner requires prevention of flow by methods such as using weighted drilling fluid in mud rotary holes, using a viscous organic polymer drilling fluid, increasing the height of the casing above ground surface, and/or use of stuffing boxes to isolate artesian pressure. If flow does occur, the primary protective measure is a steel surface casing, installed prior to encountering the artesian conditions, that is securely embedded in a clay layer or, for concrete dams, in a concrete structure. Having this casing in place allows for flow to be sealed off with a valve at the top of the boring, protects against uncontrolled flow up the outside of the casing, and gives the team time to think about the situation and plan for resumption of drilling. Inflatable or mechanical packers can also be used to stop flow at depth and allows for placement of fresh drilling mud or installation of other flow prevention techniques. Instrumentation can be installed in borings under artesian conditions. Open standpipe piezometers, vibrating wire piezometers, and other instrumentation have been successfully installed and generally require no flow conditions during placement.
Landslide Dams and Historic Outbreak Flood Events, Community of Montecito, Southern Santa Barbara County, California Rogers, J. David, The Project for Resilient Communities (TPRC), rogersda@mst.edu; Larry D. Gurrola, lg@larrygurrola.com (TS #5) (Presented by Larry Gurrola) Erodible Tertiary sedimentary rocks combined with high uplift rates create steep terrain that is conducive to bedrock landslides and landslide dams in the Santa Ynez Mountains. A study funded by TPRC was initiated following the January 9, 2018, debris flows to identify sites for debris catchment basins along the principal watercourses. Methodologies include historic fire, flood, and landslide research; aerial photographs, field mapping; lidar, geomorphologic and hydrologic analyses. Bedrock landslides mantle the slopes of the watersheds above the community of Montecito, many of which have formed landslide dams that normally overtop within 12–24 hours producing outbreak floods. Some of these landslides blocked channel flows with slide debris forming temporary lakes that temporarily store water up to 40 feet above the creek beds. Geomorphologic evidence includes landslides that pinch channels, deflected flow paths, and coincident knickpoints. Evidence of nine outbreak flood events were reported over the last 160 years, an average recurrence of once every 18 years. The earliest slide dam was in 1861 and again in 1911, which triggered warnings to downstream residents. One of the largest landslides mapped in this study was reported in 1909. Its toe diverted Cold Springs Creek approximately 200 feet, forming one of several landslide dams in the 1914 debris flow event. The 1914 event described a downstream
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING sequence of collapsing dams creating an amplified and cascading flood wave that caused severe destruction to the community of Montecito. Active undercutting and channel incision often expose basal slip surfaces priming slides for re-activation and increasing the likelihood of forming multiple dams over time. The potential for catastrophic outbreak flood waves appears to promote subsequent outbreak floods, which are more easily triggered under post-fire conditions. Landslide dams also increase the peak flows and volume of mobilized debris and elevate the flood hazard to downstream communities.
Highly Variable Subsurface Conditions at the New SDSU Mission Valley Campus & Football Stadium Site, San Diego, California Sanders, James, Group Delta, jims@groupdelta.com; Christopher K. Vonk, chrisv@groupdelta.com; Charles Robin (Rob) Stroop, robs@groupdelta.com (TS #11) San Diego State University has started construction on the $2B redevelopment of the existing 170-acre former National Football League stadium site into a state-of-the-art new west campus with a 35,000-seat football stadium and mixed-use development that will include 1.6 million square feet of new office/innovation/research and development space, hotel & conference center, 4,600 residential units, and a 34-acre River Park. The site is located within the San Diego coastal plain and is underlain by Eocene-age nonmarine and near-shore sedimentary deposits of lagoonal sandstone, siltstone, and claystone. The west-flowing San Diego River has incised a broad (up to 3/4-mile-wide) river valley into the underlying Eocene sedimentary rocks and deposited thick sequences of poorly consolidated, coarse-grained cobble, gravel, and sand on the erosional surface. Sea level transgressions in recent millennia have backfilled the older San Diego River channel with finer grained alluvial deposits. Fill from prior aggregate mining and site development covers the site. Detailed geologic analyses of subsurface explorations revealed the presence of a San Diego River paleochannel across the site which causes the thickness of the underlying soils to vary substantially over relatively short horizontal distances within the proposed football stadium footprint. A high potential for earthquake induced soil liquefaction exists at the site and the complex zones of liquefiable soils vary significantly inside and outside of the paleochannel. The site lies just 7 kilometers east of the active (MW 7.0) Rose Canyon fault zone. This paper summarizes the highly variable subsurface geology encountered at the site, the exploration and data collection techniques utilized to overcome the difficult drilling and sampling conditions, and the integrated structural and geotechnical design approach developed to mitigate differential settlements on the planned stadium and critical infrastructure for the site.
Geophysical Imaging of Critical Zone of Trinity/Edwards Aquifer over Haby Fault of Balcones Fault Zones, Texas Saribudak, Mustafa, Environmental Geophysics Associates, mbudak@pdq.net (TS #1B) Regionally, the Haby Crossing fault zone is characterized as a lateral barrier to groundwater flow between Edwards and Trinity Aquifers. However, results from our geophysical investigation demonstrate that karstification along the fault plane may have created conduits for preferential lateral flow between the Edwards and Trinity Aquifers. Twodimensional images of electrical resistivity tomography data were used to map the hydrogeologic and structural features within the study area. The contact between the Edwards and the Trinity Aquifers is located on the upthrown side of the Haby Crossing fault. The Trinity Aquifer units appear to be folded upwards near the fault. However, 74
away from the fault, in the northwest direction, the resistivity data shows that the boundary is smoother and is about 75 m deep. Magnetic and ground conductivity data confirm the locations of the structural features. The fault zone on each profile contains fault-related folding, faulting, and tilting. The Haby Crossing fault is a low resistivity feature indicating a high clay content in the brecciated fault material however, self-potential data identified multiple karst features within this fault zone indicating that it is permeable enough to allow ground-water flow along the fault plane. Location of karstic features, such as caves, voids, or sinkholes (conduits) determined by this study may identify areas of groundwater communication between the Trinity and Edwards Aquifers. The results also can help choose an area where groundwater tracer studies be performed to better understand the groundwater flow paths and cross aquifer communication.
Geophysical Mapping of Mt. Bonnell Fault of Balcones Fault Zone, Central Texas Saribudak, Mustafa, Environmental Geophysics Associates, mbudak@pdq.net (TS #9) Integrated geophysical surveys (resistivity, self-potential, conductivity, magnetic, and ground penetrating radar) were conducted at three locations across the Mt. Bonnell fault in the Balcones Fault Zone of Central Texas. This normal fault has hundreds of meters of throw and is the primary boundary between two major aquifers in Texas, the Trinity and Edwards Aquifers. In the near-surface on the Edwards Plateau, the fault juxtaposes the Upper Glen Rose Formation, which consists of interbedded limestone and marly limestone, against the Edwards Group, which is mostly limestone, on the eastern down-thrown side (coastal plain). The Upper Glen Rose member is considered to be the Upper Trinity Aquifer, and also a confining zone underlying the Edwards Aquifer. Geophysical results indicate not only the location of the fault but additional karstic features on the west side (Upper Glen Rose Fm.) and on the east side (Edwards Group) of the Mt. Bonnell fault. Resistivity values of the Glen Rose and Edwards Group do not appear to have significant lateral variations across the fault. In other words, the Mt. Bonnell fault does not appear to juxtapose different resistivity units of the Edwards Group and Upper Glen Rose member. Thus, the fault may not be a barrier to groundwater flow. With the abundant karstic features (caves, sinkholes, fractures, collapsed areas) on both sides of the fault, as determined by the geophysical data, one can conclude that lateral intra-aquifer groundwater flow between the Edwards Aquifer and Upper Trinity is likely.
Subsurface Structure of Pilot Knob Submarine Volcano (Austin, Texas) imaged using Resistivity and Magnetic Methods Saribudak, Mustafa, Environmental Geophysics Associates, mbudak@pdq.net (TS #11) Pilot Knob represents an extinct submarine volcano in a shallow sea that had a brief period of eruptive activity during the Upper Cretaceous time. The Pilot Knob is located in south Austin and is part of the Balcones Magmatic Province (BMP), which includes approximately 200 occurrences of igneous rocks emplaced during the deposition of the Austin Chalk (limestone) Formation. Pilot Knob, however, is the best exposed volcanic marine eruptive center in the BMP of Texas. Several resistivity imaging and magnetic surveys, two of which cross the entire apex of the volcano, indicate significant information about the internal structure of the volcano. These findings are: 1) several dikes and eruption centers (craters), 2) a buried volcanic core overlain by layers of low resistivity basaltic flow and resistive Austin Chalk layers, 3) scattered, slumped and rotated Austin Chalk blocks through the volcanic matrix of the volcano, especially near the apex of the
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING volcano, 4) a huge volcanic eruption center cutting through the tuff units in the west part of the volcano, 5) horizontal basaltic flows in the northern and southern part of the volcano, and 6) long resistivity and magnetic profiles crossing the volcano helped define the buried boundaries of the basaltic eruption centers and tuff units (pyroclastic). One of the striking results of this study is that magnetic and resistivity data indicate peculiar low magnetic and low resistivity values, respectively, across the majority of the Pilot Knob volcano. This could be due to the extensive alteration of volcanic rocks, which formed almost entirely beneath the sea level.
Mountain Tunnel Access Roadway Improvements Schick, Jamie, McMillen Jacobs Associates, schick@mcmjac.com; David Tsztoo, dtsztoo@sfwater.org; Joe Buitrago, jbuitrago@sfwater.org (TS #5) The Mountain Tunnel is a significant route for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to deliver water from Hetch Hetchy Reservoir into the Priest Reservoir. McMillen Jacobs Associates is the lead design firm for the improvements project that will ensure the reliability of daily water delivery to customers and provide continued capacity for future demands. A critical project component is the improvement of three roadways that lead to access portals along the tunnel. These roads were initially constructed to provide construction access and have used for years for facility access. Roadway improvements will provide tunnel access resiliency for inspections, maintenance, and repairs, and accommodate heavy truck and construction equipment during the six years of construction. Proposed improvements include road widening and shoulder stabilization, rockfall mitigation, and drainage improvements. This paper will discuss McMillen Jacobs’ investigation to identify and characterize rockfall and landslide hazards along the roadway and develop slope mitigation strategies. Mitigation alternatives were identified through a combination of visual observation and input from owner maintenance personnel. Rockfall hazards were addressed through a combination of approaches ranging from draped doubletwisted wire mesh cable net systems to attenuator systems and pattern rock bolting. Significant reaches of these roads will require scaling and rock doweling to reduce rockfall hazards along the corridor. Over 30 rockfall mitigations were developed for the roadways. Debris flow hazards were addressed with a combination of shoulder improvements using pinned gabion wall systems and concrete decks supported by micropile foundations. Roadway construction is scheduled for spring and summer of 2021. McMillen Jacobs is providing engineering support during construction and this includes oversight of the scaling and rock doweling as well as drapery system installation. This work is considered critical path for completion of underground improvements.
