University of Toledo

Construction Engineering Technology

Master Syllabus

 

 

Course Title:  Soil Mechanics                         Course Code & Number:                  CET-2220

 

Credit Hour Total:     3

 

       Lecture Hours:   2                 Lab Hours:   1                   

 

Prerequisite(s):  ENGT-1050, CET-1200

 

Text:                      Soils and Foundations

                               Liu & Evett       ISBN:  0-13-025517-3

 

Software:             None

 

 

A.     Course Description  (Approved catalog description.)

Theory and application of soil properties as related to foundation design, including pressure distribution, bearing capacity, compressibility, consolidation, shear and stress analysis.  Laboratory will cover quality control tests. 

B.     Related Program Outcomes: 

1.      A development of mathematical skills sufficient to solve and analyze technical problems associated with construction projects including building, highway and heavy construction. 

2.      The ability to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of common construction methods and design procedures associated with building, highway and heavy construction projects. 

3.      The ability to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of common construction materials- both their proper usage and proper testing procedures.  .

4.      An understanding of codes and specifications in the implementation of building and highway projects. 

C.    Course Objectives: 

Upon completion of the course the student will:

1.      Obtain the ability to identify soil types using standard nomenclature and identify soils related characteristics and problems at a construction site. 

2.      Gain an understanding of and an ability to determine soil grain size distributions and Atterberg Limits. 

3.      Gain an understanding of the compaction of soils, including the theory and application of Proctor tests and California Bearing Ratios. 

4.      Gain an understanding of soils compressibility, consolidation and the ability to calculate settlement and load analysis/pressure distribution in a soils mass. 

5.      Obtain the ability to estimate appropriate bearing pressures for soil and groundwater conditions.

6.      Obtain the ability to estimate total and differential settlements for soil and groundwater conditions.

7.      Obtain the ability to analyze designs for appropriate factors of safety.

8.      Gain an understanding of groundwater aquifer types, flow mechanics with the ability to calculate associated seepage rates and flow nets. 

9.      Obtain the ability to perform and apply unconfined compression tests and calculate allowable foundation bearing loads. 

D.    Course Outline 

1.      Formation of Natural Soil Deposits

2.      Engineering Properties of Soils

3.      Soil Compaction and Stabilization

4.      Stress Distribution In Soil

5.      Water in Soil

6.      Consolidation and Settlement

7.      Shear Strength in Soil

8.      Shallow Foundations

9.      Soil Exploration

E.     Suggested Laboratory Tests 

1.       Soil Particle Size by Sieve Analysis

2.       Soil Particle Size by Hydrometer Analysis

3.       Standard Proctor Compaction Analysis

4.       Modified Proctor Compaction Analysis

5.       California Bearing Ratio Analysis

6.       Soil Consolidation Analysis

7.       Triaxial Shear Analysis

8.       Direct Soil Shear Analysis

9.       Relative Density of Cohesionless Soils Analysis

10.  Field Exploration of Soils Using Drill Rig and Tools

11.  Harvard Mold Samples

12.  Groundwater Flow Analysis using Electric Methods

13.  Soil Permeability Analysis using Constant Head Devices

14.  Soil Permeability Analysis using Falling Head Devices

15. Lime Stabilization of Soils

16. Aquifer Permeability Measurements