Harnessing the Power of Geotechnical Engineering for Effective Pavement Design – Ep 090

In this episode, we talk with Prashant Patil, M.S., P.E., a Geotechnical Engineer at Gessner Engineering, LLC, about the intricate factors that shape effective pavement design recommendations.  We also dive deep into geotechnical investigation, and discuss some of the challenges geotechnical engineers encounter on projects. Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Prashant: Could you provide some details about the projects or activities your company is currently involved in? Can you guide us through the crucial steps and methodologies in geotechnical explorations or investigations? What specific challenges do geotechnical engineers commonly face when conducting investigations for pavement design? With all the challenges and opportunities in geotechnical engineering, why wouldn't everyone want to pursue a career in it, given its importance and the intriguing challenges it presents? Can you explain how things like soil composition, geological conditions, and environmental factors affect the results of investigations and how they influence recommendations for pavement design? What strategies and conditions are effective in places with extreme weather? When working on pavement design projects that involve diverse structures like highways, parking lots, and airport runways, how do you adjust your approach to accommodate different load-bearing requirements? How vital is it to collect crucial information from your client early on, rather than solely relying on assumptions? How does sustainability factor into pavement design, and what role do geotechnical recommendations play in promoting environmentally responsible infrastructure development? What upcoming trends and innovations do you foresee in geotechnical engineering pavement design that could significantly influence the industry in the future? Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Harnessing the Power of Geotechnical Engineering for Effective Pavement Design: Gessner Engineering, based in Texas for 20 years, is mostly run by women and works on a variety of projects like higher education and public works. What sets them apart is their focus on relationships over just hitting financial targets. They're planning for the future, aiming for 2028 goals, and have a unique approach called the Gessner framework to improve their culture and leadership. It's a great place for personal and professional growth in the field of geotechnical engineering. Understanding geotechnical engineering is key in effective pavement design. It's not just about the weight vehicles put on the road; there's a crucial balance between upward and downward forces from soils. The process involves gathering data on traffic loads and expectations, conducting geotechnical investigations, and testing soil properties for strength. This ensures a solid foundation for the pavement. Weather conditions are also factored in to model and correlate soil conditions with pavement performance. In geotechnical projects like pavement design, a major challenge is understanding and managing groundwater levels, which impact structural performance. Weather fluctuations during investigation and construction also pose challenges. In Texas, dealing with soils prone to high shrink-swell characteristics requires careful stabilization, often with lime, but introduces risks like sulfate-induced heave. Balancing these factors, including comprehensive testing and risk assessment, is crucial before diving into geotechnical investigations for accurate pavement recommendations. In geotechnical engineering, particularly in pavement design, the challenge lies in finding the balance between upward and downward loading and shaping pavement recommendations. But with all the misconceptions, the field remains intriguing.