Summary of ASCE/EWRI Land Subsidence Task Committee Report and Plans for Development of Standard Guidelines for Assessment and Mitigation of Land Subsidence Caused by Groundwater Withdrawals Sheng, Zhuping, Sheng Engineering PLLC; zhuping.sheng@sheng-eng.com; Conrad Keyes, Jr., cgkeyesjr@q.com; Jiang Li, jiang.li@morgan.edu; Yi Liu, yi.liu@morgan.edu; Devin Galloway, dlgallow@usgs.gov; Dora Carreón Freyre, freyre@geociencias.unam.mx; Pietro Teatini, pietro.teatini@unipd.it; Earl Burkholder, eburk@globalcogo.com; Ahmed Elaksher, elaksher@nmsu.edu; Dana J. Caccamise II, dana.caccamise@noaa.gov; Van Kelley, vkelley@intera.com; Tianliang Yang, sigs_ytl@163.com; Ben Willardson, ben.willardson@uvu.edu (TS #6) Hydrogeologists and engineers recognize land subsidence caused by groundwater removal from aquifer systems as a major geologic hazard that can lead directly to structural damage of built infrastructure and indirectly damage land and ecosystem resources related principally to increased inland and coastal flood susceptibility. In response to growing water demands worldwide, increasing groundwater withdrawals from aquifer systems typically lowers groundwater levels, depletes groundwater storage, and causes land subsidence in many susceptible aquifer systems. Some of these affected aquifer systems artificially store and recover water as a component of managed aquifer recharge projects, which further complicates assessment and mitigation of land subsidence. Over the past several decades, new technologies and approaches have been developed to detect, monitor, and control land subsidence. Water managers and planners, hydrogeologists, and engineers need current guidelines to better manage groundwater resources and reduce land subsidence risks under various, often complex groundwater development scenarios. The Land Subsidence Task Committee was established within the American Society of Civil Engineers – Environmental and Water Resources Institute (ASCE/EWRI) to summarize worldwide land subsidence caused by underground fluid withdrawal, principally groundwater overdraft, and evaluate progress in applying new technologies and approaches to subsidence assessment and mitigation. We will present a summary of the committee report, as well as plans for developing ASCE/EWRI standard guidelines for mitigating land subsidence due to overdraft of susceptible aquifer systems. These guidelines will be a valuable tool for water-resources project planners and resource-management professionals.
Recurrence of Large Upper Plate Earthquakes in the Salish Lowland, Washington State Sherrod, Brian, USGS, bsherrod@usgs.gov; Richard Styron, richard.h.styron@gmail.com; Stephen Angster, sangster@usgs.gov (TS #11) Paleoseismic studies documented 27 paleoearthquakes from observations of postglacial deformation at 63 sites on 13 shallow fault zones in the northern Cascadia fore arc. These fault zones were created by northward fore arc block migration manifested as a series of bedrock uplifts and intervening structural basins in the Salish lowland between the 49th parallel and Olympia, Washington, to the south, bounded on the east and west by the Cascade Mountains and Olympic Mountains. Estimates of paleoearthquake magnitude range from M~6.5 to ~7.5. For each paleoearthquake, we use published ages to calculate earthquake-timing probability density functions (PDFs); for some events broad PDFs reflect earthquakes constrained by only minimum or maximum limiting ages. The earthquake record starts shortly after glacier retreat ~16ka BP. Earthquakes prior to the mid-Holocene were apparently scarce, with only a handful of older earthquakes identified
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING throughout the lowland. The paleoseismic record picks up in earnest ~4000 yrs BP, with 21 of the 27 paleoearthquakes on faults throughout the Salish lowland. A cluster of earthquakes started about 2500 yrs BP and lasted until about 900 yrs BP on faults located in the central and northern lowland. A Monte Carlo approach was used to calculate the recurrence intervals and rates for earthquakes on individual fault zones as well as on the regional fault network as a whole. Thousands of samples drawn from each earthquake age PDF were sorted (following stratigraphic ordering where possible) and differenced, yielding distributions for inter-event times that reflect the uncertainty in the radiocarbon ages. For the Puget Lowland as a whole, the postglacial mean recurrence interval is ~400 years, with a median of ~175 years and a mode of ~20 years. These results are suggestive of earthquake clustering, and that a large earthquake may be followed soon after by additional large earthquakes on regional faults.
Seismic and Electrical 3D Geophysical Imaging for Landslide Remediation Wolf Creek Pass, Colorado Sirles, Phil, Collier Geophysics, LLC, phil@collierconsulting.com; Khamis Haramy; Marilyn Dodson; Todd Schlittenhart (TS #10) Seismic and electrical geophysical investigations were performed using 3D acquisition, processing and presentation imaging techniques on two active landslides in southwestern Colorado. The slides are actively moving and are under ongoing active remediation. The translational East Fork Landslide terminating in the East Fork of the San Juan River reactivated in 2008, with a 600-foot wide by 2,000-foot upslope disturbance, displacing a roadway about 150 feet. The rotational Jackson Mountain Landslide terminating in the San Juan River reactivated in 2009, with a 2,000-foot wide by 2,500-foot upslope disturbance, closing US 160. Both damaged a major gas line. Seismic and electrical 3D geophysical methods were used to determine subsurface characterization and assess bulk material properties on a selected portion of each slide. These new approaches could be used on landslides to optimize subsurface volumetric evaluation of the site and to augment the conventional geotechnical field investigation methods for landslides. These slides had existing information which was used in the geophysical analyses to aid in determining the effectiveness, benefits, and limitations of performing 3D geophysical surveys on ‘active’ landslides. While the geophysical data (acquisition methods, interpretation, and presentation of geophysical results) may be useful for future design and remediation efforts, the primary purpose was to evaluate the value of using these wide-area geophysical surveys to better characterize translation and rotational landslides. The results indicated that volumes of higher electrical response are present at bedrock depths under the Jackson Mountain Landslide and outside the most recent movement on the East Fork Landslide. Anomalies with low resistivity also correlated with areas of higher water content, which can be useful for remediation through drainage. The 3D seismic imaging provided volumetric subsurface images rather than singular point measurements to delineate shear zone depth.
3D Geophysical Investigations to Evaluate Risk at Karstic Wind Turbine Foundation Sites Sirles, Phil, Collier Geophysics, LLC, phil@collierconsulting.com; Roy Bowling Roy@CollierGeophysics.com (TS #14) Geotechnical site characterization for proposed wind turbine foundations, located in known karst terrain, requires a broader evaluation of the risk. Both the dissolution of gypsum or anhydrite in evaporite formations, or fracture-widening and void/cave development in soluble limestones cause the scope of investigation to be wider beneath very specific turbine foundation design and loading conditions. One-dimen76
sional borehole information is necessary, but it cannot resolve the largescale risk of karst. Additionally, due to the amorphous nature of karst, traditional 2D geophysical investigations often cannot accurately assess the karst condition due the physics of the method. As such, threedimensional 3D geophysics is necessary to provide a true volumetric foundation assessment of the bedrock. 3D geophysical case histories from western Oklahoma’s Permian- and Pennsylvanian-age evaporite formations, and also central Oklahoma’s Ordovician-age folded and faulted limestone, will show why different approaches are necessary to evaluate the large-scale subsurface conditions. Since the geophysical data are but one data set to assess the rick of karst, the case histories will demonstrate how all the available data are used in an integrated approach to assign a risk factor at each proposed foundation. Both 3D seismic and 3D electrical resistivity methods, used in the different geologic setting, will be presented; and, how they correlate with borehole information, lidar data, and site geologic observations. The combination direct (intrusive) borehole data with the indirect (non-invasive) 3D geophysical measurements is critical to provide confidence in the risk for safe foundation construction, and that the structure will remain resilient for its design life. Additionally, the presentation will show how the risk of positioning the large cranes (used in construction), or the crane-paths between foundation sites, can also be assessed from the geophysical 3D data. Unconventional 3D data visualization techniques are paramount for everyone on the geotechnical team.
1,4-Dioxane in Groundwater: Emerging Contaminant Concerns Smith, William (Gary), WGS Consulting, wgsconsulting@hotmail.com (TS #8) 1,4-Dioxane (DXA) is a likely human carcinogen and has been found in groundwater at sites throughout the United States (US) and worldwide. The physical and chemical properties and behavior of DXA create challenges for characterization and treatment in the environment. It is highly mobile, does not readily biodegrade, and is completely miscible in water. It is unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures and may form explosive mixtures with prolonged exposure to light or air. DXA is a likely contaminant at many sites contaminated with chlorinated solvents because of its widespread use historically as a stabilizer for those compounds (particularly 1,1,1- trichloroethane [TCA]). DXA is a by-product present in many goods, including paint strippers, dyes, greases, antifreeze, and aircraft deicing fluids, and in some consumer products (deodorants, shampoos, and cosmetics), and as a purifying agent in manufacture of pharmaceuticals. It is a by-product in the manufacture of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic. Traces may be present in some food supplements, food residues from packaging adhesives, or on DXA-containing pesticides applied to food crops.1 DXA is considered an emerging organic contaminant in the environment due to the above widespread uses, and investigative difficulty in detecting low DXA concentrations in groundwater plumes. It is typically found at low ppm or ppb concentrations in groundwater but may be found at high ppm concentrations at DXA manufacturing sites. One of the last US manufacturers of DXA shut down in 2019 and moved production to European operations due to increasing regulatory scrutiny and perceived environmental risk.2 DXA remediation has become a priority at many sites in the USA due to status as a likely human carcinogen. As of 2016, DXA had been identified at more than 34 USEPA National Priorities List (NPL) sites; it is likely present at many other USA governmental and industrial sites.3 Remediation focus on DXA is typically on groundwater that may be used as a potable source, and ongoing risk assessments by federal and state agencies have increasingly lowered the acceptable risk level to low ppb concentrations (typically <5 ug/L). (1,4) This presents an issue for both remediation technology efficiency, and the ability to detect DXA at allowable
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING groundwater concentrations in groundwater. DXA does not bind to soils and migrates preferably to groundwater pore spaces where it may migrate much more rapidly than co-contaminants such as chlorinated solvents. Thus, it is often found at the leading edge of groundwater plumes that exhibit multiple co-contaminants.3,4 This presentation summarizes the state of the art in DXA remediation of contaminated groundwater, including references to several ongoing successful remedial sites around the world. References 1.
