The Professional Development Series is a unique chance to earn PDHs by reading specially focused, sponsored articles in CE News. By successfully participating, you may fulfill a portion of your continuing education requirements at no cost to you.
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  • Click the link to download the article.
  • Review the learning objectives at the beginning of each article.
  • Read the article.
  • Complete the attached quiz.
  • Submit your answers. Full instructions follow each quiz.

Your quiz answers will be graded by our Professional Development Series Engineer. If you answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly, you'll receive a certificate of completion within 90 days and will be awarded from 1.0 to 2.0 professional development hours depending upon which article you read. (This is equivalent to 0.1 to 0.2 continuing education units in most states.)

The Use of Corrugated Metal Pipe and Structural Plate for Aggregate Tunnel and Conveyor Enclosure Applications The Use of Corrugated Metal Pipe and Structural Plate for Aggregate Tunnel and Conveyor Enclosure Applications, December 2009
By Jim Noll, P.E.; Steve Tysl, P.E.; and Matt Westrich, P.E.

Learning Objectives
  • The benefits of utilizing CMP, SPP, and SPA for aggregate and conveyor tunnel applications;
  • The basic design principles that apply to CMP, SPP, and SPA structures;
  • The select backfill envelope requirements for such aggregate and conveyor tunnel structures;
  • How to handle penetrations in such pipe tunnels — for escape pipes, feeder and hopper penetrations, etc.;
  • How to deal with end walls and bulkheads; and
  • The installation of utility conduits, lighting, etc. in such tunnel structures.
Economic Optimization of Sustainable Subsurface Infiltration Systems Economic Optimization of Sustainable Subsurface Infiltration Systems, November 2009
By William G. Young, P.E.; Derek Berg; and Heather McCall, E.I.

Learning Objectives
  • The benefits of infiltrating runoff and the general types of infiltration systems available;
  • The basic principles for designing an underground infiltration system;
  • The importance of pretreatment and maintenance for infiltration systems; and
  • The primary factors to consider when choosing the appropriate underground infiltration system.
The Use of Geogrids in Railroad Applications The Use of Geogrids in Railroad Applications, October 2009
By Jim Penman, CGeol, FGS, and Daniel J. Priest, P.E.

Learning Objectives
  • How including geogrids within ballast and/or subballast layers can enhance the performance of roadbed structures;
  • The value provided by including geogrid reinforcement in rail applications; and
  • The design methods available for geogrid reinforced roadbed structures.
Pipe Joints and Critical Performance Requirements Pipe Joints and Critical Performance Requirements, September 2009
By Darrell Sanders, P.E.

Learning Objectives
  • Definitions of differing levels of joint performance;
  • The common joint performance requirements for several different applications; and
  • Joint types commonly available in different pipe materials.
PDH - Overtopping Flow Protection Overtopping Flow Protection, March 2009
By Bryan N. Scholl, Christopher I. Thornton, Ph.D., P.E., and Barrie King, E.I.T.

Learning Objectives
  • How to evaluate erosion with respect to overtopping flow;
  • How to design with various types of erosion countermeasures; and
  • Factor of Safety Methodology for articulated concrete blocks.
Designing For LID: An In-depth Look at Integrated Management Practices and Design Considerations Designing For LID: An In-depth Look at Integrated Management Practices and Design Considerations, July 2009
By Jennifer Steffens, E.I., LEED-AP, and Denise Pinto, P.E.

Learning Objectives
  • Understand basic Low Impact Development (LID) principles;
  • Understand the design processes involved in creating LID sites; and
  • Differentiate between engineered landscape and belowground techniques used in LID designs.
Scour in Bottomless Culverts Scour in Bottomless Culverts, December 2008
By Bryan N. Scholl and Christopher I. Thornton, Ph.D., P.E.

Learning Objectives
  • How to evaluate general and local scour of a streambed that could affect the design, construction, and performance of a bottomless (three-sided) culvert; and
  • Types of scour countermeasures and resources to use when selecting appropriate devices.
LEED Green Building Rating System and Sustainable Sites LEED Green Building Rating System and Sustainable Sites, November 2008
By Steven Harrison, P.E., LEED AP and Jim Noll, P.E.

Learning Objective
  • Understand the general benefits, prerequisites, and specific credits required to satisfy the Sustainable Sites category of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for New Construction.
Subgrade Improvement for Paved and Unpaved Surfaces Using Geogrids Subgrade Improvement for Paved and Unpaved Surfaces Using Geogrids, October 2008
By Stephen Archer, P.E.

