Timber Piles at Risk: Groundwater Recharge Solutions for Urban Preservation
The Back Bay neighborhood in Boston, MA, has a unique history where high-rise and brownstone buildings sit in an area that was originally part of the Charles River basin. Many of the structures built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries were founded on untreated timber piles that bear in the stiffer clay soils below. However, groundwater levels have been negatively impacted in the area as urban development continued, exposing the tops of these untreated timber piles and causing accelerated deterioration. In response, the City of Boston has developed regulations to prevent pile deterioration, restore groundwater levels, and protect and enhance the city’s historic neighborhoods and structures. These are similar to regulations in other municipalities like Washington, DC, and New York City that seek to reduce stormwater runoff volume during heavy rain events, mitigate ground subsidence, and maintain groundwater levels.
In this webinar, we will describe groundwater recharge systems, explore when they are necessary or required by local authorities having jurisdiction, and share best practices for designing and implementing them.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Understand when groundwater recharge systems may be necessary.
- Become familiar with the components of a groundwater recharge system.
- Become familiar with the design process for groundwater recharge wells.
- Understand the design roles and responsibilities for designing these systems.
Participants will earn 1 AIA CES Learning Unit (LU/HSW) for attending the seminar. Registration is free. Please note that space is limited – email events@sgh.com to join our waitlist if the session is closed when you register.
About the Speaker
Zachary Boswell is a geotechnical engineer with experience in subsurface explorations, shallow and deep foundation systems, site characterization, temporary and permanent support of excavation systems, retaining walls, turf fields, groundwater leakage mitigation, soft ground engineering, ground improvement, and forensic investigations for a wide range of infrastructure and development projects. Zachary engages with the geotechnical engineering community and contributes to advancing the profession through his involvement with the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Boston Society of Civil Engineers Section, and the Deep Foundations Institute. He is an active problem solver and collaborator, committed to finding the right solutions and providing his expertise to clients and colleagues to overcome complex geotechnical engineering challenges.
Justin Dominguez is a geotechnical engineer with experience exploring, designing, and overseeing construction of shallow and deep foundations, excavation support systems, retaining walls, bulkheads, seawalls, piers, levees, floodwalls, and dams for a variety of clients, including private developers, engineering firms, state and local government agencies, and energy utilities. He specializes in investigating structures that have performed poorly during or after construction. He has a deep understanding of soil mechanics honed from years of experience on jobsites, in the lab, and in the office, and provides practical solutions to complex engineering problems. He stays actively involved in the geotechnical engineering community through his participation in the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Boston Society of Civil Engineers Section, and ASTM International’s Committee D18 on Soil and Rock.
View All Events