2.
3. 4.
US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Office of Land and Emergency Management (Nov 2017) Technical Fact Sheet – 1,4-Dioxane, EPA 505-F-17-011, 8 p. Editorial Staff, WAFB Television Baton Rouge Louisiana Video News (15 January 2019) BASF Chemical Plant in Zachary, LA to Shut Down in April 2019, TV Video. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) (2012. “Toxicological Profile for 1,4-Dioxane.” www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles USEPA (2006) Treatment Technologies for 1,4-Dioxane: Fundamentals and Field Applications, EPA 542-R-06-009, web address: cluin.org/download/542r06009/pdf.
1,4-Dioxane in Groundwater: A Worldwide Technology Survey Smith, William, WGS Consulting, wgsconsulting@hotmail.com (TS #8) DXA remediation in groundwater may be designed for either ex situ or in situ application. In practice, in situ methods are typically designed to transport contaminated groundwater to the location of remedial technologies that are more typically used ex situ, such as funnel & gate or French drain extraction. With several US DXA remedial projects having now been operating for years, effective remedial technologies have increasingly been narrowed to those capable of destroying DXA, either chemically or thermally. For this reason, in situ chemical or biochemical remediation are much more difficult to design for low acceptable residual DXA concentrations in potable groundwater supplies. Currently, effective remedial technologies applied for DXA in the USA include: 1) Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP), or, 2) adsorption or ion exchange (IEX) materials (e.g., AmbersorbTM), used in combination with thermal regeneration of granular activated carbon (GAC). Treated groundwater can be reinjected or directed for additional residual treatment in Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP), prior to surface water discharge. Because DXA and similar contaminants must be treated to essentially non-detect concentrations (<1 ug/L), proprietary AOP technologies have been developed specifically for DXA These include peroxide/ozone oxidation – prominent examples licensed as HiPOxTM technology by APTWater5 and photocatalytic oxidation - licensed as PhotoCatTM technology by Purifics6. These technologies have been proven to be effective for DXA remediation at multiple sites, down to low ppb or ppt levels, even from initial high ppm-level (>100 mg/L) concentrations using multiple pass technology. These technologies are typically applied for ex situ pumping and recovery of DXA contaminated groundwater, and treated groundwater can be reinjected to improve hydraulic transport and recovery efficiency of contaminated groundwater. Filtration or membrane technologies may be used ahead of AOP methods to avoid solids issues with AOP equipment when necessary. IEX methods for DXA remediation using AmbersorbTM or similar resins typically operate at lower contaminated groundwater influent concentrations (<1 mg/L) but can achieve nondetect levels (<1 ug/L) on a continuous basis. These methods depend on IEX regeneration, typically aligned with a second phase of concentrated DXA adsorption on GAC, followed by GAC thermal regeneration, that results in total DXA destruction.7 Additional destruction technologies are being developed at demonstration levels currently, including electrochemical destruction at high temperatures for concentrated
September 2021
DXA or PFAS type emerging contaminants8. Residual low ppb levels of DXA after remedial treatment can be reinjected, to assist in contaminated groundwater transport and recovery, or, discharged to WWTPs that achieve residual destruction by biochemical or physical/chemical methods. Traditional UV/peroxide technology is not likely to be effective for DXA in a low ppb or non-detect remedial setting. References 5. 6. 7.
8.
APTWater, Long Beach, CA (2009) HiPOx Case Study: US Air Force Plant 44, 2 p. Purifics, London, ON, Canada (2013) Groundwater Remediation Case History: Chemical Free 1,4-Dioxane Purification, Sarasota Florida, 2 p. Woodard, S., ECT2, Whittier, CA (2016) Optimized Treatment of 1,4Dioxane in Extracted Groundwater with Reinjection for Aquifer Replenishment, 2016 Emerging Contaminants Conference, Westminster, CO, PPT presentation, 21 p. Linked News - Australia, “AECOM announces first demonstration of DEFLUORO electrochemical remedial technology for emerging contaminants,” May/Jun 2021.
1,4 Dioxane – In Consumer Products, Landfill Leachate and Surface Water Smyth, Joan, Smyth Gardner, Inc., joan@smithgardnerinc.com (TS #8) This presentation will follow the path of 1,4 Dioxane in our environment from initial synthesis to post-disposal. Details will be presented of synthesis and usage of 1,4 dioxane during consumer product production and will summarize concentrations in consumer products over time and regulations limiting 1,4 D in consumer products. The presentation will follow the disposal of consumer products in landfills and will summarize concentrations of 1,4 dioxane in landfill leachates in the United States and globally. Since most landfill leachates are disposed at wastewater treatment plants, this presentation will also summarize data from surface water studies pf 1,4 dioxane in wastewater treatment plant discharges as well as surface water sampling locations to evaluate the potential impact of landfill leachates on surface water. As a point of comparison, limited information regarding concentrations of 1,4 D in septic system effluent will also be presented to give a more comprehensive picture of how 1,4 D is entering our environment from consumer product usage and disposal.
Assessing Karst Hazard for a Proposed Nuclear Power Plant Site in the Valley and Ridge of Tennessee Sowers, Janet, FUGRO, j.sowers@fugro.com; David Fenster, rockpic001@gmail.com (TS #9) Federal guidelines for the siting of nuclear power plants require thorough evaluation of geologic hazards, including focused investigation and assessment of hazards judged to have the greatest potential to impact the site. The proposed site was the subject of an extensive karst hazard evaluation conducted as input to an Early Site Permit (ESP) application. Karst features can impact foundation stability and the nature of groundwater flow and, therefore, the modeling of any accidental radionuclide releases. Steps in the karst hazard assessment included: 1) data collection and characterization, 2) development of a karst model, and 3) hazard evaluation. Karst was characterized by an initial review of regional and local karst literature and data, followed by collection of new data for the site area and the site itself. Mapping of sinkholes, depressions, springs, and caves within a five-mile radius of the site was based on interpretation of lidar topographic data and field reconnaissance. Depression density was found to strongly correlate to lithology. Site exploration documents the stratigraphic sequence of limestone units of the Chickamauga Group dipping 57 degrees to the east. Dissolution cavities were logged in many of the boreholes. The karst model for the site is based on the following
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING concepts and observations: the bedrock surface beneath residual soil is irregular due to dissolution from penetrating rainwater; dissolution features occur both in the vadose zone from downward percolating water, and in the phreatic zone from flowing groundwater; the dominant orientation of dissolution pathways is strike-parallel and is constrained by low-carbonate units; and the thicker and purer carbonate beds have larger and more numerous cavities and sinkholes. Potential hazards to the nuclear island due to subsurface dissolution are foundation settlement or collapse and enhanced contaminant migration. Hazard mitigation measures will be addressed.
fault or fracture trends and negligible hazard existed from RIS for VCSNS Units 2 and 3 due to the small magnitudes of the events. Radiometric ages on fault displacements acquired by the applicant and field observations of relative age relationships of faulting by NRC geologists revealed that faults mapped in the excavations were not younger than Mesozoic so posed negligible hazard from fault displacement at the site. NRC geologists confirmed that the applicant completed geologic site characterization activities necessary to satisfy all regulatory requirements and that neither RIS nor faulting required the applicant to plan for mitigation of such hazards at the site.
The 1811–1812 New Madrid Earthquakes: Then & Now
Emergency Response and Navigating Naturally Occurring Asbestos – Rockslide Mitigation on US-95 near Riggins, Idaho
Steckel, Phyllis, Earthquake Insight LLC, psteckel@charter.net (TS #9) The 1811–1812 New Madrid earthquakes, the largest earthquakes ever felt east of the Rockies in historic times, were centered in the mid-Mississippi Valley. The sparse population and their simple structures, as well as the natural land surfaces near the epicenters were devastated. Farther out, small frontier settlements (St. Louis, Louisville, and Natchez) had significant damage. Many of the residents of the established cities along the Atlantic coast (Washington DC, New York, Charleston, and Norfolk) were alarmed by the earthquakes, which awoke President James Madison as he slept in the White House and caused some damage in those locations. Through the research of many geoscientists over many years, the 1811–1812 earthquakes have become better understood: the New Madrid seismic zone is active; the largest events on the New Madrid usually occur in a series of three or more, followed by many thousands of aftershocks; the thick, loose sediments of the Mississippi Embayment and the Mississippi and Ohio river floodplains greatly amplify and prolong ground-shaking; and the area is especially vulnerable to landslides, lateral spreading, and liquefaction. In the 210 years since these earthquakes, tens of millions of people and many trillions of dollars are at risk in private and public infrastructure of national importance. Several pillars of the national economy as well as national security are at risk in the event of a repeat of the 1811– 1812 New Madrid earthquakes including bulk storage and transport, steel production, aluminum smelting, pipelines, parcel delivery, agriculture, and port and multi-modal facilities.
