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FHWA
U.S. DOT
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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.
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