Standardizing Rigid Inclusions for Transportation Projects – Phase I
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Financial Summary |
|
| Contract Amount: | |
| Suggested Contribution: | |
| Total Commitments Received: | $600,000.00 |
| 100% SP&R Approval: | Approved |
Contact Information |
|||
| Lead Study Contact(s): | Dan Wadley | ||
| Dan.Wadley@ks.gov | |||
| Phone: 785-291-3845 | |||
| FHWA Technical Liaison(s): | Jennifer Nicks | ||
| jennifer.nicks@dot.gov | |||
| Phone: 202- 493-3075 | |||
| Study Champion(s): | David Behzadpour | ||
| David.Behzadpour@ks.gov | |||
| Phone: 785-291-3847 | |||
Commitments by Organizations
| Organization | Year | Commitments | Technical Contact Name | Funding Contact Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho Department of Transportation | 2023 | $90,000.00 | Anthony Beauchamp | Amanda Laib |
| Kansas Department of Transportation | 2023 | $30,000.00 | Dan Wadley | David Behzadpour |
| Kansas Department of Transportation | 2024 | $30,000.00 | Dan Wadley | David Behzadpour |
| Kansas Department of Transportation | 2025 | $30,000.00 | Dan Wadley | David Behzadpour |
| Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development | 2023 | $30,000.00 | Miranda Perkins | Tyson Rupnow |
| Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development | 2024 | $30,000.00 | Miranda Perkins | Tyson Rupnow |
| Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development | 2025 | $30,000.00 | Miranda Perkins | Tyson Rupnow |
| Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration | 2023 | $30,000.00 | Madan Gaddam | Sharon Hawkins |
| Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration | 2024 | $30,000.00 | Madan Gaddam | Sharon Hawkins |
| Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration | 2025 | $30,000.00 | Madan Gaddam | Sharon Hawkins |
| Minnesota Department of Transportation | 2023 | $30,000.00 | Rich Lamb | Leif Halverson |
| Minnesota Department of Transportation | 2024 | $30,000.00 | Rich Lamb | Leif Halverson |
| Pennsylvania Department of Transportation | 2023 | $30,000.00 | Sara Mullaney | Evan Zeiders |
| Pennsylvania Department of Transportation | 2024 | $30,000.00 | Sara Mullaney | Evan Zeiders |
| Pennsylvania Department of Transportation | 2025 | $30,000.00 | Sara Mullaney | Evan Zeiders |
| Texas Department of Transportation | 2023 | $30,000.00 | Sharad Dumre | Ned Mattila |
| Texas Department of Transportation | 2024 | $30,000.00 | Sharad Dumre | Ned Mattila |
| Texas Department of Transportation | 2025 | $30,000.00 | Sharad Dumre | Ned Mattila |
Study Description
Study Description
|
Rigid inclusions are grouted or cemented
columns used to improve loose or soft soils.
They have been increasingly used in the practice in the United States,
mostly for embankment, retaining walls, and box culvert support in
transportation applications. Several
types of equipment and methods are available in the practice to install rigid
inclusions with different trade names.
Installation of rigid inclusions may cause full or partial displacement
of their surrounding soils that disturb soils, neighboring rigid inclusions,
and/or existing structures, depending on the type of equipment and method used,
installation procedure, and type of soil.
Rigid inclusions are often installed under a load transfer platform to
support embankment or structure loads.
