A research site at Texas A&M University (TAMU) was one of six National Geotechnical Experimentation Sites (NGESs) established across the United States for geotechnical experiments. The NGESs were initially funded in 1992, through a partnership between the National Science Foundation and the Federal Highway Administration, to establish sites with extensive characterization data so research could focus on advancing state-of-the-art in situ testing, field instrumentation, foundation testing, and behavior predictions of soil and geotechnical elements. Many of the NGESs have since been decommissioned with TAMU being one of the last remaining. Before this site becomes decommissioned, an opportunity exists to reassess and complete geotechnical experiments.

The objectives of this project are to quantify temporal changes in soil properties, assess advancements in geotechnical site characterization analysis, evaluate soil aggressiveness and the durability of buried concrete and steel, assess available prediction methods for corrosion and remaining strength given the soil in which the foundation elements are buried, and to produce a relational database of test results and measurements.

The scope of this project will focus on the clay site and will include site visits, in-situ testing, field testing, laboratory testing, data analysis, data management, and reporting. Elements from the clay site (i.e. the vertical anchors, soil nails, and drilled and grouted piles) will be exhumed and evaluated. Similar efforts could be performed on elements at the sand site through another project phase depending on investigations at the clay site, funding availability, and the panel’s review and decision.

Specific activities may include but are not limited to: collecting as-built information, developing sampling and testing protocols, recharacterizing the NGES subsurface conditions, inspecting and documenting the exhumation of the foundation elements, evaluating corrosion of buried steel elements, and evaluating material degradation of buried tremie concrete elements.

The suggested annual contribution for each participating state is $10,000.00. Over the five-year study period the total contribution from each participating state would be $50,000.00. The total cost of the project is $250,000.00 over the five years. The study is anticipated to begin in fiscal year 2027 and carry through 2031. The scope of the project is scalable based on the level of funding received.

 The lead agency will apply for a waiver of the non-Federal funding match for SPR-B funds.