Learning Objectives
  • Understand the primary mechanisms by which geogrids reinforce granular fill over soft soils and how these features translate to quantifiable fill savings relative to conventional practice;
  • Develop an understanding of two design methods endorsed by the American Society of Civil Engineers and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for designing geogrid-reinforced unpaved surfaces over soft soils; and
  • Translate the granular fill savings to cost benefits that can be realized relative to a geotextile solution and an unreinforced solution.
Rehabilitation and Relining of Culverts Rehabilitation and Relining of Culverts, September 2008
By Jim Noll, P.E., and Matt Westrich, P.E.

Learning Objectives
  • Understand the key factors involved in inspecting a culvert structure and evaluating whether repair, rehabilitation, or replacement is the most suitable course of action; and
  • To be aware of typical culvert rehabilitation and repair methods.
Stormwater Treatment and Onsite Infiltration -- LID at the Core Stormwater Treatment and Onsite Infiltration -- LID at the Core, August 2008
By Douglas E. Krause, P.E., and Vaikko P. Allen II, CPSWQ

Learning Objectives
  • Understand the basic regulatory and design setting of low impact development (LID);
  • Differentiate design parameters that meet LID objectives; and
  • Understand the potential for increased scope of work for civil engineers.
Performance Characteristics of Profile Wall HDPE Drainage Pipes Performance Characteristics of Profile Wall HDPE Drainage Pipes, June 2008
By Darrell Sanders, P.E.

Learning Objectives
  • Understand the advantages and limitations of profile wall pipe designs; and
  • Understand the performance characteristics of various HDPE resins commonly used in profile wall pipe construction.
Culvert Hydraulics: Basic Principals Culvert Hydraulics: Basic Principals, December 2007
By Philip A. Creamer, P.E.

Learning Objectives
  • The concepts of culvert inlet and outlet control and the various equations that describe each; and
  • The techniques to more accurately model culvert hydraulics of the large size natural bottom culverts that are commonly required.
Revetment Design Considerations in Sheltered Water Wave Conditions Revetment Design Considerations in Sheltered Water Wave Conditions, October 2007
By Christopher I. Thornton, Ph.D., P.E., and Richard Kane

Learning Objectives
  • Understand general wave terminology;
  • Understand basic system components for riprap and articulating concrete block revetments; and
  • Understand the design methodology for rock riprap and articulating concrete block revetments in wave environments.
Flexible Pipes for Culvert and Drainage Applications: Understanding Design and Performance Differences Flexible Pipes for Culvert and Drainage Applications: Understanding Design and Performance Differences, July 2007
By Jim Noll, P.E.

Learning Objectives
  • Principle factors influencing design of buried, non-pressure flexible pipe systems using standardized procedures to ensure stable performance; and
  • Understand the fundamental mechanical differences between metals and thermoplastic materials as these affect their structural capabilities.
Evaluation of Stormwater Filtration Systems Evaluation of Stormwater Filtration Systems, May 2007
By James Lenhart, P.E.

Learning Objectives
  • Understand stormwater filtration system hydraulics;
  • Recognize media type and hydraulics; and
  • Understand stormwater filtration system structural and maintenance considerations.
Designing Surface Water Runoff Controls for Paved Surfaces Designing Surface Water Runoff Controls for Paved Surfaces, December 2006
By Vanessa Hatcher, P.E., and Jim Noll, P.E.

Learning Objectives
  • The principle issues for designing runoff interceptors using standard procedures for predicting runoff volumes and, subsequently;
  • Learn the basic procedures for selecting and positioning interceptors to meet specific needs.
Extending Flexible Pavement Life Using Geogrids Extending Flexible Pavement Life Using Geogrids, September 2006
By Jim Penman, CGeol, FGS, and Joe Cavanaugh, P.E.

Learning Objectives
  • Understand the mechanisms by which geogrids reinforce pavement structures and how the benefits of using geogrids can be quantified;
  • Develop a general understanding of the design methodology currently prescribed by AASHTO for including the benefits of geogrid reinforcement in flexible pavement structures;
  • Gain insight on how these techniques can provide costeffective solutions, even on relatively low-volume pavements; and
  • Develop a basic understanding of state-of-the-art mechanistic-empirical design techniques and how these methods will enhance pavement design practices in the future.
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