The methodology and equipment-driven installation has been closely
guarded and much is proprietary (commercial competitive advantage), which has
left the DOTs dependent on and obligated to the contractor. No well-accepted
design methods and construction specifications are available to assess and
consider installation effects on their surrounding soils, neighboring rigid
inclusions, and nearby existing structures, downdrag forces in rigid
inclusions under embankment or structure loads, and stability of embankments
with side slopes supported by rigid inclusions. Research, including the state of the
practice (Phase I) and full-scale field tests (Phase II), is needed to
quantify rigid inclusion installation effects, develop design methods
considering their effects on load transfer analysis, axial load capacity, and
displacement calculations for vertical loads and evaluating the stability of
rigid inclusion-supported embankments, and develop construction
specifications for minimizing installation effects and improving long-term
performance. |
|
|
Objectives
|
The main objectives of the Phase I study are to assess the state of the practice of rigid inclusions used for embankment and structure support, analyze existing data and design methods available in the literature or agencies, identify knowledge gaps and missing data and procedures, and develop a plan for full-scale field tests to be carried out in the Phase II study. |
Scope of Work
Task 1: Literature Review and Assessment of
Current Practices
This task includes a comprehensive review of
US and international practices and research on the use of rigid inclusions for
vertical load support and embankment stability including rigid inclusion
installation effects, load transfer (e.g., downdrag), design methods,
construction specifications and identifies gaps in these aspects. A survey of state DOTs, designers,
and contractors will be conducted to solicit direct input on current practices.
Existing field test data will be collected.
Task 2: Evaluating Design Methodologies
Based on literature and survey results, review
existing design methodologies to quantify the effects of various components
(e.g., element geometry/arrangement, installation method, and soil conditions)
on resistance, load transfer, and performance (e.g., settlement, bearing
capacity, and stability). Evaluate design methods using available test results supplemented
with numerical analyses and identify knowledge gaps and missing data to be
gathered through a full-scale field test program in the Phase 2 study.
Task 3: Developing Full-scale Field Test
Program
Based on Tasks 1 and 2, the research team will
work with sponsoring agencies to develop a full-scale field test program to
fill the knowledge gaps identified and collect additional test data to be used
for validating and improving existing design methods or developing new design
methods. A test site will be selected, existing geotechnical information for
the test site will be collected, preliminary site characterization will be
performed, and a plan for a full-scale test program will be developed.
Deliverables:
At the conclusion of this Phase I project, a report will be
produced:
i.
To provide a state of the practice
assessment of available installation equipment and techniques for rigid
inclusions, installation effects on surrounding areas and soil properties,
design methods and procedures, and construction specifications,
ii.
To identify knowledge gaps and
missing data and procedures including but not limited to design methods and construction
specifications, and
iii.
To develop a plan for full-scale field
tests to be carried out in the Phase II study.
Comments
Documents
Documents Attached
| Title | File/Link | Document Category | Document Type | Privacy | Document Date | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quarterly Report September 2024 | TPF_Quarterly_Report_Form_10-7-24 .pdf | Progress Report | Quarterly Progress Report | Public | 2024-10-21 |
|
| Quarterly Report June 2024 | TPF_Quarterly_Report_Form_6-23-24 .pdf | Progress Report | Quarterly Progress Report | Public | 2024-07-17 |
|
| Quarterly Report-Quarter 1 | Quarterly Report_Quarter 1.pdf | Progress Report | Quarterly Progress Report | Public | 2024-04-18 |
|
| Quarterly Report December 2023 | TPF_Quarterly_Report_Form_4th Quarter.pdf | Progress Report | Quarterly Progress Report | Public | 2024-01-22 |
|
| Quarterly Report September 2023 | FHWA Pooled Fund Project TPF-5(503) Quarterly Report.pdf | Progress Report | Quarterly Progress Report | Public | 2023-10-25 |
