Geotechnical Engineering

Section NN

Place

Meeting Times

Office/Hours

Rowan Hall 304

M: 1215-1500

F: 0800-1050

Room 140

TR - 1300-1400

	Objectives
	Prerequisite
	Attendance Policy
	Performance Expectations
	Special Accommodations
	Topic List & Course Schedule
	Notes
	Class Presentations
	Homework & Exam Solutions
	Reading Material
	Useful Links

Objectives

This course is designed to provide the student with a clear and thorough understanding of the engineering behavior of soils. The course will also provide "hands on" experience for common soil tests. The students will be able to understand the quality and use of the laboratory results they obtain.

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^Prerequisite

Solid Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics I, and Civil Engineering Materials

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^{Attendance Policy}

In keeping with published policy (see p. 28 of the 1995-96 Rowan Undergraduate Catalog), attendance is required because substantial in-class material is presented. Points will be deducted from the final grade for unexcused absences. The instructor must be notified of an excused absence in advance of the class. Sleeping in class is forbidden. Notebooks, textbooks and calculators should be brought to each class. A group report will be required for each laboratory. It is imperative that all group members participate in writing as well as interpreting the data. Students not participating in their group’s work will have a percentage of the grade deducted, based on feedback from the other group members.

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^{Performance Expectations}

You are encouraged to work on homework assignments and exchange ideas with your classmates, but the assignment and calculations should reflect your individual effort. Points will be deducted for unprofessional presentation, unstapled sheets and missing names.

Grading

This course is only offered for grade credit. The grade is determined by evaluating work performed in the listed areas:

	Homework and Classwork 5%
	Quizzes 20%
	Laboratory Report 25%
	Midterm 20%
	Final Exam 30%

	All work must be submitted at the beginning of the class period on the due date. Accommodation may be granted for special circumstances but must be supported by proper documentation. If a student is excused, he/she will be given a reasonable opportunity to make up such work. Late work will be penalized 20% of the maximum possible score for each calendar day delay. An assignment submitted more than four days late will be given a zero score. Units on the final answer. No units, no credit.
	Unannounced quizzes will be given as required on material we have already covered.
	Any form of cheating, plagiarism, and/or academic dishonesty will result in an "F" grade in the course for the individual(s) involved.
	A 1-hour closed book midterm examination will be given approximately the 8th week of class. A one-page 81/2´ 11 inch formula sheet (prepared by the student) is permitted.
	A 2-hour final exam will be given during the final exam week. The final exam is not comprehensive, except for concepts and core material. A one-page 81/2´ 11 inch formula sheet (prepared by the student) is permitted.
	Partial credit will be given to incorrectly solved problems, as long as the solution reflects basic understanding of the material.

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Special Accommodation

Your academic success is important. If you have a documented disability that may have an impact upon your work in this class, please contact me. Students must provide documentation of their disability to the Academic Success Center in order to receive official University services and accommodations. The Academic Success Center can be reached at 856-256-4234. The Center is located on the 3rd floor of Savitz Hall. The staff is available to answer questions regarding accommodations or assist you in your pursuit of accommodations. We look forward to working with you to meet your learning goals.

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^{Topic List &
Course Schedule}

Date	Topics	Readings
Week 1	Introduction & Particle Size Distribution	Chapter 1 & Chapter 2
Week 2	Soil Composition, plasticity, structure	Chapter 3
February 4	Laboratory on soil identification	Handout
Week 3	Soil Classification	Chapter 4
February 11	Specific gravity test	Handout
Week 4	Soil compaction	Chapter 5
February 18	Laboratory on Particle Size Analysis – Mechanical & Hydrometer method	Handout
Week 5	Permeability	Chapter 6
February 25	Laboratory on Particle Size Analysis – Mechanical & Hydrometer method	Handout
Week 6	Seepage	Chapter 7
March 3	Plastic limit and liquid limit	Handout
Week 7	Seepage	Chapter 7
March 10	Compaction test	Handout
Week 8	Review and midterm	Chapters 1-7
March 17-21	Spring Break
March 24	Constant head permeability test	Handout
Week 9	In-situ stresses	Chapter 8
March 31	Flow nets	Handout
Week 10	Stresses in a soil mass	Chapter 9
April 7	Consolidation	Handout
Week 11	Compressibility of soils	Chapters 10
April 14	Laboratory on in-place soil density	Handout
Week 12	Compressibility of soils	Chapter 10
April 21	Laboratory on Unconfined Compression testing	Handout
Week 13	Shear strength of soils	Chapter 11
April 28	Shear strength of soils	Chapter 11
Week 14	Shear strength of soils	Chapter 11
May 5	Review	Chapter 1-11
May 6-10	Finals