Foundation Engineering CIVL 4323

Course description:

The purpose of this course is to provide the students with depth knowledge and understanding of the principles governing the design of foundation systems for structures. This course covers the following subjects: subsurface exploration (borings, sampling, preparation of boring logs, and subsoil exploration report), running field tests (Vane Shear Test, Cone Penetration Test, Pressuremeter T, and Dilatometer Test), ultimate bearing capacity of shallow foundations, lateral earth pressure, retaining walls, and sheet pile walls.

Course Aims:

The goals of this course are to:
  •  To introduce to students the fundamental concepts of foundation analysis and design.
  •  To develop students ability to interpret field and laboratory data to get design parameters for foundation analysis.
  •  To prepare students for the effective use of the commonly used formulas, tables, and figures in the design and analysis of shallow and deep foundations.
  •  To introduce some selected topics in foundation engineering.

Course outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  • Identify the essential steps involved in a geotechnical site investigation and specify appropriate laboratory test procedures for the characterization soil materials with respect to strength and compressibility. 
  •  Identify the principal types of foundations and describe the factors governing the choice of the most suitable type of foundation for a given situation. 
  •  Perform: (a) bearing capacity and, (b) settlement analyses for shallow foundations.
  •  Evaluate (a) end bearing capacity and (b) skin friction for a given type of deep foundations and hence estimate the axial load capacity.
  •  Prepare a geotechnical engineering report documenting procedures used and findings from site investigation.