|
| Acceptance letter | Rick Backlund_10.31.22_Standardizing Rigid Inclusions for Transportation Projects - Phaze 1.pdf | Other | Other | Public | 2022-11-01 |
|
Solicitation Documents
Documents Attached
| Title | File/Link | Document Category | Document Type | Privacy | Document Date | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approval SPR Waiver | State Led Approval SPR Waiver Memo#1579.pdf | Memorandum | Other | Public | 2022-06-21 |
|
Standardizing Rigid Inclusions for Transportation Projects – Phase I
General Information |
|
| Study Number: | TPF-5(503) |
| Lead Organization: | Kansas Department of Transportation |
| Solicitation Number: | 1579 |
| Partners: | ID, KS, LA, MDOT SHA, MN, PADOT, TX |
| Status: | Cleared by FHWA |
| Est. Completion Date: | |
| Contract/Other Number: | |
| Last Updated: | Oct 21, 2024 |
| Contract End Date: | |
Financial Summary |
|
| Contract Amount: | |
| Total Commitments Received: | $600,000.00 |
| 100% SP&R Approval: | |
Contact Information |
|||
| Lead Study Contact(s): | Dan Wadley | ||
| Dan.Wadley@ks.gov | |||
| Phone: 785-291-3845 | |||
| FHWA Technical Liaison(s): | Jennifer Nicks | ||
| jennifer.nicks@dot.gov | |||
| Phone: 202- 493-3075 | |||
Commitments by Organizations
| Organization | Year | Commitments | Technical Contact Name | Funding Contact Name | Contact Number | Email Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho Department of Transportation | 2023 | $90,000.00 | Anthony Beauchamp | Amanda Laib | 208-334-8181 | amanda.laib@itd.idaho.gov |
| Kansas Department of Transportation | 2023 | $30,000.00 | Dan Wadley | David Behzadpour | 785-291-3847 | David.Behzadpour@ks.gov |
| Kansas Department of Transportation | 2024 | $30,000.00 | Dan Wadley | David Behzadpour | 785-291-3847 | David.Behzadpour@ks.gov |
| Kansas Department of Transportation | 2025 | $30,000.00 | Dan Wadley | David Behzadpour | 785-291-3847 | David.Behzadpour@ks.gov |
| Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development | 2023 | $30,000.00 | Miranda Perkins | Tyson Rupnow | tyson.rupnow@la.gov | |
| Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development | 2024 | $30,000.00 | Miranda Perkins | Tyson Rupnow | tyson.rupnow@la.gov | |
| Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development | 2025 | $30,000.00 | Miranda Perkins | Tyson Rupnow | tyson.rupnow@la.gov | |
| Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration | 2023 | $30,000.00 | Madan Gaddam | Sharon Hawkins | 410-545-2920 | shawkins2@mdot.maryland.gov |
| Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration | 2024 | $30,000.00 | Madan Gaddam | Sharon Hawkins | 410-545-2920 | shawkins2@mdot.maryland.gov |
| Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration | 2025 | $30,000.00 | Madan Gaddam | Sharon Hawkins | 410-545-2920 | shawkins2@mdot.maryland.gov |
| Minnesota Department of Transportation | 2023 | $30,000.00 | Rich Lamb | Leif Halverson | Leif.Halverson@state.mn.us | |
| Minnesota Department of Transportation | 2024 | $30,000.00 | Rich Lamb | Leif Halverson | Leif.Halverson@state.mn.us | |
| Pennsylvania Department of Transportation | 2023 | $30,000.00 | Sara Mullaney | Evan Zeiders | 717-787-8460 | evzeiders@pa.gov |
| Pennsylvania Department of Transportation | 2024 | $30,000.00 | Sara Mullaney | Evan Zeiders | 717-787-8460 | evzeiders@pa.gov |
| Pennsylvania Department of Transportation | 2025 | $30,000.00 | Sara Mullaney | Evan Zeiders | 717-787-8460 | evzeiders@pa.gov |
| Texas Department of Transportation | 2023 | $30,000.00 | Sharad Dumre | Ned Mattila | 512-416-4727 | ned.mattila@txdot.gov |
| Texas Department of Transportation | 2024 | $30,000.00 | Sharad Dumre | Ned Mattila | 512-416-4727 | ned.mattila@txdot.gov |
| Texas Department of Transportation | 2025 | $30,000.00 | Sharad Dumre | Ned Mattila | 512-416-4727 | ned.mattila@txdot.gov |
Study Description
Study Description
|
Rigid inclusions are grouted or cemented
columns used to improve loose or soft soils.
They have been increasingly used in the practice in the United States,
mostly for embankment, retaining walls, and box culvert support in
transportation applications. Several
types of equipment and methods are available in the practice to install rigid
inclusions with different trade names.
Installation of rigid inclusions may cause full or partial displacement
of their surrounding soils that disturb soils, neighboring rigid inclusions,
and/or existing structures, depending on the type of equipment and method used,
installation procedure, and type of soil.
