Soils Technology Part 1: Basic Properties TSYH 3201

Upon successful completion, the student will be able to:

Module 1 - Introduction to Geology and Soils

• Define the terms geology and soil mechanics and comprehend their usage in the engineering field.
• Describe the concept of soil as a material made up of individual particles and describe how this particle nature of soil affects all structures involving soil.
• Describe the properties of soil that are of interest in the engineering field.

Module 2 - The Nature and Origin of Soil Deposits

• Describe the term geology and relate its importance to the field of engineering.
• Describe the processes that take place in the formation of soils.
• Discuss the origin and character of soils in their natural deposits.
• Recognize and explain the effects of subsurface water on the behavior of soils and on their engineering properties.

Module 3 - Nature and Origin of Rock

• Describe the major classifications of rock and explain the methods used in rock identification and classification.
• Describe the processes that take place during the formation of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
• Describe the purpose and use the sight recognition and rock identification tables and figures utilized by the MOTH.
• Describe the various components of the structure of an existing body of rock.

Module 4 - Field Identification of Soils

• Describe and explain the need for a classification system.
• State the soil properties which identify a soil type.
• Describe and use simple field tests to identify the above soil properties and hence the soil type.

Module 5 - Mass - Volume Relationship

• Describe the mass - volume relationship of soils.
• Define all the terms used in the mass - volume relationship.
• Employ the above-mentioned terms as required and display a knowledge of realistic values of them for various soil types.

Module 6 - Classification Tests

• Describe the sieve test, produce a grading curve for a given soil sample and discuss the types of possible material gradations.
• Describe the principles and use of the hydrometer test.
• Describe the method used to determine the moisture content.
• Describe the Atterburg Limit tests and explain the relationship between the liquid limit, plastic limit and plasticity index.

Module 7 - Soil Classification System

• Define what a soil classification system is and state what its purpose is.
• Identify soils using the Unified Soil Classification System.
• Relate the classification grouping of a soil to its properties and potential engineering uses or problems.

Effective as of Fall 2003