Evaluating Potential Hazard from Faulting and Induced Seismicity at the U.S. NRC for a Proposed Nuclear Power Plant Site Stirewalt, Gerry L., U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, gerry.stirewalt@nrc.gov (TS #11) Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) geologists considered two potential hazards at the proposed site of V.C. Summer Nuclear Station (VCSNS) Units 2 and 3, located in South Carolina adjacent to VCSNS Unit 1 that began operation in January 1984. The hazards were induced seismicity related to filling of a water supply reservoir for Unit 1 and faults in foundation bedrock of proposed Units 2 and 3. NRC geologists re-evaluated data associated with reservoir-induced seismicity (RIS) previously collected for licensing Unit 1 and evaluated new data related to faulting in excavations for safety-related engineered structures at VCSNS Units 2 and 3. The need to re-evaluate RIS data arose because NRC geologists needed to confirm that RIS events did not define fault trends at the site location that were unrecognized in the excavations for Units 2 and 3. Data reviewed by NRC geologists showed RIS started with filling of the reservoir in 1977 and dropped to pre-impoundment background levels after filling. Maximum magnitude of RIS events was 2.8 so well below the seismic design basis for safetyrelated structures at Units 2 and 3 related to the Charleston and New Madrid seismic zones. RIS events did not delineate any unexpected 78
Struthers, James, McMillen Jacobs Associates, struthersjr@gmail.com; Bradley Erskine, erskine.geo@gmail.com (TS #15) On July 3 and 10, 2020, two large sequential rockslides occurred near Riggins, Idaho on US-95, which is the major north-south artery for Idaho. Together the rockslides deposited about 20,000 cubic yards of rock on the highway but left a large unstable remnant block hanging above the road. These rockslides were the result of structurally controlled failures within the ultramafic rocks of the Jurassic to Permian-aged Riggins Group. Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) retained the services of McMillen Jacobs to provide geotechnical consultation during the mitigation efforts. Following contract development, ITD advertised the project and held a pre-bid meeting 21 days after the failure. Bid was, however, delayed because naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) was discovered at the rockslope; a first historic case for ITD projects. In response, ITD contracted a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to develop a contacting and mitigation strategy to advance the project. Based on guidance from the SME, we established a sampling protocol in seven distinct regions with the project limits. The majority of the sampling was conducted using roped-access techniques. Samples were sent to Asbestos TEM Laboratories of Berkeley, California for identification of potential asbestos mineral species and quantification of amount of each species present. Concurrently, we initiated the mitigation measures which included avoiding disturbance of areas with suspected NOA, dust control, air monitoring and personnel training. Analytical results and detailed mapping demonstrated that NOA was limited to shear zones and schistose areas within the lower zone portion of the rockslope, below the primary proposed area of disturbance. Most samples were less than 1% regulated NOA. However, one sample out of the excavation area displayed concentrations of NOA > 5%. The contractor was able to avoid this area and mitigate the large overhanging rock block by drilling and blasting.
W-6 Upper Segment: Hwy 90 to SW Military Drive Sewer Tunnel Project Swartz, Jason, Black & Veatch, swartzj@bv.com; Gerardo Gomez, Gerardo.Gomez@saws.org (TS #2) San Antonio Water System (SAWS) entered into a Consent Decree with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to rehabilitate portions of their wastewater collection system and reduce sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). The Consent Decree required SAWS to remediate field confirmed capacity constraints according to an agreed and defined schedule. The W-6 project is a major component of the Consent Decree and eliminates a known capacity constraint by replacing approximately 19,000 LF of existing 54-inch sanitary sewer main that currently through Lackland Air Force Base. The replacement sewer main involves 29,000 LF of primarily 104” FRP gravity sanitary sewer pipe constructed by underground construction techniques. The tunnel project extends from a location east of Leon Creek along US Highway 90 (US90) to the intersection of US90 and West Military Drive, then heads southward along West
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING Military Drive to Pearsall Road. This alignment avoids Lackland Air Force Base and minimizes impacts to the local community by being constructed underground. The majority of the alignment is being constructed utilizing a 142-inch Lovat Dual Mode Tunnel Boring Machine. The project also includes nine shafts and multiple trenchless crossings to make near surface connections to the new works. This project is one of SAWS’s largest projects ever undertaken and was started in July 2020 and is expected to be completed the first half of 2023. This paper will discuss some of the construction challenges while tunneling over 100 feet below the surface within the Navarro Group geologic formation.
ALARP Design Considerations for Dams and Levees Terry, Thomas, US Army Corps of Engineers, thomas.terry@usace.army.mil; John Kendall, john.r.kendall@usave.army.mil (TS #4) The presentation will begin with a short definition of what ALARP (As Low As Reasonable Practicable) is relative to life safety risk and how it applies to the design of new dam and levee facilities. The presentation will present various examples of how the authors have provided ALARP related recommendations to planning and design teams for projects based on qualitative risk assessments preformed at the planning (conceptual) stage of project development. The findings of these projects allowed life safety risk to inform the conceptual design of the projects, prior to seeking authority, and helped tailor the project such that they met the intent of risk ALARP as they enter the next phases of design and eventually construction.
Evaluation of Non-liquefiable Soil Layer Impact on Liquefaction Surface Manifestation in Dyer County, Tennessee Tohidi, Hamed, The University of Memphis, htohidi@memphis.edu; David Arellano, darellan@memphis.edu; Chris Cramer, ccramer@memphis.edu; Roy Van Arsdale, rvanrsdl@memphis.edu; Renee Reichenbacher, renee.reichenbacher@gmail.com (TS #11) Liquefaction occurs predominantly in loose saturated sands because of the buildup of excess pore water pressure that occurs due to dynamic stresses from earthquakes. The excess pore water pressure results in a sudden decrease in effective stress that contributes to a decrease in shear strength. In the past century, and as a result of earthquakes all around the world, liquefaction has caused irretrievable damages to thousands of buildings, bridges, highways, and utilities. Thus, evaluation of the liquefaction potential of areas near major seismic zones is essential. Dyer County, Tennessee, is located within New Madrid seismic zone. The surface geology of the county is characterized by three geologic/geomorphic units: lowland (floodplain), intermediate (loess covered terrace and bedrock), and upland (loess covered terrace and bedrock). In this study, the liquefaction surface manifestation potential of Dyer County, Tennessee is evaluated based on two different approaches; Liquefaction Potential Index (LPI) developed by Iwasaki (1978–1982) and LPIISH framework presented by Maurer et al. (2015) based on Ishihara’s (1985) boundary curves. The key difference between these two methods is that LPI does not consider the impact of non-liquefiable soil layers on liquefaction surface manifestation while LPIISH does. The impact of non-liquefiable soil crust on liquefaction surface manifestation is assessed for 70 combinations of earthquake magnitude and peak ground acceleration (PGA). The results of this research are presented in a format of Liquefaction Probability Curves (LPCs), and liquefaction hazard maps. This study reveals non-liquefiable soil layers have a significant impact on liquefaction surface manifestation of liquefiable soil layers in all three geologic/geomorphic units. Not considering the effect of non-liquefiable soil layers on liquefaction surface manifestation can result in up to 50% overprediction of liquefaction September 2021
probability for strong earthquake scenarios of lowlands which are the most susceptible geologic units to liquefaction.
The Science and Policy of Groundwater Regulation: A Comprehensive Approach to Protecting the Houston Region from Land Subsidence Turco, Michael J., Harris-Galveston Subsidence District, mturco@subsidence.org; Ashley I. Greuter, agreuter@subsidence.org; Kelsey D. Seeker, kseeker@subsidence.org (TS #6) Since the development of the coastal areas near present-day Houston, Texas, subsidence has been a significant public policy concern. Concerns associated with subsidence in the Houston area include coastal inundation from storm surge, inland flooding, and critical infrastructure damage. Subsidence is caused by compaction of aquifer material due primarily to the extraction of groundwater from the Gulf Coast Aquifer System, shifting the primary source water from groundwater to an alternative source, such as surface water, has been a public policy priority for over four decades. The Houston area, until recently, has relied mostly on groundwater as the primary source water for municipal, agricultural, and industrial needs. In 1975, following decades of subsidence totaling over 10 feet, the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District was created to regulate groundwater withdrawal in Harris and Galveston counties to prevent subsidence. Leveraging the alternative surface water resources developed by the City of Houston in the 1950s, the Subsidence District’s regulatory framework focuses on spatial prioritization and the systematic conversion to alternative source waters. This comprehensive approach of enforcing attainable regulatory requirements, informed by local stakeholders, and based on the best available science, has resulted in a dramatic reduction in subsidence rates. Results from the Subsidence District’s monitoring program show that the implementation of the regulatory program has substantially slowed subsidence in areas where full conversion from groundwater to alternative water has been completed. Reasonable management of groundwater use in this region is vital for the longterm prevention of subsidence and increases the resilience of the entire region. An overview of the regulatory policy, subsidence monitoring program, and major infrastructure projects conducted by regional water providers to achieve conversion will be presented.
Addressing Uncertainty Through an Open, Collaborative Database of Liquefaction Case Histories Ulmer, Kristin, Southwest Research Institute, kulmer@swri.org; Thomas Weaver, thomas.weaver@nrc.gov; John Stamatakos, jstamatakos@swri.org; Miriam Juckett, mjuckett@swri.org (TS #11) Seismic induced soil liquefaction has historically caused significant damage to engineering structures. If not addressed adequately, liquefaction may pose a significant risk to critical infrastructures, such as nuclear power plants, lifeline systems, and earthen dams. Liquefaction triggering evaluation methodologies over the past several decades allow engineers to assess if liquefaction is likely to occur at a site and, consequently, whether it poses a safety risk to infrastructure. These evaluations typically rely on triggering models that quantify a soil’s resistance against liquefaction based on field penetration tests. However, there is inherent uncertainty and a general lack of consensus on several key issues in the models developed to date. In addition, the case histories upon which these empirical models rely represent only a subset of the range of geologic conditions that may be applicable to critical structures. These uncertainties and lack of consensus were at the core of a recent National Academy of Sciences study, which highlighted the need for improved liquefaction triggering models based on an improved database of empirical
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING observations. The Next Generation Liquefaction (NGL) project aims to address this need by developing an open, collaborative database of case histories. This database provides access to objective data and allows users across the world to contribute additional data. This presentation highlights some of the ways that the NGL database can address uncertainty in liquefaction triggering evaluations. For example, data acquired from recent and future case histories could expand the parameter space so new models can be developed that are applicable to a broader range of geologic conditions. Increasing our understanding of and ability to quantify uncertainties will improve risk evaluations for critical infrastructure, including mitigation strategies for potential hazards. Improving risk evaluations will facilitate making better decisions that impact facility safety and project costs.
Smoky Mountain Group. Silica (such as the strained quartz present in the metasedimentary rocks quarried for concrete aggregate at Fontana) can react with Portland cement to form a hydrophyllic gel that causes the concrete to expand. This type of alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR) was first confirmed at Fontana Dam in 1974, and induced stresses and deformation of the mass concrete resulting from AAR have required various intervention and mitigation techniques over the years. This presentation will cover the history of the Fontana Project, including the logistical challenges associated with constructing a large dam in a remote location on an aggressive wartime schedule, design and construction challenges associated with foundation treatment due to geologic structure, and the ongoing challenges created by AARinduced “concrete growth”—including a decision to decommission and abandon the emergency spillway in 2003.
