Geotechnical Design Part 1: Earth Slope Stability TSYH 4210

Upon successful completion, the student will be able to:

Module 1 - Introduction to the Characteristics of Soils and Soil Deposits

• Define soil and the basic properties of soil.
• Recognize the influence of geology on soil deposits and on soil classification types.
• Distinguish the influence of particle size, shape and soil structure on the stability of an earth slope.
• Explain and describe soil index properties.
• Explain and describe soil testing methods used to determine classification and index properties of soils.
• Discuss the importance of groundwater on slope stability.

Module 2 - Soil Mechanics and Design of Soil Slopes

• State and define the terminology used in describing soil and strength.
• Discuss how the engineering properties of soil relate to the stability of a slope.
• Define the terms shear strength of soil, cohesion, friction angle, normal stress, shear stress and factor of safety.
• Apply shear strength information to design of soil cuts, embankment slopes and natural slopes.

Module 3 - Introduction to Slope Movement

• Name and describe the types of slope movement.
• Describe the causes of slope instability.
• Describe the visual indicators of slope instability.

Module 4 - Slope Stability Charts

• Define the term factor of safety as it is applied to the analysis of the stability of a slope.
• Evaluate the stability of an infinite slope composed of cohesionless soils.
• Evaluate the stability of an infinite slope composed of cohesive soils.

Module 5 - Rotational Slope Failures

• Analyze and evaluate the stability of a slope using the Circular Arc method.
• Analyze and evaluate the stability of a slope using the Fellenius method.
• Evaluate the stability of a slope using the Simplified Bishop method.

Module 6 - Slope Stability Charts

• Evaluate the stability of a slope in homogeneous soil using Taylor Stability charts.
• Evaluate the stability of a slope containing a soil which possesses both cohesion and internal friction using Bishop-Morgenstern charts.

Module 7 - Instrumentation, Correction and Protection Measures

• Describe how instrumentation is used to determine the rate, direction and extent of movement in a slope.
• Discuss the methods used to reduce the forces tending to cause movement and how they are applied to slope stabilization projects.
• State and discuss the drainage methods commonly used to stabilize a slope.
• State and discuss the methods used to increase the resisting forces applied to slope stabilization projects.
• Illustrate the use of walls, piles and anchors in slope stabilization projects.

Effective as of Fall 2003