Rigid inclusions are often installed under a load transfer platform to
support embankment or structure loads.
The methodology and equipment-driven installation has been closely
guarded and much is proprietary (commercial competitive advantage), which has
left the DOTs dependent on and obligated to the contractor. No well-accepted
design methods and construction specifications are available to assess and
consider installation effects on their surrounding soils, neighboring rigid
inclusions, and nearby existing structures, downdrag forces in rigid
inclusions under embankment or structure loads, and stability of embankments
with side slopes supported by rigid inclusions. Research, including the state of the
practice (Phase I) and full-scale field tests (Phase II), is needed to
quantify rigid inclusion installation effects, develop design methods
considering their effects on load transfer analysis, axial load capacity, and
displacement calculations for vertical loads and evaluating the stability of
rigid inclusion-supported embankments, and develop construction
specifications for minimizing installation effects and improving long-term
performance. |
|
|
Objectives
|
The main objectives of the Phase I study are to assess the state of the practice of rigid inclusions used for embankment and structure support, analyze existing data and design methods available in the literature or agencies, identify knowledge gaps and missing data and procedures, and develop a plan for full-scale field tests to be carried out in the Phase II study. |
Scope of Work
Task 1: Literature Review and Assessment of
Current Practices
This task includes a comprehensive review of
US and international practices and research on the use of rigid inclusions for
vertical load support and embankment stability including rigid inclusion
installation effects, load transfer (e.g., downdrag), design methods,
construction specifications and identifies gaps in these aspects. A survey of state DOTs, designers,
and contractors will be conducted to solicit direct input on current practices.
Existing field test data will be collected.
Task 2: Evaluating Design Methodologies
Based on literature and survey results, review
existing design methodologies to quantify the effects of various components
(e.g., element geometry/arrangement, installation method, and soil conditions)
on resistance, load transfer, and performance (e.g., settlement, bearing
capacity, and stability). Evaluate design methods using available test results supplemented
with numerical analyses and identify knowledge gaps and missing data to be
gathered through a full-scale field test program in the Phase 2 study.
Task 3: Developing Full-scale Field Test
Program
Based on Tasks 1 and 2, the research team will
work with sponsoring agencies to develop a full-scale field test program to
fill the knowledge gaps identified and collect additional test data to be used
for validating and improving existing design methods or developing new design
methods. A test site will be selected, existing geotechnical information for
the test site will be collected, preliminary site characterization will be
performed, and a plan for a full-scale test program will be developed.
Deliverables:
At the conclusion of this Phase I project, a report will be
produced:
i.
To provide a state of the practice
assessment of available installation equipment and techniques for rigid
inclusions, installation effects on surrounding areas and soil properties,
design methods and procedures, and construction specifications,
ii.
To identify knowledge gaps and
missing data and procedures including but not limited to design methods and construction
specifications, and
iii.
To develop a plan for full-scale field
tests to be carried out in the Phase II study.
Comments
Documents
| Title | File/Link | Type | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarterly Report September 2024 | TPF_Quarterly_Report_Form_10-7-24 .pdf | Progress Report | Public |
| Quarterly Report June 2024 | TPF_Quarterly_Report_Form_6-23-24 .pdf | Progress Report | Public |
| Quarterly Report-Quarter 1 | Quarterly Report_Quarter 1.pdf | Progress Report | Public |
| Quarterly Report December 2023 | TPF_Quarterly_Report_Form_4th Quarter.pdf | Progress Report | Public |
| Quarterly Report September 2023 | FHWA Pooled Fund Project TPF-5(503) Quarterly Report.pdf | Progress Report | Public |
| Acceptance letter | Rick Backlund_10.31.22_Standardizing Rigid Inclusions for Transportation Projects - Phaze 1.pdf | Other | Public |
Solicitation Documents
| Title | File/Link | Type | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approval SPR Waiver | State Led Approval SPR Waiver Memo#1579.pdf | Memorandum | Public |