Innovative and Alternative Treatment Technologies to Mitigate 1,4-Dioxane Contamination in the Long Island, New York Water Cycle
Neurodiversity: Challenges and Advantages of Autism in the Technical Workplace
Venkatesan, Arjun, Center for Clean Water Technology, Stony Brook University, arjun.venkatesan@stonybrook.edu (TS #8)
Walker, Scott R; Tennessee Valley Authority, srwalker3@tva.gov (TS #12)
1,4-Dioxane is a probable human carcinogen and a widespread contaminant in Long Island water supplies, with some of the nation’s highest concentrations detected (up to 34 µg/L). Analysis of the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 3 data from the USEPA revealed that 39 water districts/distribution areas in Long Island had detections of 1,4dioxane greater than the EPA’s cancer risk guideline level of 0.35 µg/L. Furthermore, recent studies have confirmed the presence of very high levels of 1,4-dioxane in several household products and thus domestic wastewater could potentially serve as an important and ongoing source of 1,4-dioxane pollution in the environment. Due to its environmental persistence, conventional water and wastewater treatment processes are not effective in removing 1,4-dioxane. A combination of concentrated onsite wastewater treatment systems, sole-source aquifer, and elevated background 1,4-dioxane levels in groundwater, as observed in Long Island, NY, presents a unique challenge to prevent further contamination via wastewater discharges. Research at the NYS Center for Clean Water Technology is focused on optimizing both drinking water treatment and onsite wastewater treatment to minimize 1,4-dioxane exposure and to control ongoing pollution of groundwater. This presentation will summarize i) recent data from a pilot-study of 1,4-dioxane treatment using four different Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) technologies; ii) the performance of full-scale Nitrogen Removing Biofilters (NRBs) to remove 1,4-dioxane from onsite wastewater; and iii) treatment challenges and research needs. Results reveal that although all AOP systems are capable of removing 1,4-dioxane, UV/H2O2 and O3/H2O2 performed most efficiently with respect to cost and energy consumption. In NRBs, the majority of 1,4-dioxane removal (~80%) occurred in the top oxic layer, implying that the removal was likely driven by aerobic microbial degradation. The results also demonstrate that installation of NRBs can reduce 1,4-dioxane to levels even lower than the NY State drinking water standard of 1 µg/L.
Autism is a neurological condition that means the brain processes information differently from those who are “neurotypical.” It is estimated to affect 1 in 54 people born in the United States and is diagnosed in boys at a rate far exceeding that of girls. Although first described in 1943, autism was not formally recognized as a standalone diagnosis until 1980. The term Asperger’s syndrome was coined in 1981 to describe a form of “high functioning” autism often characterized by high intelligence, a focused interest in a particular subject, and difficulties with social interaction. The prevalence of autism in the children of engineers is double that of the general population, and (unsurprisingly) many “Aspies” gravitate toward careers in technical or analytical fields. However, statistics about autism in the workplace can be hard to quantify because it is officially characterized as a “disability” and requires self-identification, yet most Apies do not see themselves as disabled and many do not wish to be “labeled.” Because of the hereditary component and the timing (and evolution) of diagnostic criteria, parents whose children are diagnosed with autism may embark on a journey of self-introspection and find that they too share similar traits. In the technical workplace, the value found in strengths common to many Aspies (creative thinking, attention to detail, accuracy, and the ability to hyperfocus) can be overshadowed by difficulties with “soft skills.” Challenges related to neurodiversity in the workplace can manifest in hiring processes and performance reviews that are (unintentionally) inequitable, or when colleagues misinterpret actions or behaviors, leading to negative opinions or resentment. The Tennessee Valley Authority has established Inclusion as one of four core values, and TVA is working to increase neurodiversity by partnering with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to hire degree-seeking students on the autism spectrum as summer interns.
Thermal Imaging for Rockfall Detection The Dam is Growing?!?: A Case History of Fontana Dam Walker, Scott, Tennessee Valley Authority, srwalker3@tva.gov (TS #4) The Tennessee Valley Authority’s Fontana Dam is a 2,365-foot-long concrete gravity structure located at River Mile 61.0 on the Little Tennessee River in western North Carolina. With a maximum height of 480 feet, it is the tallest dam in the eastern United States. Originally developed to help meet demand for electricity during World War II, the dam was constructed over a three-year period and placed into commercial operation in January 1945. Bedrock at the site is primarily feldspathic quartzite, graywacke, and phyllite of the Precambrian-age 80
Wellman, Edward, University of Arizona, ecwellman@email.arizona.edu; Chad Williams, cpwilliams@arizona.edu; Brad Ross, bjr@arizona.edu (TS #5) Under a NIOSH research grant, the Geotechnical Center of Excellence is evaluating the capability and limitations of thermal imagers to detect rockfall events and the conditions that can lead to rockfall. This two-year study includes testing four different thermal imaging systems that will be used to detect man-made rockfalls and a longerterm surveillance test in a variety of mines and conditions. The surveillance test will determine thermal imaging’s ability to detect rockfall
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING events in a wide range of temperature, moisture, dust, distance, and humidity conditions. Four thermal infrared imagers were acquired for the project. Two medium resolution imagers, one high resolution, and one high-resolution imager with pan, tilt, and zoom capability were acquired. The imagers were installed on a mobile mine monitoring platform. The project aims to test thermal imaging cameras’ effectiveness to detect and record rockfall events and rockfall hazards in surface mining operations as a method to protect mine workers from the risks of rockfalls. One of the primary goals is to identify cost-effective off-the-shelf systems integrated with existing slope monitoring systems or mounted separately as a part of routine mine observations. This presentation will document early results from the project, with results from trials in Arizona, Colorado, and Washington.
Glauconitic Sand: A New Geohazard for Offshore Wind? Westgate, Zack, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, zwestgate@umass.edu (TS #9) Glauconitic sand, otherwise known as “greensand,” is a challenging soil type that can pose significant risk to foundation installation and performance. This is due to its tendency to transform from a stiff, high permeability coarse-grained material to a weak, low permeability fine-grained material due to particle crushing. Glauconite is an iron potassium mica with a characteristically green color, often found in peloidal form. It forms under reducing conditions within shallow marine depositional environments and has been found in coastal regions of the United States including locations along the Atlantic outer continental shelf associated with offshore wind farm developments. Due to its friable nature, glauconite affects the geotechnical properties of the sediments in which it forms. Geotechnical laboratory tests performed on glauconitic sand samples reveal a wide range in particle size gradation, low particle crushing strength, high specific gravity, and variable cementation. Intact glauconitic sand exhibits high strength, but under moderate disturbance it is relatively brittle, similar to carbonate sediments found in tropical regions. Given its tendency to crush, in situ testing with cone penetrometers produces high tip resistance and high sleeve friction, limiting the usefulness of standard soil classification charts. This talk presents a review of the geological basis for glauconitic sand formation, describes its depositional environment and maturation process, and presents examples of its geotechnical characteristics. Insights into the impact of glauconitic sands on offshore foundation installation and performance are discussed. Guidance is provided to engineering geologists and geotechnical engineers for planning site investigations where glauconitic sands may be encountered in relation to nearshore and offshore infrastructure developments.
Projected Climate Change Effects on Post Wildfire Debris Flow Probability, Volume, Hazard, and Runout on the 2017 California Thomas Fire Area White, Zane, Colorado School of Mines, zcwhite@mymail.mines.edu; Paul Santi, psanti@mines.edu (TS #9) The 2017 Thomas Fire near Montecito, California burned almost 282,000 acres and was followed by multiple debris flows in early January that killed twenty-three people and caused at least $177M in damage. These debris flows are noteworthy because they entered populated neighborhoods and were the focus of much news coverage. Consequently, this is an ideal event to extrapolate the potential differences expected due to climate change by predicting and modeling debris flow impacts if this event was to happen in years 2050 or 2075. We use climate model data that predicts changes in peak rainfall intensity and frequency of severe rainfall and enter these new values into September 2021
standard US Geological Survey predictive equations to estimate the increase in probability and volume of debris flows. While the current design storm for debris flows in these watersheds is 40 mm/hr, the RCP 4.5 and 8.5 climate models predict 46 mm in 2050 and 47 to 50 mm in 2075. We then use other published climate studies to show increase in wildfire size and burn intensity. Wildfire sizes are expected to increase by approximately 50–65% by 2050 and 75–90% by 2075. Burn intensity for the area was conservatively assumed to maintain the same proportions as the 2017 fire: 11% unburned, 31% burned at low intensity, and 58% burned at moderate and high intensities. These proportions were scaled to the predicted larger burned perimeter in 2050 and 2075. Finally, we apply these changes to debris-flow runout models to show the expected increase in runout area and to demonstrate changing hazards. Runout is calculated for 14 high-hazard drainage basins across the fire area, and also for a cluster of 21 contiguous basins in a representative subarea within the fire perimeter.
To Boldly Go: Field Notes on Diversity in Planetary Science Wyrick, Danielle, Southwest Research Institute, Space Science and Engineering Division, dwyrick@swri.org (TS #12) Planetary science has begun to examine the many structural boundaries that stand in the way of furthering the goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Due to its somewhat insular nature, this extraterrestrial geoscience field provides a microcosm within which to discover and test best practices in team innovation and impact through integration. This presentation will discuss the current research on diversity in planetary science, focusing on what we know of the systemic inequities that persist. More importantly, this talk focuses on what we can do as a community to foster best practices in practical ways to ensure the advancement of the next generation of geoscientists.
Using Drone Imagery to 3D Model and Aid in Remediation Design for an Emergency Landslip in Jefferson County, Ohio Yeakley, Julia, Gannett Fleming, jyeakley@gfnet.com; Thomas L. Monaco, Tmonaco@gfnet.com; Yuru Zimmerman, Yzimmerman@gfnet.com (TS #3) In 2019, intense rainfall activated landslips along a county road in Jefferson County, rupturing two lanes of pavement and causing the popular route to close. This work involved coordination between Gannett Fleming, Jefferson County, the contractor, and ODOT under an Emergency Contract. The landslip consisted of multiple slips occurring in two directions, downslope and upslope of the road. The slip was in active movement as the project began and the initial scope consisted of monitoring the movement with inclinometers. However, the slide continued to move and widen at a dramatic rate and the inclinometers sheared within two weeks of installation. Due to the urgent circumstances and limited budget for survey, drone footage was utilized to create a 3D model. Using Bentley’s Context Capture editor program, we were able to create accurate cross sections and model the soil and rock profile for global stability analyses as well as design in Civil 3D and, ultimately, MicroStation. In July 2019 funding was found for the repair and Gannett Fleming led the design and remediation effort. From that point till the completion of construction in early October, Gannett Fleming delivered design services, temporary stabilization measures, contract drawing preparations, review of contractor’s submittals, and on-site consultation. The ultimate remediation was a 514-foot soldier pile and lagging wall downslope with a 344-foot plug pile wall with lagging extending above grade to capture debris upslope. This presentation will summarize how drone imaging and inclinometer data allowed the project to be substantially completed within three months of authorization.
