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CIVL 340 Geotechnical Engineering 1 Units: 4.00
An introductory course focussing on the fundamental mechanics of soil materials (gravel, sand, silt and clay) applied to geotechnical engineering problems. Topics studied include: phase relationships; index properties of coarse and fine grained soils; one-dimensional steady state seepage; effective stress; one-dimensional compression and consolidation; drained and undrained shear strength; and lateral earth pressure. Theoretical material is applied to examine real engineering issues with a particular focus on developing design skills and engineering judgement. Students will conduct physical experiments to explore soil behaviour. The important role of geology on the mechanics of geotechnical materials is emphasized through classroom discussions and problem sets. PPE will be required for this course at student's cost (see course materials for details).
(Lec: 3, Lab: 0.5, Tut: 0.5)
(Lec: 3, Lab: 0.5, Tut: 0.5)
Offering Term: F
CEAB Units:
Mathematics 0
Natural Sciences 0
Complementary Studies 0
Engineering Science 36
Engineering Design 12
Offering Faculty: Smith Engineering
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Identify soil type and likely engineering behaviour from index properties.
- Explain the effects of soil type, water content and energy on soil compaction.
- Calculate effective stress.
- Infer pressure heads for layered systems.
- Understand drained and undrained shear strength.
- Calculate settlement for change in effective stress.
- Calculate rate of settlement.
- Obtain geotechnical parameters from laboratory tests.
- Observe and explain soil behaviour through hands on physical observations.
- Adhere to laboratory safety protocols.
- Design solution to open-ended geotechnical problem.