Field and Laboratory Characterization of Waste Residuals and Foundation Soils
Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 10/01/2026 at 6:00 AM (MDT)
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Register
- Non-member - $1,095
- Member - $855
Reliable characterization of foundation soils and waste residuals requires a coordinated investigation strategy that connects field observations, in-situ measurements, laboratory testing, and engineering interpretation. This workshop will present a practical framework for selecting and integrating methods while recognizing the limitations and uncertainties that can influence the characterization of geotechnical materials and the resulting engineering decisions.
The workshop will begin with field investigation methods, including geophysical approaches, CPT-based site characterization, and complementary in-situ testing techniques. Dedicated sessions will address vane shear testing and its variants, foundation-clay characterization, and the role of laboratory testing programs for monotonic and cyclic response. The laboratory-testing discussion is expected to include a variety of tests and how they can be integrated on interpretations along field testing.
The second day will focus on sample quality and disturbance, including geotechnical sampling methods. Additional sessions will introduce emerging characterization approaches, including NMR and advanced CPT interpretation. Case studies and structured technical panels will connect the methods to real project decisions and provide opportunities for questions and discussion.
Learning Objectives
• Develop an integrated investigation strategy that combines geophysical, in-situ, and laboratory methods for characterizing foundation soils and waste residuals.
• Recognize the capabilities, appropriate applications, and limitations of CPT, vane shear testing, and complementary field methods.
• Evaluate how sampling methods and sample disturbance can affect laboratory characterization and engineering interpretation.
• Select laboratory tests that address monotonic and cyclic behavior and align with the project-specific characterization objectives.
• Explain the potential value and current limitations of emerging methods, including NMR and advance interpretation of CPT testing.
Target Audience
The workshop is intended for geotechnical and dam-safety professionals involved in planning, executing, reviewing, or relying on subsurface investigations. The content is relevant to consultants, owners and operators, regulators, contractors, academics, and researchers working on dams, embankments, earth structures, tailings storage facilities, waste-storage facilities, and projects with challenging foundation soils. The workshop is designed to serve both experienced practitioners and professionals seeking a stronger understanding of how field and laboratory investigations should be integrated.
14PDHs
Location:
Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center
800 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
2 days in person, breakfast and lunch included
Hotel Booking Link - http://bookings.ihotelier.com/bookings.jsp?groupID=5129255&hotelID=75983
Non-smoking King/Queen bedding accommodations have been blocked for this group. Please note that all guestrooms are non-smoking.
For any other requests or inquiries, please enter this information within the appropriate request boxes during the reservations process or call the hotel directly by calling (800) 706-2899 or (404) 838-2100.
Booking Deadline: 09/08/2026
Jorge Macedo, Ph.D., P.E.
Georgia Institute of Technology, chair of the TAILENG center
Jorge Macedo is an Associate Professor and Frederick L. Olmsted Early-Career Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology. His research focuses on mining geotechnics, extreme events, earthquakes, and AI-driven, physics-informed performance assessment. He also serves as an industry subject-matter expert and as a technical-review-board member for major mining projects.
Dr. Jonathan Bray, Ph.D., P.E., NAE
University of California, Berkeley
Jonathan D. Bray is the Faculty Chair in Earthquake Engineering Excellence and a Distinguished Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. His work focuses on geotechnical earthquake engineering, including earth structures, liquefaction, ground failure, fault rupture, and post-event reconnaissance. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and has authored more than 450 research publications.
Scott M. Olson Ph.D., P.E.
University of Illinois
Scott M. Olson is a Professor, CEE Excellence Faculty Scholar, and Associate Head and Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His expertise includes in-situ testing, liquefaction and shear-strength evaluation, tailings and other liquefiable materials, foundation soils, and geohazard assessment. He also brings experience from consulting practice.
J. Carlos Santamarina, Ph.D.
Georgia Institute of Technology
J. Carlos Santamarina is the G. Wayne Clough Chair and Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology. His research combines experimental and numerical approaches to study geomaterials, sediments, fractured rocks, and complex fluids. His work spans geomaterial properties, laboratory methods, multiphysics characterization, signal processing, and inverse problems.
Paul W. Mayne, Ph.D., P.E.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Paul W. Mayne is Professor Emeritus at the Georgia Institute of Technology and an internationally recognized expert in in-situ testing and geotechnical site characterization. His work emphasizes CPT, seismic piezocone, flat dilatometer, soil and rock property evaluation, foundations, and ground improvement. He has participated in more than 125 continuing-education courses.
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