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Read the Geotechnical Research Report

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FHWA
U.S. DOT

Geotechnical (GT) Research Team

Background

During the 1970's, a series of FHWA studies determined that various segments within the field of highway geotechnology needed significant improvement in design and construction applications. This was especially important considering that bridge foundations, retaining wall systems, embankments, and cut-slope operations account for well over 50 percent of the total cost of most highway projects. It was therefore imperative that accurate and rational guidelines be developed for geotechnical-related design and construction applications to ensure safe and efficient highway structures. Also, at this time, there was a significant influx of innovative geotechnical methods to retain earth masses and/or improve ground materials to withstand heavy loads.

As a result of these discoveries, FHWA expanded the Geotechnical Research Program to address many of these needs. The program was divided into three main projects :

• Soil Behavior
• Foundations
• Ground Improvement

During the 1990's, the soil behavior project was completed, and the other two were revised to reflect the accomplishments in each project plus the objectives still to be achieved.