CEE 323: Soil Mechanics (Required for a
BSEnvE degree)
Fundamental engineering properties of soil and their application to
earth structures and foundations. Topics include seepage, compaction,
strength, and deformation characteristics of soils. Lecture 3 hours; 3
credits.
Principles of Geotechnical Engineering (5th edition), by B. M. Das,
Brooks/Cole, 200
Course Objectives
Students completing this course successfully will be able to
:
understand the origin, formation, parameters and basic fundamental
behavior of soils.
classify soils according to AASHTO and Unified System.
understand the flow of water through soils: seepage, water pressure,
flownet.
understand the effective stress concept and its application to quick
conditions.
understand consolidation theory and practice to compute foundation
settlement.
understand the concept of Mohr's circle and its application to shear
strength and lateral earth pressure theory.
understand the shear strength parameters of soil and determination
techniques of those.
understand the theory of lateral earth pressure.
understand the importance of life-long learning including graduate
school, FE examination and PE license.
Topics Covered
Introduction (1 hr)
Soil gradation and composition (three phase) (2 hrs)
Clay minerals, clay-water system, and soil structures (3 hrs)
Consistency (Atterberg limits) and activity (1 hr)
Soil classifications (2 hrs)
Compaction (2 hrs)
Flow of water, permeability, flow net, and water pressure along
boundaries (4 hrs)
Effective stress and capillary rise (3 hrs)
Heaving due to excavations (1 hr)
Stress increment due to surface loads (3 hrs)
Consolidation theory and settlement (7 hrs)
Mohr's circle(2 hrs)
Shear strength (6 hrs)
Lateral earth pressure (3 hrs)
Life-long learning, FE examination and PE license (1 hr).
Class/Laboratory Schedule
Two 75-minute lecture sessions per week.
Computer Applications
Moderate use of spreadsheet program through homework.
Introduction of commercial seepage software (will be initiated in 2004)
Laboratory projects
None
Contribution of Course to Meeting the Professional Component
College-level mathematics and basic sciences: 0 credits
Engineering topics: 3 credits
General education: 0 credits
Relationship of Course to Program Outcomes
This course will enhance the student's
ability to apply knowledge in mathematics, physics, engineering
science, soil science, fluid mechanics areas to civil and environmental
engineering problems,
ability to identify and formulate an engineering problem, to collect
and analyze relevant data, and to develop a solution,
ability to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a
societal and global context,
ability to understand and appreciate the importance of professional
licensure and commitment to life-long learning,
knowledge of current issues and awareness of emerging technologies,
ability to use modern engineering techniques, skills, and tools
including computer- based tools for civil and environmental engineering
analysis and design.
