Topic: Laboratory investigations into the use of microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) in extraterrestrial regolith simulants.

Microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) is a biomineralization process which can bond otherwise loose soil particles, thereby increasing the shear strength and stiffness of the soil while decreasing its permeability and compressibility. MICP has shown promise as a soil improvement technique in numerous lab-scale studies and limited field-scale studies. This presentation will focus on the use of MICP as a soil improvement technique in extraterrestrial regolith simulants. Although the impetus for extraterrestrial soil improvements is different from that of terrestrial soils, the basic applications are similar. Extraterrestrial soil improvements may be needed for building foundations, wall treatments of underground works, dust mitigation, roadway stabilization, and more. This work is in support of NASA’s in situ resource utilization (ISRU) efforts dealing with the challenges from the lack of immediate access to supplies during space exploration and habitation. This presentation highlights some laboratory-scale studies of the use of MICP in lunar regolith simulants and shares preliminary finds of a new approach for real-time monitoring of the MICP treatment process.

Topic: Route 121-460 Triple Box Culvert - Innovations in VDOT Bristol District

The Poplar Creek Phase A section of the Route 121-460 project, known locally as the Coalfields Expressway, included an unusual construction item - a triple box culvert beneath 310 feet of fill.  The design, manufacture, and construction of the box culvert required creative thinking on the part of the transportation engineers to make the project a reality.  This presentation provides some highlights and insights of the project, which is scheduled to be open to the public in the fall of 2024.

The built environment of Tennessee contains many diverse and innovative civil engineering projects.  These constructed civil works reflect the colorful, talented, and dedicated civil engineers who have worked in Tennessee for over two centuries.  The aim of ASCE's National and Tennessee Section Historic Civil Engineering Landmark Designation is to recognize civil engineering projects, structures, and sites so as to:

• Increase public appreciation of civil engineering contributions to the progress and development of society;
• Provide civil engineers with a historical awareness of their profession for both practical insights and pride;
• Encourage the preservation of significant historic civil engineering  works; and
• Foster the inclusion of civil engineering landmark information in encyclopedias, guidebooks, and maps; and

The presentation will cover the National and Section designated Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks in Tennessee.  There will be a special emphasis on the 2021 Section Landmark, Tennessee Eastman's Kingsport Facilities.

Lunch at 11 am ETSU Dinning Hall, Meeting at 12 pm in Culp Center Room 219

Topic: Explosion Hazards: Designing Buildings Effectively to Manage Catastrophic Risks

Chemical industries handle and produce energetic materials that can create hazardous explosions if a process upset occurs.  Explosions produce pressure waves that are characterized as high-pressure, short duration loads that often exceed conventional loading requirements that buildings are designed for.  Subsequently, unintentional blast loads can cause significant building damage or even collapse, resulting in occupant injuries or fatalities.  This presentation discusses the impact that blast loads can have on buildings, industry standards for blast design, and a more cost-effective means of designing building retrofits or new buildings to mitigate risk to building occupants.

What attendees will learn:

• Learn about explosion hazards at chemical facilities
• See images and videos of blast damage to structures
• Recognize that industry standards exist for performing evaluations
• Appreciate the complexity with designing buildings to withstand blast loads
• Understand that blast designs can be done cost-effectively with expertise

Agenda: Planning and Scheduling of Branch Operations

The ASCE Holston Branch’s planned program for March 2^nd has been postponed, but we are pleased to have been invited to join the ASCE Knoxville Branch’s February meeting. 

PDH Certificate Request: Click here after attending meeting and to request PDH from ASCE Holston Branch (link will be open until 2/16/22)