CEV 234E - Soil Mechanics

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Understand the Fundamentals of Soil Mechanics

Develop a strong theoretical foundation in soil mechanics principles, including soil classification, compaction, permeability, and stress distribution.
Analyze the Hydraulic and Mechanical Properties of Soils

Examine soil behavior under different loading and environmental conditions, including effective stress, consolidation, and shear strength.
Apply Soil Mechanics to Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering

Explore the role of soil mechanics in environmental engineering, including landfill design, groundwater flow, and soil remediation.
Interpret and Solve Engineering Problems Related to Soil Behavior

Utilize analytical and numerical methods to assess soil stability, slope failures, and subsurface drainage.
Develop Practical Engineering Skills

Gain hands-on experience in soil testing, data interpretation, and application of fundamental soil mechanics principles in real-world engineering projects.
Enhance Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Abilities

Foster analytical skills to evaluate geotechnical case studies and propose appropriate engineering solutions.
Prepare for Advanced Geotechnical Studies

Establish a solid knowledge base for further studies in foundation engineering, soil-structure interaction, and geotechnical hazard mitigation.
This course will equip students with the necessary skills to understand soil behavior and apply geotechnical principles to environmental and civil engineering challenges.

Course Description

This course introduces the fundamental principles of soil mechanics, focusing on the physical and index properties of soils, soil classification, and compaction. It covers essential hydraulic properties such as capillarity and permeability and examines the concepts of total, neutral, and effective stresses in soil. The course also explores stress-deformation relationships, stress distribution, consolidation, and shear strength. Additionally, the principles of slope stability are introduced to analyze and prevent potential slope failures.

By the end of this course, students will develop a solid foundation in soil behavior and its applications in geotechnical and environmental engineering. Through theoretical and analytical approaches, students will learn how to assess and solve engineering problems related to soil mechanics.