User:Hoskir/Revision Request 4256
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The Geotechnical Section of MoDOT provides geotechnical laboratory and field testing as well as subsurface drilling. This section obtains and interprets the subsurface information needed to design highways and bridges. Soils and Geology personnel also investigate various geotechnical matters including foundation stability and settlement of embankments, slide corrections, subgrade and base stabilization, bridge and wall foundations, sinks and mine subsidence, and the use of new technology and products. The Geotechnical Section serves as a contact regarding geotechnical problems, new products, specifications, training programs and implementation of new products and procedures. This section also participates in proficiency sample programs and inspections by the AASHTO re:source.
Geotechnical functions in MoDOT are performed by personnel assigned to the Construction & Materials Division, both in the District and at Central Office in Jefferson City. Each of the Districts should have a District Geologist or Geotechnical Specialist who typically reports to the Assistant District Construction & Materials Engineer. Within Central Office, these functions are administered through the Geotechnical Section.
The Geotechnical Section has a specialized soil laboratory with technicians and equipment for performing consolidation tests, direct shear tests, and other specialized soil tests. Professional level employees with academic backgrounds in Geology and Civil or Geological Engineering concentrate on one or more specialties. The core drill section assigns equipment and personnel statewide as needed by either District or Central Office staff. The Geotechnical section completes all final foundation investigations for structures prepared by the Bridge Division as well as settlement and stability investigations as necessary. Other duties include slide investigations, work on subgrade and base stabilization, geophysical explorations, research activities and any other geotechnical problems as they arise.
The core drill section employs its own staff of field drilling personnel and drilling support equipment. Drilling equipment includes mobile power augers with pavement cores, CME 45 truck mounted rig, track mounted Acker Renegade, track mounted Acker XLS, and a track mounted GeoProbe 3135T SPT/CPT Rig.
This Geotechnical section typically provides three types of reports, a Preliminary Geotechnical Report (PGR), a Final Foundation Investigation Report (FFIR) and a Special Investigation Report.
The PGR touches on foundations by pointing out possible foundation problems. It also contains basic slope recommendations which affect bridge length, a preliminary bridge foundation boring, soil types and properties for pavement design, depths to rock and type of rock for determining cut quantities and cut slope recommendations for soil and rock.
The FFIR for structures starts with a formal request from either the Bridge Division or District following procedures in EPG 751.1.2.19. The Bridge Division or District will provide a preliminary layout and a suggested boring plan. This boring plan should follow EPG 321.2.2. The suggested boring plan is only a guide which will be modified as deemed necessary in the field by the Geotechnical Section. The basic aim is to furnish the Bridge Division or District with the information needed to develop designs for foundation types practical for a particular site. The Geotechnical Section may make recommendations for specific foundation types if geologic conditions necessitate a change. Rules of thumb as to what is practical have been developed jointly by the Geotechnical Section and the Bridge Division.
Contact Information:
- MoDOT Construction and Materials Division
- 1617 Missouri Blvd
- Jefferson City, MO 65109
- E-mail: Lydia.Brownell@modot.mo.gov
- Zachary.Troesser@modot.mo.gov