GEO5570

Describe soils and determine their physical characteristics, such as grain size, water content and void ratio

Classify soils

Determine compaction of soils

Understand the importance of soil investigations and be able to plan a soil investigation

Understand the concept of effective stress

Determine total and effective stresses and pore water pressures

Determine soil permeability

Determine how surface stresses are distributed within a soil mass

Specify, conduct and interpret soil tests to characterize soils

Determine soil strength and deformation parameters from soil tests; for example, Young’s modulus, friction angle and undrained shear strength

Discriminate between “drained” and “undrained” conditions

Understand the effects of seepage on the stability of structures

Estimate the bearing capacity and settlement of structures founded on soils

Analyze and design simple foundations

Determine the stability of earth structures; for example, retaining walls and slopes