CE 341
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Elementary Soil Mechanics
Civil and Construction Engineering
Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering
Course Description
Fundamental soil properties in the context of civil engineering and construction. Soil classification systems, stresses from gravitational and surface loads, shear strength, soil compaction theory, seepage of fluid through soil, bearing capacity analysis of foundations and settlement/consolidation theory.
When Taught
Fall and Winter
Min
3
Fixed/Max
3
Fixed
2
Fixed
3
Title
Experimentation and Data Interpretation
Learning Outcome
Perform basic laboratory tests on soils including seive analysi, Atterberg limits, compaction, direct shear, triaxial shear and consolidation. Be able to perform the basic calculations associated wtih laboratory tests on soils.
Title
Communicate Geotech Test Results Effectively
Learning Outcome
Communicate results of geotechnical tests effectively and explain their meaning in a clear and concise manner.
Title
Perform Experiments and Report Results as Teams
Learning Outcome
Collaborate with team members to lead, establish experiment goals, perform experiments, and prepare the results in report format.
Title
Soil classification/Soil Mineralogy
Learning Outcome
Perform fundamental calculations and analyses including weight-volumen relationships and soil classification. Understand influence of soil structure and mineralogy on soil behavior.
Title
Fluid flow in Soil
Learning Outcome
Understand basic principles of flow through porous media including Darcy's law, the equation of continuity, seepage forces and flow nets.
Title
Stress analysis in soil
Learning Outcome
Understand how stresses are transferred through soils. Compute both geostatic stress (total stress, effective stress, and pore pressures) and induced stresses due to point, line and area loads.
Title
Consolidation theory
Learning Outcome
Understand basic consolidation theory. Compute the amoun of settlement and the time required for settlement under a given load.
Title
Shear strength of soil
Learning Outcome
Understand shear strength principles including Mohr-Coloumb failure criterion. Perform basic caluclations related to shear strength analyis.
Title
Lateral earth pressures
Learning Outcome
Analyze lateral earth pressures under at-rest, active and passive conditions.
Title
Bearing capacity
Learning Outcome
Perform bearing capacity analysis for spread footings of various shapes. Understand how bearing capacity equations are used in foundation design.
