EVENT DETAILS
Title: Improving the Performance of Coastal Dunes and Slopes using Bio-mediated Soil Improvement
Abstract: Bio-mediated soil improvement is a novel approach that uses the byproducts of microbial activity to improve the behavior of soil (e.g., shear strength and stiffness). The improved soil behavior can be used to reduce foundation settlements, enhance slope stability, improve liquefaction resistance, and among other applications. This innovative soil improvement method can provide a more sustainable approach to support civil infrastructure using natural processes. This talk will focus on using bio-mediated soil improvement in coastal environments; particularly, the results from two recent projects will be discussed. The implementation of the bio-mediated improvement technique, bio-cementation, at a coastal field test site will be share where erosion from surface waters influence the design of the coastal slope. Additionally, the performance of a prototypical dune constructed in a large wave flume, treated with bio-cementation, and subjected to hurricane-level waves will be presented. These results indicate that bio-cementation may be a viable option to mitigate coastal dune and slope stability.
Bio: Dr. Brina Montoya is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at North Carolina State University. Dr. Montoya's research interests focus on bio-mediated stabilization approaches to improve the sustainability and resiliency of infrastructure, specifically with regards to infrastructure subjected to natural hazards, such as earthquake-induced liquefaction and coastal/offshore erosion, and addressing anthropogenic hazards, such as stabilizing tailings impoundments and carbon sequestration. Her research has been recognized with several honors, including the NSF CAREER Award, the ASCE Arthur Casagrande Professional Development Award, and the USUCGER Early Career Research Award. She received her Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis in 2012. Prior to entering graduate school, Dr. Montoya worked for a consulting geotechnical engineering company in the San Francisco B
TIME Wednesday May 31, 2023 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LOCATION A230, Technological Institute map it
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CONTACT Tierney Acott tierney.acott@northwestern.edu
CALENDAR McCormick - Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE)