This course is a follow up to Geotechnical Engineering and deals with an introduction to the field of earth retaining structures. The objectives of the course are to review and extend some important aspects of soil mechanics, to familiarize the student with lateral earth pressure theories and their application to retaining wall design.

The specific objectives of the course are to provide the students with:

Quantify the lateral earth pressures associated with different earth systems.

Evaluate the mechanical properties of geosynthetics used for soil reinforcement, including aspects related to time-dependent response.

Identify the types, advantages, and disadvantages of the different earth retaining systems (e.g. gravity structures, geosynthetic-reinforced soil structures, earth anchored systems, soil nailing).

Select the most technically appropriate and cost-effective type of retaining wall for the application from a thorough knowledge of available systems.

Complete the design of retaining structures using appropriate design methods, factors of safety, earth pressure diagrams and field verification methods.

Be knowledgeable of current US guidelines regarding the design of earth retaining structures.

Master the design retaining structures considering both external and internal stability using hand calculations as well as state-of-the-practice numerical tools.

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^Prerequisite

Geotechnical Engineering

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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. Students are expected to be on time for classes, and remain current in the assigned readings. 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. Notebooks, textbooks and calculators should be brought to each class.

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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 10%

Classwork and quizzes 25%

Midterm Exam 25%

Professional Conduct 5 %

Final Exam 35%

For graduate students, an additional project and presentation will be required. The above grades will be normalized to 80%, with 20% attributed to the project and presentation. Your professional conduct and grades will also be evaluated based on the following considerations:

1. All students should be on time to class. Only under emergency circumstances can you miss class and this will be granted only when proper documentation is provided. If a student is excused, he/she will be given a reasonable opportunity to make up such work but it is the student’s responsibility to find a reasonable time to do that. Quizzes will be given at the beginning of each class on material previously covered. Units are required on all work.

2. Any form of cheating, plagiarism, and/or academic dishonesty will result in an "F" grade in the course for the individual(s) involved.

3. A 2-hour closed book midterm examination will be given approximately the 8th week of class. A one-page 81/2 X 11 inch formula sheet (prepared by the student) is permitted.

4. A 2-hour final exam will be given during the final exam week. The final exam is comprehensive. A one-page 81/2 X 11 inch formula sheet (prepared by the student) is permitted.

5. Partial credit will be given to incorrectly solved problems, as long as the solution reflects basic understanding of the material.

^{Classroom bill of
rights}

The following constitutes an agreement between the students and instructor. If you have any concerns about this Bill, please bring it to my attention immediately.

Everyone in this class (students, instructors, guests) has the right to work in harassment-free, hostility free environment; harassment of others and explicit or deliberate hostility are not tolerated.

Everyone in this class has the responsibility to behave as competent adults and to be open and polite to one another.

Everyone in the class has the right to be treated with respect and dignity at all times, even in the midst of heated argument.

Everyone in this class has the responsibility to work together to create an environment in which active learning, including responsible and respectful thinking is encouraged.

Everyone in this class should come fully prepared to listen, to participate, to learn, to teach.

Students have the responsibility to keep an open mind and to try to comprehend what the instructor/and fellow classmates are trying to get across to them.

Students have the responsibility to try to integrate the information from their courses into other courses and into other areas of their lives.

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Special Accommodation

A student requiring special accommodation because of a medically documented disability should contact the instructor as soon as possible. Upon submission of a written request, the instructor will do her best to accommodate such situations.

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Topic List & Course Schedule

Week	Topics
1	Introduction: Geotechnical Engineering Review
2	Bearing capacity of soils
3	Earth pressures on structures, factors that determine earth pressure magnitude
4	Simplest earth pressure theory (Rankine's)- applications, limitations
5	Coulomb's earth pressure theory - applications, limitations
6	Design of retaining walls
7	Design of retaining walls (cont.) including settlement
8	Midterm Exam
9	Sheet pile walls
10	Sheet Pile Walls (cont)
11	Reinforced earth walls
12	Reinforced earth walls
13	Tieback walls
14	Presentations
15	Final Exam