Course Overview
A course on the methods and equipment used in preparing highways for paving based on soil properties. Inspection and control, proctor and nuclear density, sand and balloon density tests are included.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
1.0
- Retired
- This course has been retired and is no longer offered. Find other Flexible Learning courses that may interest you.
Learning Outcomes
Module 1 - Slope Stability and Earth Settlement
- Explain the primary types of slope failure and the reasons for these failures.
- Explain how relatively poor soils can be improved and stabilized by intermixing of soils at the borrow source and by varying the moisture content at the point of placement.
- Describe the above methods of stabilization.
- Explain soil settlement and the methods employed to minimize the effects of settlement in highway construction.
- Describe the methods used for surface stabilization by means of admixtures.
Module 2 - Compaction Theory and Testing
- Define the terms compaction, dry density, bulk density, moisture content and compactive effort.
- Discuss the moisture-density relationship of soils and its relevance to compaction.
- Explain the theory of Proctor tests and be able to plot and interpret Proctor test results.
- Explain the soil types, classification and properties with respect to compaction.
- Describe and explain both the standard and modified Proctor compaction tests.
- Explain the applicability of both tests.
Module 3 - In Field Compaction Testing
- Explain the applicability in field density tests.
- Describe the sand cone and balloon tests.
- Describe and explain the Nuclear soil density test.
- Perform density calculations given the appropriate field data.
Module 4 - Compaction Methods, Equipment, Specifications, and Productivity
- Describe the four principal methods of attaining compaction.
- Describe and recognize the static weight, tamping, impact and vibratory compactors.
- Explain where and why each type of machine may best be used.
- Decide which type of compactor should be used on a particular type of soil.
- Explain the theory of and the practices used in a soil compaction operation in terms of the project specifications.
- Select the compaction equipment best suited to a particular soil and the required production rate.
- Calculate and assess the production rates for compaction equipment.
Effective as of Fall 2003
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.