Bridge design specifications were updated this year, with the largest change to designs for Mechanically-Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls in more than 20 years. TRB hosted a webinar on Thursday, October 8, 2020 from 2:00-3:30 PM Eastern that discussed these design updates. This webinar identified how to use the Coherent Gravity Method for inextensible reinforcement, and discussed two new design methods: limit equilibrium and stiffness method. Presenters provided design examples and discuss their impact.

This webinar was organized by the TRB Standing Committees on Transportation Earthworks and Geosynthetics.

The slides are linked in the meeting materials below. Click here to view the recording.

Webinar agenda and presenters

1. Summary of changes and review of current design methods: Daniel Alzamora, U.S. Federal Highway Administration
2. New design method: Limit equilibrium: Dov Leschchinsky, University of Delaware
3. New design method: Stiffness method: Tony Allen, Washington State Department of Transportation
4. Impact on design: Daniel Alzamora, U.S. Federal Highway Administration
5. Question and answer session: Moderated by Jie Han, University of Kansas

The first 60 minutes of the webinar will be for presentations and the final 30 minutes will be reserved for audience questions.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. List new MSE wall design changes
2. Compare and contrast new design methods
3. Discuss how these changes impact MSE wall design

Professional Development Hours

Professional Development Hours (PDHs) earned on completion of this program were reported to the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Certificates of Completion are issued to all participants via the RCEP.net online system. Complaints about registered providers may be addressed to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Fl., Washington, DC, 20005.