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
81
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING Lateral Spreading in Balboa Boulevard (1994 Northridge): Suspected Mechanisms, Data, and Predictive Capabilities Ziotopoulou, Katerina, University of California, Davis, kziotopoulou@ucdavis.edu; Renmin Pretell, rpretell@ucdavis.edu; Craig Davis, cadavisengr@yahoo.com (TS #11) The 1994 MW 6.7 Northridge earthquake led, amongst the many other failures, to the lateral spreading failure of Balboa Blvd. in the northern side of the San Fernando Valley. Damages observed at Balboa Blvd. include extensional and compressional failure zones, large displacements, and pervasive pipeline failures. The failure mechanism behind these observations has been investigated through the years but was never explicitly proven. The availability of subsurface data, ground displacement measurements, and ground motion recordings makes this case history well suited for the 1) numerical investigation of the failure mechanism leading to ground deformations at this site; 2) evaluation of the accuracy of adopted analysis methods and engineering procedures to reasonably capture the observations; and 3) identification of key factors leading to ground deformations.
The geotechnical characterization of Balboa Blvd. was assessed based on field and laboratory data obtained from two investigation campaigns. Transitional probability geostatistics were used to develop stratigraphic models that capture the heterogeneity and the spatial variability patterns of sand-like and clay-like soils present at this site. The stratigraphic models were implemented in a finite difference software and the behavior of sand-like and clay-like soils was simulated using advanced constitutive models. Sensitivity analyses were performed to address uncertainties associated with the spatial variability of soils, the proportion of sand-like and clay-like soils within the soil deposit, and the strength properties of these materials. Results suggest that a compounded effect of both liquefaction of sand-like soils and cyclic softening of clay-like soils led to the excessive ground deformations. This study sheds light on the importance of using appropriate engineering procedures and numerical modeling protocols in the prediction of deformation patterns, the selection of key input parameters, and the necessity of adequate subsurface data such that rational hypotheses about suspected or expected failure mechanisms can be made.
New AEG Diversity Scholarship & Grants Program Funded through the AEG Foundation The AEG Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEIC) has recently begun a new program through the AEG Foundation. The Diversity Scholarship & Grants Program has two different functions. Both are to financially support new ways to introduce and attract students from diverse backgrounds to study geoscience and to consider it as a possible career path. AEG Chapters and members are urged to help get the word out about these two new diversity resources.
Diversity Scholarship for College or University Students The scholarship will be awarded annually to one student who is a geoscience major in their sophomore, junior, or senior year at an accredited college or university. The successful applicant will have a GPA of 2.9 or better. This scholarship is in the amount of $5,000. It is not renewable, but those who have received it in previous years may reapply.
Diversity Field-Trip Grants These grants are intended to help introduce middle-school and high-school students from diverse backgrounds to the geosciences as a possible career path. Middle school and high school Earth science and STEM teachers are invited to apply. The grants will pay for transportation, insurance, admission fees, and other direct expenses for five different school groups, from all over the US, to go on a geology-related field trip. The field-trip itineraries must include at least three different geology-related field stops. Each school group will receive approximately $1,000 to pay for field trip expenses. Grant applicants are encouraged to contact their local AEG Chapter, USGS office, college or university geology departments, college or university Geology Club, or local hobby groups such as cavers, mineral clubs, fossil hunters, etc. The field-trip grant applicants will receive a more favorable evaluation if they reach out to other geoscientists in their part of the country.
Spread the Word… AEG members should be aware of this new educational resource and actively invite eligible scholarship and grant recipients to apply. Hopefully, they will receive inquiries from various middle-school and high-school earth science teachers who would like some help in planning and leading their geoscience field trip. This incentive should result in AEG members being contacted by interested local teachers. It will encourage collaboration. And even if the grant application to AEG Foundation is unsuccessful, perhaps that AEG Chapter could help the field trip financially, or by meeting the group at a field site, or other proactive support.
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For more information, please visit www.aegfoundation.org/diversity. For questions, please contact diversity@aegfoundation.org. To contribute to this new Diversity Scholarship Fund, please visit www.aegfoundation.org/donate. 82
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
September 2021
e h t e v te …for the 2023 Annual Meeting SaD a Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront – Portland, Oregon – September 19–24 The In-Person AEG 2020 Annual Meeting has been rescheduled for 2023. Portland, Oregon’s largest city, sits on the Columbia and Willamette rivers, in the shadow of snow-capped Mount Hood. It’s known for its parks, bridges, and bicycle paths, as well as for its ecofriendliness and its microbreweries and coffeehouses. The city hosts thriving art, theater, and music scenes. Surrounded by Portland hot spots, the Marriott Portland Downtown Waterfront hotel reflects the vibrancy of the city and is located directly on the waterfront in downtown, surrounded by more than 60 breweries. Wind down with friends by sampling some of the 150 types of whiskey at their on-site restaurant, Proof Reader. The hotel even helps you go green with complimentary car-charging stations, biodegradable straws and easy access to light rail from the nearby Morrison Subway Station. At night, retire to elevated guest rooms with 24-hour room service, waterfall showers, free Wi-Fi, premium channels and views of Portland. Don’t miss all of the exciting Field Courses, Guest Tours and the Special Event at the Oswago Hills Vineyard planned for this incredible Annual Meeting.
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
Author and Title Index Name
Title
Abdelhadi, Majed
See Banks, Brian
Altuntas, Gozde
Refining the Estimate of Slip Rate and Earthquake Potential of the Owl Lake Fault (Eastern California) Using Data and Dating of Faulted Landforms
Angster, Stephen
See Sherrod, Brian
Arellano, David
See Tohidi, Hamed
Arthurs, James
Characterization of Weathered Granite (Grus) for Retaining Wall Design, Mineral King Road, Sequoia National Park
Asare-Adjei, Henry
Evaluating the Engineering Properties of Coarse Aggregates
Ash, Sampson
Filter Compatibility, and Internal Stability Evaluations at Three Dam Sites
Ash, Sampson
See Rogers, Gary D.
Babineaux, Claire
Geospatial Assessment of Barrier Island Erosion Along the Northern Gulf Coast
Bain, Andrew
See Banks, Brian
Balog, Alex
See McKinley, Kate
Banks, Brian
Unstable Slope Management Program - Implementation along the Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina, Part 2
Banks, Brian
See Bauer, Jennifer (1)
Bateman, Vanessa
See Fontaine, April
Bauer, Jennifer
Unstable Slope Management Program - Implementation along the Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina, Part 1 (1)
Bauer, Jennifer
Waking the Sleeping Giant: Historic Reactivation of Inactive, Dormant Landslides (2)
Bauer, Jennifer
See Banks, Brian
Bennett, Kyla
Just Because It’s Legal Doesn’t Mean It’s Safe: The Case of 1,4-Dioxane
Boburka, Kristina
See Hapke, Cheryl
Borchers, James
Infrastructure Damage from Land Subsidence in California
Bowling, Roy
See Ensele, Trever
Bowling, Roy
See Sirles, Phil (2)
Buchanan, Susan M.
See Rogers, Gary D.
Buitrago, Joe
See Schick, Jamie
Burger, David
Levees of the Eden Landing Wildlife Preserve, Regional Benefits of Levee Characterization
Burgi, Jon
See Nielson, Dru R.
Burkholder, Earl
See Sheng, Zhuping
Byle, Michael
A 25-year History of Induced Sinkhole Development Due to Quarry Dewatering in Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Caccamise II, Dana J.
See Sheng, Zhuping
Carpenter, Lynne
The 2021 National Landslide Hazards Act and Implications for Federal Land Management Agencies
Carpenter, Michael
Continuous Monitoring of an Earth Fissure in Chino, California—A Management Tool
Carreón Freyre, Dora
See Sheng, Zhuping
Cartwright, John
See Babineaux, Claire
Chalfant, Linsey
See Ensele, Trever
Chen, Thomas
Integrating High-Resolution UAV-Sourced Data in a Machine Learning Framework for River Monitoring
Christiansen, Cole
See George, Michael
Clahan, Kevin
Seismic and Volcanic Hazard Studies for SSHAC and PVHA Evaluations at Existing Nuclear Power Stations in Taiwan
Clark, Bradley
See Ring, Caleb
Cohen-Waeber, Julien
See IAEG Congress Update: How AEG Ranks and Why Membership is so Valuable
84
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING Name
Title
Colque, Percy
See Grady, Cassidy
Conway, Brian
Arizona Department of Water Resources Land Subsidence Monitoring Program Using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR)
Coppersmith, Kevin
Lessons Learned from Implementation of the SSHAC Process over 25 Years of Hazard Studies
Coppersmith, Ryan
Lessons Learned from Implementation of the SSHAC Process over 25 Years of Hazard Studies
Cramer, Chris
See Tohidi, Hamed
Cross, Eric
The Use of Seismic Shear Wave Testing to Supplement Geotechnical Drilling – Analysis of Rock Depth and Integrity Along a Proposed Light Rail Alignment
Darko-Kaga, Kenneth K.
See Niemann, William L
Davis, Craig
See Ziotopoulou, Katerina
de Wolfe, Victor
See Rogers, Gary D.
Deere, Trevor T.
See Niemann, William L
Deng, Michelle
See Molinari, Mark
Dixon, Byron
See Knight, Michael
Dodson, Marilyn
See Sirles, Phil (1)
Drielsma, Chris
See Goodfellow, Sebastian
Eberle, Brook
Quantitative Analysis of Community Growth into Geohazard Areas in the Arequipa Region of Peru
Elaksher, Ahmed
See Sheng, Zhuping
Elfass, Sherif
See Norris, Gary
Elliott, Bill
The Coyote Warp an Alternative Landslide Explanation
Ellis, John H.
See Hughes, Joseph D.
Embry, Scott
Keep America Moving – Innovations in Landslide Investigation and Mitigation Affecting America’s Transportation System
Ensele, Trever
Thru-Dam Seismic Tomography: Leveraging Geophysical Techniques for Condition Assessment of a Thin-arch Concrete Dam
Erskine, Bradley
See Struthers, James
Escandon, Richard F.
