Technical Panel

SEG-AEG Climate Change Deformation Impacts on Infrastructure and the Built Environment

Wednesday, 27 August | 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. | George R. Brown Convention Center, Near Surface Pavilion, Exhibition Hall, Booth #1111

The impact of climate change on infrastructure from roads, bridges, tunnels, rail lines, as well as building foundations and stability, cannot be underestimated. Consequences of climate change—from flooding, differential compaction, erosion, slope failure, storm surge, and rising sea levels to premature deterioration of materials caused by increased freeze-thaw cycles, increased moisture, and extreme temperatures—can be observed worldwide. In areas characterized by clay soils, like those encountered in and around Houston, expansion and contraction of the overburden materials modify the competency of the bearing surfaces, degrading foundations and impacting infrastructure in ways that, over time, contribute to damage and failure in the urban environment. This panel discussion will focus on identifying and addressing impacts to the subsurface caused by climate-related issues, especially the role of clay soils.