News

News, announcements, policy updates, spotlighted websites, software updates and other info that may be of interest to practicing geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists, geophysicists, hydrogeologists and related professions.

Project Related

Feb. 7 Bertha update: Two factors contributed to tunnel stoppage

February 11, 2014 rockman Comments Off on Feb. 7 Bertha update: Two factors contributed to tunnel stoppage

WSDOT released an update on February 7 with some conclusions regarding the blockage that has stopped the Alaska Way Viaduct Tunnel Boring Machine, Bertha’s progress since December 6. Now they don’t think it was necessarily the well casing after all.

They cite two factors that contributed to the blockage. First, the cutterhead was clogged with material. You can see an cool short video of a worker unclogging the cutterhead. Not terribly dramatic, but still cool. The second factor was increased temperatures inside the equipment. STP discovered damage to a seal that protects the machine’s main bearing. They are still determining how the repairs will be done.

If you want to follow the chronology of this issue, read below for summaries and links to previous updates from WSDOT. And Check out the videos too! [Source: WSDOT]

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No Picture
Weekend CUP

Weekend CUP for February 3, 2014

February 4, 2014 rockman Comments Off on Weekend CUP for February 3, 2014

It’s been a while since I’ve posted one of my catch-up-posts or CUPs. The pipes were getting a bit clogged, so here are some articles that folks might find interesting. Sorry I didn’t get a chance to blog about them in more detail.

Read on for the rest of this list!

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A giant boulder smashes through a barn of an Italian farmhouse
Geologic Hazards

Giant Boulder Smashes Through Italian Farm

February 3, 2014 rockman 1

A giant boulder smashes through a barn of an Italian farmhouse

An Italian farmer and his family had an unbelievably close call with some house-sized boulders. You have to see the pictures to believe it. The boulders were dislodged during a landslide on January 21 in Northern Italy. One of the boulders smashed through the barn and courtyard of the farm and cut a swath through their vineyard before stopping near a boulder from some previous rockfall / landslide event. That older boulder is even bigger, about the same size as the entire farmhouse and big enough to be seen on Google Earth! See below or download the KMZ file.

More Photos

[Editor] See more after the break. [/Editor]

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John Bachner celebrates his 40th anniversary with ASFE/GBA
Comings and Goings

Bachner Honored for 40+ Years of Service

January 30, 2014 rockman Comments Off on Bachner Honored for 40+ Years of Service

John Bachner celebrated his 40th anniversary with ASFE: The Geoprofessional Business Association. He has worked tirelessly during that time to help geoprofessionals with the softer side of our business, including improving our writing, understanding contracts […]

Scott D. Dodds, new General Manager of Moretrench.
Press Releases

Moretrench Announces New Senior Management Positions

January 24, 2014 rockman Comments Off on Moretrench Announces New Senior Management Positions

Specialty geotechnical contractor Moretrench is pleased to announce two new senior management positions. Scott D. Dodds has joined the company as General Manager–Geotechnical Group, Mid-Atlantic & Midwest Regions. Mr. Dodds is a graduate of the […]