Lessons Learned – Case Histories on How Not to Build a Tunnel
Esposito, Adrienne
Long Island Citizens React to Nation’s Highest Level of Dioxane in Drinking Water Wells
Evans, Stephen
When an Investigation Takes a Left Turn (A Detective Story)
Fasullo, John
See Liu, Yi
Fenster, David
See Sowers, Janet
Ferguson, Luke
See Gates, William Chester
Finneran, Kevin
Rendered Animal Co-Products as Electron Donors for Subsurface Remediation
Fitzgerald, Tom
See Gagnon, Hawkins
Flanary, Chris
See Hapke, Cheryl
Fontaine, April
USACE Implementation of the Landslide Preparedness Act and a Case for Managing Landslides and Other Slope Stability Hazards with a Risk-Based Portfolio Approach
Foran, Jack
Choosing the Appropriate Method to Predict Volume for Non-fire Related Debris Flows
Forsthoff, Brian
See Paulose, Presty
Freitag, George
103 Years of Debris Flows, Dodson, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Freymuth, Bryan
Field-based Paleoflood Analyses in a Travel-restricted World: Updates from the Guadalupe River, Comal County, Texas
Freymuth, Bryan
See Pearce, Justin
Friend, Edwin
Twenty Years of Lessons Learned – Looking Back on a Dam Rewarding Career
Friend, Patrick
See Hapke, Cheryl
Fuemmeler, Stephen
See Bauer, Jennifer (1)
September 2021
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
85
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING Name
Title
Fuemmeler, Stephen
See Bauer, Jennifer (2)
Gagnon, Hawkins
Potential Failure Modes Analysis (PFMA) of the Beaver Falls Project in Ketchikan, Alaska
Gagnon, Hawkins
See Rogers, Gary D.
Galloway, Devin
See Sheng, Zhuping
Garibay, Hilary
See Nichols, Holly
Gates, William Chester
Emergency Response and Mitigation for a Sequential Rockslide on US-95 near Riggins, Idaho, July 2020
George, Michael
Application of the Block Theory Rock Erodibility Method to Evaluate Scour Potential and Risk at the Don Pedro Dam Emergency Spillway
George, Michael
See Ring, Caleb
Gibson, Cody
See Molinari, Mark
Gillon, Kenneth
See Bauer, Jennifer (2)
Gomez, Francisco
Assessing Rock Face Instability with Ground-based Interferometric Radar for Rock Faces in Eastern Utah
Gomez, Francisco
Use of Low-Altitude Aerial Photogrammetry for Neotectonic and Geomorphic Investigations: Mapping, Morphometry, and Landform Modeling
Gomez, Francisco
See Altuntas, Gozde
Gomez, Francisco
See Potter, Michael
Gomez, Gerardo
See Swartz, Jason
Goodfellow, Sebastian
Regional Stress Estimation Method using Acoustic Televiewer Data
Graber, Andrew
UAS-Based Monitoring of Rockfall in Glenwood Canyon, Colorado: Preliminary Result
Grady, Cassidy
Remote Geoenvironmental Hazard Mapping in the Arequipa Region of Peru
Grady, Cassidy
See Kumar, Chandan
Green, Deborah
You Don’t Look Like a Geologist—Why are the Geosciences the Least Diverse of the STEM Fields?
Greuter, Ashley I.
See Turco, Michael J.
Gurrola, Larry D.
Flood and Debris Flow History of the Montecito Watersheds, Santa Barbara County, California
Gurrola, Larry D.
See Rogers, J. David
Guy, Erich D.
See Niemann, William L
Guzek, Ethan
Improving Rockslope Stability Investigations Using UAV-Based 3D Modeling
Guzek, Ethan
See Gates, William Chester
Hapke, Cheryl
Evaluating Resilience of the Beach-Dune System at South Padre Island, Texas
Haramy, Khamis
See Sirles, Phil (1)
Harris, Jonathan
See Ash, Sampson
Hasan, Husein
See Huebner, Matthew
Herbert, Lauren
Controls on Debris Flow Avulsions: White Mountains of California and Nevada
Hightower, Nicholas
See Nichols, Holly
Holland, Jason
See Banks, Brian
Holstrom, Jennifer
See Gagnon, Hawkins
Hooker, Patrick
See Goodfellow, Sebastian
Houston, John
See Finneran, Kevin
Huebner, Matthew
Characterizing Potential for Seepage and Internal Erosion on Karst Foundation Using a Holistic Data-Based Approach
Hughes, Joseph D.
Simulating Groundwater Pumpage Induced Land Subsidence using MODFLOW 6
Irsch, Brian
Dam Grout Curtain Installation Made Easy with 3D Visual Modeling
Isphording, Wayne
Extinction is forever! A Further Reason for Strict Control of Industrial Fly Ash and Power Plant Discharge Products
Johnson, Courtney
Communicating Geologic and Seismic Hazards with Geotechnical and Structural Engineers
86
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING Name
Title
Jordan, Eric W
The NYCDEP Bypass Tunnel – A Triumph in Tunneling
Juckett, Miriam
See Ulmer, Kristin
Kalika, Sarah
Using Elevated Concentrations of Chromium and Nickel as an Indicator for the Presence of Chrysotile Asbestos in Serpentinite Rock Units
Kalika, Sarah
Let’s Get Real – Stories from Women in the Geoscience Workplace and Listening to Learn
Keffer, Andrew M.
See Niemann, William L
Kelley, Van
See Sheng, Zhuping
Kelson, Keith
See Freymuth, Bryan
Kendall, John
See Terry, Thomas
Keyes Jr., Conrad
See Sheng, Zhuping
Kim, Jin-Woo
See Qu, Feifei
Kim, Yebin
GIS-Based Analysis of Deforestation near Seongheung Mine in North Korea
Klinger, Ralph E.
See Redwine, Joanna
Knight, Jacob E.
See Hughes, Joseph D.
Knight, Michael
Groundwater Use Changes in the Arizona and California Basin and Range: A Sustainability Examination
Kositsky, Andy
See Lewis, Scott
Koziol, Matt
BCRUA Phase 2 Tunnel, Delivering Water through the Glen Rose Formation
Krupansky, Joseph
See Morris, Matthew
Kumar, Chandan
Landslide Susceptibility Prediction in Arid-Mountainous Terrain using Machine and Deep Learning Models
Latham, Rebecca
See Bauer, Jennifer (2)
Lawson, Masai
Equity and Inclusion as a Business Imperative: How One Firm Created Change from Within
Laymon, Doug
Imaging and Mapping of Karst Features in Central Texas Using Geophysical Methods
Lees, Matthew
Linking Subsidence to Changes in Stored Water in California’s San Joaquin Valley
Lewis, Kemp
See Koziol, Matt
Lewis, Scott
Beardsley Afterbay Dam Maintenance Project – Using Data and Evaluations to Revise Designs
Li, Jiang
See Liu, Yi
Li, Jiang
See Sheng, Zhuping
Li, Jiawei
See Smith, Ryan
Lindberg, Eric
See Carpenter, Michael
Liu, Yi
Sea Level Rise and Land Subsidence at Tide Gauge Galveston Pier 21, Texas
Liu, Yi
See Li, Jiang
Lu, Zhong
See Qu, Feifei
Lucas, Evan
See George, Michael
Luza, Carlos
See Kumar, Chandan
Mann, Aras
See Bauer, Jennifer (2)
Marshall, Mike
See Freitag, George
Martin, Rebecca
Consideration of Bedrock Characteristics in Estimating Grout Fill Volume: Historical Case Studies
Mason, Joseph
See Nichols, Holly
McCalpin, James
50 Years of Paleoseismology
McKinley, Kate
The Challenges of Large Scale Terrain Conductivity Mapping and Inversion for Shallow Bedrock Determination
McMillen, Randall
See Babineaux, Claire
Meza, Pablo
See Eberle, Brook
Meza, Pablo
See Grady, Cassidy
September 2021
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
87
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING Name
Title
Miles, Charles
See Gomez, Francisco
Moe, Minda
What to Look for in an Inclusive Company
Molinari, Mark
Empirical Analysis of Landslide Runout in Glacial Strata in the Salish Lowland, Washington
Monaco, Thomas L.
See Yeakley, Julia
Morris, Matthew
Pennsylvania State Route 26 – Emergency Landslide Mitigation
Munsey, Jeffrey
See Huebner, Matthew
Murdock, Kathryn
Pyrite and Construction: Evaluating Pre- and Post-Failure
Nardi, Chris
See Burger, David
Nelson, Priscilla
The Future of Tailings Management
Nelson, Priscilla
Resilience and the Urban Underground
Nichols, Holly
Application of the Dam Site Exploration Framework for the Parish Camp Saddle Dam Raise – More Than Meets the Eye
Nichols, Holly
Changing the Bureaucracy – Advances in the California Department of Water Resources’ DEI Culture and Policy
Nielson, Dru R.
Bedrock Discontinuities and Glaciation Effects on Bridge Planning in Yosemite National Park, California
Niemann, William L
More Accurately Measuring Well Efficiency: A Step toward Better Design and Evaluation of Relief Wells
Norris, Gary
Shallow Foundation Load-Settlement Behavior Assessed from Surface Geophysical Data
Oommen, Thomas
See Pikul, Stepan
Ortega, Juan
See Laymon, Doug
Ostrum, Zachary
See Ash, Sampson
Pallua, Thomas
See Guzek, Ethan
Park, Hyeong-Dong
See Kim, Yebin
Paulose, Presty
Practical Applications of Time Domain Reflectometry for Landslide and Slope Monitoring
Pearce, Justin
Litho-mineralogic Analyses Applied to Paleoflood Investigations for Dam Safety Risk Assessments
Pikul, Stepan
Comparing the Scoop3D and the GIS-TISSA Models for Slope Stability Analysis in Idukki, Kerala, India
Polun, Sean
See Altuntas, Gozde
Polun, Sean
See Gomez, Francisco
Polun, Sean
See Potter, Michael
Pope, Isaac
Revisiting the Forgotten Volcano: Volcanic History and Hazards of Mount Adams
Pope, Isaac
Lidar Analysis of Sector Collapses and Lahar Paths at Mount Adams
Potter, Michael
Active Faulting in the South Granite Mountains Fault Zone: Reactivated Compressional Faults Vs. Extensional Overprinting
Pray, McLain
See Goodfellow, Sebastian
Pretell, Renmin
See Ziotopoulou, Katerina
Prince, Philip
See Bauer, Jennifer (2)
Qu, Feifei
The Latest Rate, Extent, and Temporal Evolution of Ground Deformation Over the Gulf Coast of United States by InSAR
Ramage, Jason K.
