In this episode, we talk with Kirsten Wilde Grant, P.E., a project engineer in Schnabel Engineering's Geostructural group, about the challenges and intricacies of bottom-up retaining wall construction, and emerging trends and technologies shaping the future of geotechnical engineering.

Engineering Quotes:







Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Kristin:



Can you explain bottom-up retaining wall construction and discuss some common challenges engineers encounter with this method?

Can you give an example of why we would use a bottom-up retaining wall construction method?

How important is it to include flexibility in the design of retaining walls and other geostructural projects?

How can engineers use their willingness to put in effort and try new things to their advantage?

How has your experience with field work impacted your engineering practice and helped you become a better engineer?

How can we help students and early career engineers learn about the different specializations in geotechnical engineering and find their niche?

How do different types of geotechnical engineers collaborate on large projects?

What final piece of advice would you give to engineers aiming to make a significant impact in geotechnical engineering?



Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Mastering The Intricacies Of Building A Superior Bottom-Up Retaining Wall:





Bottom-up retaining walls, a type of geoenvironmental containment system like soldier pile and lagging, are used when other solutions, such as MSE walls, aren't suitable due to site conditions or stability issues. Key challenges include complex tieback installation and managing settlement behind the wall, requiring careful design and planning.

A bottom-up retaining wall is used in areas with deep-seated failure zones, like slick and sited red bed material, where other methods like MSE walls would fail due to historic instabilities. This method stabilizes the site by addressing global stability and preventing long-term failure.

Including flexibility in the design of retaining walls and geoenvironmental containment systems is crucial, as unforeseen issues like unexpected soil conditions or alignment changes can arise. Building in resilience helps manage these surprises and ensures the project can adapt and stay on track.

Engineers can use their willingness to put in effort and try new things to their advantage by embracing challenges and learning from diverse experiences. This adaptability often leads to greater growth and success in their roles.

Field work impacts engineering practice by offering a deeper understanding of soil behavior and constructability beyond theoretical knowledge. It also improves communication and problem-solving skills with contractors, resulting in more effective project execution.

Professionals can help students and early career engineers explore different geotechnical specializations by offering internships, giving university talks, and sharing their own experiences. This exposure helps them discover their interests and find the right career path.

Different types of geotechnical engineers collaborate on large projects by sharing expertise through geotechnical reports and working closely with local specialists. This teamwork ensures a comprehensive understanding of site conditions and leads to more effective and accurate solutions.

Engineers aiming to make a significant impact should embrace diverse challenges, gain broad experiences, and connect with colleagues. This approach not only expands their knowledge but also opens up more opportunities for growth and impact.



More Details in This Episode…



About the Guest: Kirsten Wilde Grant, P.E.

Kirsten Wilde Grant is a Project Engineer in Schnabel Engineering's Geos...