Introduction

The field of geohazard engineering is fast growing. Population growth and the desire to live in scenic regions has led to increased construction in areas that were once deemed hazardous. The result has been an increase in incidences of landslides, rockfall, debris flows, and avalanche events with a consequent toll on human life and property.

This course provides an overview of the state of the art in geohazards engineering. It examines current state-of-the-practice including field methods, design methodologies, mitigation strategies, and construction methods. The course will focus basically on the American market and codes but will incorporate both European and other international experience.

Objectives

1. Provide attendees with the basic knowledge to understand geohazard engineering
2. Provide knowledge of field methods and engineering design for geohazard structures
3. Provide an understanding of the use of analyses, modeling, and design tools
4. Provide an overview of materials and products used throughout the world for geohazard mitigation

Limited places.

Module 1: Introduction to Geohazards (2 hours lecture)

1. Course Introduction
2. Course Goals
3. Instructor Introduction
4. History Development of the Modern Discipline
5. Main Branches
6. Resources Available

Module 2: Rockfall (8 hours lecture)

1. Rockfall Mechanics and Protection Overview
2. Rockfall Analyses
3. Rockfall Mitigation Solutions and Applications
4. Rockfall Protection Systems
5. Rockfall Mitigation Case Study
6. System Design & Specifications

Module 3: Shallow Slope Failures and Stabilization (5 hours lecture)

1. Principles of Mesh Systems
2. Analyses
3. Case Studies
4. Shallow Landslide Barriers

Module 4: Debris Flow (10 hours lecture)

1. Introduction to Debris Flow
2. Field Investigation for Debris Flow Barriers
3. Debris Flow Barrier Testing & Design
4. Design using Modeling Tools
5. Debris Flow Barrier Case Studies
6. Types of Debris Flow Barriers

Module 5: Avalanche (6 hours lecture)

1. Introduction
2. Planning
3. Snow Pressure
4. Design
5. Types of Protective Structures

Module 6: Construction (8 hours lecture)

1. Anchors
2. Foundations
3. Testing
4. Methods and Case Studies

Approximately 39 hours lecture and 11 hours of reading/project assignments

Dr. William F. Kane

Dr. William F. Kane received his B.A. in geology from James Madison University, and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech. He is President of KANE GeoTech, Inc., Stockton, California, which he founded in 1997. KANE GeoTech is considered one of the leading engineering firms in the field of geohazards. It consults on a variety of geotechnical problems for public agencies and private industry, especially in the areas of geohazards and, slope stability, and geotechnical instrumentation.

An award-winning professor, Dr. Kane has taught civil engineering and engineering geology at the universities of Tennessee, Pacific, and Alabama-Huntsville. He has authored or co-authored dozens of technical papers and reports.

Professionally, Dr. Kane is a registered professional civil engineer in 30 states and a registered professional geologist in Tennessee. He conducts geohazard engineering workshops in the U.S. and internationally.  and has appeared as a geotechnical expert both in litigation and on national media outlets including CNBC and CBS radio and television.

The course is delivered online through our easy-to-use Virtual Campus platform. For this course, a variety of content is provided including:

– eLearning materials
– Videos
– Interactive multimedia content
– Live webinar classes
– Texts and technical articles
– Case studies
– Assignments and evaluation exercises

Students can download the materials and work through the course at their own pace.
We regularly update this course to ensure the latest news and state-of-the-art developments are covered, and your knowledge of the subject is current.

Live webinars form part of our course delivery. These allow students and tutors to go through the course materials, exchange ideas and knowledge, and solve problems together in a virtual classroom setting. Students can also make use of the platform’s forum, a meeting point to interact with tutors and other students.

The tutoring system is managed by email. Students can email the tutor with any questions about the course and the tutor will be happy to help.

This course is of interest to all geotechnical and civil engineers and geologists and engineering geologists and students who wish to obtain a basic understanding of design for geohazard mitigation and protection. It is also suitable for government and other decision makers who specify and implement protection measures. A basic understanding of geology and engineering principles is recommended but not required.

Attendees of this course will be able to enhance their job prospects by expanding their ability to design mitigation and structures. The geohazards field is relatively small at the present time in terms of practitioners and this course will help give attendees a boost in career opportunities.