This synthesis report will be of interest to geotechnical, structural, and bridge engineers, especially those involved in the development and implementation of the geotechnical aspects of the AASHTO Bridge Code. The synthesis documents a review of geotechnical related LRFD specifications and their development worldwide to compare them with the current AASHTO LRFD Bridge Code. Design procedures for foundations, earth retaining structures, and culverts are summarized and compared with the methods specified by the AASHTO code. This TRB report provides information designed to assist engineers in implementing the geotechnical features of LRFD methods. Information for the synthesis was collected by surveying U.S. and Canadian transportation agencies and by conducting a literature search using domestic and international sources. Interviews were also conducted with selected international experts. The limited available experience in the United States and information from international practice are discussed to understand the problems that have arisen in order that solutions may be found. Based on the studies reported here, suggestions for improving the code are identified.

The ground is one of the most highly variable of engineering materials. It is therefore not surprising that geotechnical designs depend on local site conditions and local engineering experience. Engineering practices, relating to investigation and design methods site understanding and to safety levels acceptable to society, will therefore vary between different regions.The challenge in geotechnical engineering is to make use of worldwide geotechnical experience, established over many years, to aid in the development and harmonization of geotechnical design codes. Given the significant uncertainties involved, empiricism and engineering

NCHRP synthesis 368 explores the current practices of departments of transportation associated with cone penetration testing (CPT). The report examines cone penetrometer equipment options; field testing procedures; CPT data presentation and geostratigraphic profiling; CPT evaluation of soil engineering parameters and properties; CPT for deep foundations, pilings, shallow foundations, and embankments; and CPT use in ground modifications and difficult ground conditions.

Rock Slope Engineering covers the investigation, design, excavation and remediation of man-made rock cuts and natural slopes, primarily for civil engineering applications. It presents design information on structural geology, shear strength of rock and ground water, including weathered rock. Slope design methods are discussed for planar, wedge, circular and toppling failures, including seismic design and numerical analysis. Information is also provided on blasting, slope stabilization, movement monitoring and civil engineering applications. This fifth edition has been extensively up-dated, with new chapters on weathered rock, including shear strength in relation to weathering grades, and seismic design of rock slopes for pseudo-static stability and Newmark displacement. It now includes the use of remote sensing techniques such as LiDAR to monitor slope movement and collect structural geology data. The chapter on numerical analysis has been revised with emphasis on civil applications. The book is written for practitioners working in the fields of transportation, energy and industrial development, and undergraduate and graduate level courses in geological engineering.

The contributions contained in these proceedings are divided into three main sections: theme lectures presented during the pre-workshop lecture series; keynote lectures and other contributed papers; and a translation of the Japanese geotechnical design code.