CIV 341 – Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory

Current Catalog Description

This course consists of lecture and laboratory. The lecture is held ahead of the laboratory in order to provide the theoretical background and objectives of the tests conducted in the laboratory section of the course. Laboratory experiments that illustrate the basic analysis and behavior of soils, include liquid and plastic limits, grain size, compaction, permeability, consolidation, compression and shear strength. Lab report writing, measurement and error analysis.

Prerequisite

MEC 363

Corequisite:

CIV 330

Textbooks and/or Other Required Material

None

This course is

Required

Topics Covered

1. Particle Size Analysis of Soil
2. Atterberg Limits and Moisture Content
3. Soil Classifications
4. In-situ soil properties
5. Soil Compaction
6. Mechanically stabilized earth wall
7. Permeability of Granular Soils
8. Strength Properties of Clay
9. Shear Strength of Soil

Course Learning and Student Outcomes

Employ various classification methods to identify index properties of soils. ABET Student Outcome: 6

Analyze geotechnical characteristics of soil, such as permeability, compaction, consolidation, and shear strength and organize data for presentation. ABET Student Outcome: 1, 2, 6

Operate geotechnical engineering testing machines, measuring devices, and data acquisition systems.  ABET Student Outcomes: 1, 2, 6

Write comprehensive lab reports and give oral presentations in order to discuss experimental results and enhance understanding of underlying theories and applications of each test. ABET Student Outcome: 3

Design a conduct a unique experiment to explore the properties of mechanically stabilized earth walls. ABET Student Outcomes: 2, 5, 6

Work as an effective member of a multidisciplinary team. ABET Student Outcomes 5

Prepared by

Justin Antonette (2021)

Last Updated:

4/2021