See Hughes, Joseph D.
Rana, Anthony
See Byle, Michael
Rathje, Ellen
Geotechnical and Geologic Investigations to Support Evaluations of Liquefaction-Induced Lateral Spreading
Redwine, Joanna
Paleoseismic Study of the Gales Creek Fault, Oregon
Reichenbacher, Renee
See Tohidi, Hamed
Richards, Kevin
Assessing Construction Risk of Proposed High Hazard Dam Modifications – A Case History at Red Rock Dam
Ring, Caleb
Rock Scour of the Unlined Lewisville Dam Spillway Channel: A Probabilistic Approach for Risk-Informed Design
Robinson, Bryan
See Freymuth, Bryan
88
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
September 2021
AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING Name
Title
Rogers, Gary D.
Control of Artesian Pressures When Drilling Dams and Levees
Rogers, Gary D.
See Ash, Sampson
Rogers, J. David
Landslide Dams and Historic Outbreak Flood Events, Community of Montecito, Southern Santa Barbara County, California
Rogers, J. David
See Gurrola, Larry D.
Rosenblad, Brent
See Gomez, Francisco
Ross, Brad
See Wellman, Edward
Ross, Tim
See Nichols, Holly
Sanders, James
Highly Variable Subsurface Conditions at the New SDSU Mission Valley Campus & Football Stadium Site, San Diego, California
Santi, Paul
See Eberle, Brook
Santi, Paul
See Foran, Jack
Santi, Paul
See Graber, Andrew
Santi, Paul
See Grady, Cassidy
Santi, Paul
See Herbert, Lauren
Santi, Paul
See Kumar, Chandan
Santi, Paul
See White, Zane
Saribudak, Mustafa
Geophysical Imaging of Critical Zone of Trinity/Edwards Aquifer over Haby Fault of Balcones Fault Zones, Texas
Saribudak, Mustafa
Geophysical Mapping of Mt. Bonnell Fault of Balcones Fault Zone, Central Texas
Saribudak, Mustafa
Subsurface Structure of Pilot Knob Submarine Volcano (Austin, Texas) imaged using Resistivity and Magnetic Methods
Sasowsky, Ira
See Byle, Michael
Schick, Jamie
Mountain Tunnel Access Roadway Improvements
Schick, Jamie
See Gates, William Chester
Schlittenhart, Todd
See Sirles, Phil (1)
Seeker, Kelsey D.
See Turco, Michael J.
Selina Nkuah, Juanita
See Asare-Adjei, Henry
Sherrod, Brian
Recurrence of Large Upper Plate Earthquakes in the Salish Lowland, Washington State
Shinpaugh, Joshua
See Huebner, Matthew
Sajinkumar, K.S.
See Pikul, Stepan
Sheng, Zhuping
Summary of ASCE/EWRI Land Subsidence Task Committee Report and Plans for Development of Standard Guidelines for Assessment and Mitigation of Land Subsidence Caused by Groundwater Withdrawals
Sirles, Phil
Seismic and Electrical 3D Geophysical Imaging for Landslide Remediation Wolf Creek Pass, Colorado (1)
Sirles, Phil
3D Geophysical Investigations to Evaluate Risk at Karstic Wind Turbine Foundation Sites (2)
Sirles, Phil
See Ensele, Trever
Smith, Casey
See George, Michael
Smith, Ryan
Aquifer Drawdown and Recovery Curves Inferred from InSAR-observed Deformation Signals in Parowan Valley, Utah
Smith, Ryan
See Lees, Matthew
Smith, William
1,4-Dioxane in Groundwater: Emerging Contaminant Concerns
Smith, William
1,4-Dioxane in Groundwater: A Worldwide Technology Survey
Soe, Su
See Nielson, Dru R.
Smyth, Joan
1,4 Dioxane – In Consumer Products, Landfill Leachate and Surface Water
Sowers, Janet
Assessing Karst Hazard for a Proposed Nuclear Power Plant Site in the Valley and Ridge of Tennessee
Stamatakos, John
See Ulmer, Kristin
Steckel, Phyllis
The 1811–1812 New Madrid Earthquakes: Then & Now
September 2021
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING Name
Title
Stirewalt, Gerry L
Evaluating Potential Hazard from Faulting and Induced Seismicity at the U.S. NRC for a Proposed Nuclear Power Plant Site
Stroop, Charles Robin
See Sanders, James
Struthers, James
Emergency Response and Navigating Naturally Occurring Asbestos – Rockslide Mitigation on US-95 near Riggins, Idaho
Struthers, James
See Gates, William Chester
Styron, Richard
See Sherrod, Brian
Swartz, Jason
W-6 Upper Segment: Hwy 90 to SW Military Drive Sewer Tunnel Project
Teatini, Pietro
See Sheng, Zhuping
Terry, Thomas
ALARP Design Considerations for Dams and Levees
Tohidi, Hamed
Evaluation of Non-liquefiable Soil Layer Impact on Liquefaction Surface Manifestation in Dyer County, Tennessee
Tsztoo, David
See Schick, Jamie
Turco, Michael J.
The Science and Policy of Groundwater Regulation: A Comprehensive Approach to Protecting the Houston Region from Land Subsidence
Turco, Michael J.
See Qu, Feifei
Ulmer, Kristin
Addressing Uncertainty Through an Open, Collaborative Database of Liquefaction Case Histories
Van Arsdale, Roy
See Tohidi, Hamed
Venkatesan, Arjun
Innovative and Alternative Treatment Technologies to Mitigate 1,4-Dioxane Contamination in the Long Island, New York, Water Cycle
Vonk, Christopher K.
See Sanders, James
Waddington, Thomas
See Knight, Michael
Walker, Scott,
The Dam is Growing?!?: A Case History of Fontana Dam
Walker, Scott
Neurodiversity: Challenges and Advantages of Autism in the Technical Workplace
Walton, Gabriel
See Grady, Cassidy
Walton, Gabriel
See Kumar, Chandan
Watt, Steven
See Hapke, Cheryl
Weaver, Thomas
See Ulmer, Kristin
Weir, Susan Steele
Women in Tunnels—From Prohibited to a Career
Wellman, Edward
Thermal Imaging for Rockfall Detection
West, Terry
Delay in Landfill Expansion Caused by Misinterpretation of Water Supply Map, Decatur County, Indiana
Westgate, Zack
Glauconitic Sand: A New Geohazard for Offshore Wind?
White, Zane
Projected Climate Change Effects on Post Wildfire Debris Flow Probability, Volume, Hazard, and Runout on the 2017 California Thomas Fire Area
Willardson, Ben
See Sheng, Zhuping
Williams, Chad
See Wellman, Edward
Wilson, Richard
See Carpenter, Michael
Woodworth, Carla
See Molinari, Mark
Wyrick, Danielle
To Boldly Go: Field Notes on Diversity in Planetary Science
Yadon, Doug
See Ensele, Trever
Yang, Tianliang
See Sheng, Zhuping
Yeakley, Julia
Using Drone Imagery to 3D Model and Aid in Remediation Design for an Emergency Landslip in Jefferson County, Ohio
Zimmerma, Yuru
See Yeakley, Julia
Ziotopoulou, Katerina
Lateral Spreading in Balboa Boulevard (1994 Northridge): Suspected Mechanisms, Data, and Predictive Capabilities
90
AEG 64th Annual Meeting Program with Abstracts
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AEG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING
T
Remembering Christopher C. Mathewson
his will be the first AEG Annual Meeting since 1972 that won’t feel the presence of long-time AEG member Chris Mathewson in his Western shirts and bolo ties. At those meetings, he led field trips, gave presentations, and took thousands of photos to share with members in the pages of AEG News. Active in AEG for decades, he was a Past President, Past Executive Director, and was awarded the first AEG Karl and Ruth Terzaghi Outstanding Mentor Chris Mathewson with AEG Past President Award. Those are Cynthia Palomares but a few of many AEG activities and awards he received. His students were exposed to his belief in and importance of giving back to the profession. The way in which Chris did that was by example and by providing opportunities for students. This resulted in active involvement by his former students within AEG, exemplified by the number who became AEG President or held numerous other positions both nationally and at local levels. Chris demonstrated the importance of service to the entire profession not just within AEG. He was active in the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) as a member of its Council of Examiners, participating in the development, construction, and review of licensure examinations for geologists—sometimes attending its Council of Examiners Workshops at his own cost. Chris was also a past president of the American Geological Institute. Through all those endeavors and more, Chris carried the AEG “banner.”
Words from Dr. Chris’ Students and Friends
Chris Mathewson had a remarkable passion for teaching engineering geology and how it could be used in real world applications. – James May During my 45 years of Active AEG membership, I can think of few, if any, others who contributed more to the success of AEG and to the profession of Engineering and Environmental Geology than did Chris Mathewson. – Rex Upp
Dr. Chris in his Texas formal wear at a Past Presidents’ recption at one of our Annual Meetings.
Continue Dr. Chris’ Photographic Legacy You’ve likely spotted the “AEG News Wants Your Meeting Photos” notices sprinkled throughout this Program with Abstracts. The loss of Chris Mathewson at our meeting is one of the reasons we’re making such a big push for your photos. AEG News had come to rely on Chris to provide us with the majority of shots that we used to recap the Annual Meeting in the December issue each year. Without him, our pages may be very slim. So, we once again appeal to everyone who attends to send us a few of your very best shots for consideration. We’re looking for variety of people and events to highlight the diversity of our membership and the offerings of our meeting. The shots can be posed or candid—just be sure folks know they are being photographed for inclusion in The News. Be sure to follow these important specifications: • Photos should be 300dpi at 3.6” wide (approximately 1110 pixels) or larger. • Rename your file so it is obvious. Example: Jones–Field Course#1-a.jpg
Dr. Chris with James May, Linda Upp, and Rex Upp at a past Annual Meeting.
Dr. Mathewson complimented me after my research led to several master’s theses by saying it was fitting for a PhD student to define a topic on the easy alluvial fan terrain at the foot of the Wasatch Range in Utah and leave the topics on steep mountain slopes to the master’s students. – Jeff Keaton September 2021
• In the email, include Your Name as you’d like it printed for the photo credit, and, • Include a brief caption with people’s names (if there are less than three or four) or a brief description. We can’t guarantee that every submission will be included, but we will definitely consider every image that meets the above criteria. Submit your photos to AEG News Acquisitions Editor Martha Whitney at news@aegweb.org.
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