COT 164

Soils

Biljana Bulakovska , Instructor

Prerequisite: None

Text: Schroder, W.L., Soils in Construction, 5 th Ed., Prentice Hall

Learn about soil as a construction material with emphasis on the techniques and methods of performing laboratory and field tests for soil classification, moisture-density relationships and unconfined compression testing. Test procedures are based upon ASTM and AASHO standards.

Course Outline:

Unit I: Soils: A Construction Material
A. Origin, Composition and Engineering 1
Properties of Soil
B. Soil Types and Soil Structure 1
Unit Test 1 1

Unit II: Soil Laboratory and Field Testing Basics
A. Terms, Symbols, Nomenclature and Definitions 1
B. Weights, Volumes and Measurements 1
C. Testing Standards 1
D. Test Data Reporting 1
E. Laboratory and Field Safety and Regulations 1
F. Water Content Determination 1
G. Visual Classification 2
H. Soil Investigation and Sampling 2
Unit Test 2 1

Unit III: Classification of Soils Laboratory Method
A. Index Properties 2
B. Classification Tests 7
C. Classifications Systems 3
Unit Test 3 2

Unit IV: Soil Compaction
A. Compaction Principles and Practices 1
B. Moisture – Density Tests 2
C. Field Control and Field Density Tests 3
Unit Test 4 1

Unit V: Shear Strength of Soils
A. Shear Strength Theory 1
B. Laboratory Unconfined Soil Tests 3
C. Filed Unconfined Testing 2
Unit Test 5 1

Comprehensive Practical Problem 3

Final Exam

Given a list of 100 terms related to soil mechanics and without the aid of any reference, the students will be able to write a definition for each term with an accuracy of 85% or better.

When given a list of 25 symbols and nomenclature related to soil mechanics and without the aid of any reference, each student will be able to identify 90% of the symbols.

Given a list of 30 common weights, linear measurements, and volumes in either metric or U.S. Customary units used in a soils laboratory and for field testing and without the aid of any reference, each student will be able to write the conversion factor for each with an accuracy of 75%.

Given samples of various types of soils, and the necessary equipment, each student will be able to classify mineral and organ-mineral soils for engineering purposes in accordance with ASTM D-2487 “Classification of Soils of Engineering Purposes”.

Given samples of various types of soils, each student will be able to Identify and describe the soils for engineering purposes based upon visual examination and simple manual test in accordance with ASTM D-2488.

Given a plot with a soil boring layout and the necessary equipment and data sheets for obtaining a disturbed and undisturbed sample of soil, each student will be able to do the following:

Collect a disturbed sample of soil by the hand-augur boring method and in accordance with ASTM D-1452.

Collect a disturbed sample of soil by the thin wall boring method and in accordance with ASTM D-1587.

Locate the boring location from reference and datum points, elevation and linear and angular measurements.

Collect and record the necessary field data and write a field report.

Draw a soil and water content profile.

Each student will be able to perform a Volumetric-Gravimetric Relationships Test and compute the dry density, the saturated density, the void ratio, and the specific gravity using a given course-gained sample.

In accordance with ASTM D-2937 and using a cohesive soil sample, each student will be able to determine the unit of a cohesive soil. To be acceptable, the final weight of the sample can not be greater than 2 grams of the initial weight.

Given an ASTI Annual Book of Soil Standards, a sample of soil, the necessary equipment and data sheets, each student will be able to demonstrate understanding of the tests listed below by writing a summary for each test, conducting the test, recording the data and computing and reporting the results within a time determined reasonable for each test:

Laboratory Determination of Moisture Content of Soil, according to ASTI D-2216.

Liquid Limits of Soils, according to ASTI D-423.

Plastic Limits and Plastics Index of Soils, according to ASTI D-424.

Shrinkage Factor of Soils, according to ASTI D-422.

Particle Size Analysis of Soils, according to ASTI D-427.

Specific Gravity of a Cohesive Soil, according to ASTI D-854.

Moisture-Density relationships of Soils, according to ASRO D-698 (Standard Proctor).

Moisture-Density relationships of Soils, according to ASTI D-1557 (Modified Proctor).

Density of Soil In-Place by the Sand Cone Method, according to ASTI D-1556.

Density of Soil In-Place by the Rubber-Balloon Method, according to ASTI D-2167.

Density of Soil In-Place by the Nuclear Method, according to ASTI D 2922.

Unconfined Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soil, according to ASTI D-2166.

Relative Density of Cohesive Soils, according to ASTI D-2049.

Given a variety of different test data sheets from private testing firms, standard type forms, and from the Illinois Department of Transportation for the same test, and the test data from selected tests, each student will be able to demonstrate proficiency in reporting the test results by recording and calculating the date accurately.

Click Here for Explanation of the Department Policy

SYLLABUS
COT 164-001 Soils

2 Semester Hours
Lecture: 2 Hours

Course Description
Acquire basic knowledge about soils as a construction material, with familiarity with techniques and methods of performing laboratory and field tests for soil classification, moisture-density relationships and unconfined compression testing. Test procedures are based on ASTM & AASHO standards.

Course Objectives
The student will be able to identify various types of soils and their characteristics as applicable to construction of structures, pavements and underground utilities.

Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend all class sessions, and to arrive on time. Attendance will be taken each class session. Please note that if you are not in attendance, you cannot participate in classroom discussions. Three or more absences can result in either a failing grade or withdrawal from the class.

Grading
Letter grades Breakdown
A: 90 – 100 Class participation 10%
B: 80-89 Pop Quizzes 20%
C: 70-79 Midterm 25%
D: 60-69 Final Exam 35%
F: 59 or below Class Project 10%

All quizzes and examinations will be closed book, closed notes tests of your knowledge. All material either in the text or discussed in class may appear on any quiz or examination.

Academic integrity: Students are responsible for the integrity of their academic work; with that as a firm starting point. It is encouraged that students also learn from each other. Personal experiences and insights of the members of the class constitute an important resource for each other, which we will utilize as much as possible.

Course Schedule

September 1 – Introduction, Discussion of course objectives, Triton College policies and procedures
Syllabus
Lecture: Sources of soils information, i.e. Soil Conservation Districts and Chapter 1 Physical Character of Soil Constituents
Homework: Read Chapter 1 Physical Character of Soil Constituents & Chapter 2, Natural Soil Deposits

September 8
Lecture: Review of Chapter 1, and Chapter 2 - Natural Soil Deposits
Homework: Read Chapter 3 - Soil Index Properties

September 15
Lecture: Review of Chapter 2 - Natural Soil Deposits, and Chapter 3 - Soil Index Properties
Homework: Read Chapter 4, Soil Classification

September 22
Lecture: Review of Chapter 3, Soil Index Properties and Chapter 4, Soil Classification
Homework: Read Chapter 5, Stress Analysis and Engineering Properties

September 29
Lecture: Review of Chapter 4, Soil Classification and Chapter 5, Stress Analysis and Engineering Properties
Homework: Read Chapter 6 Contract and Contract Documents

October 6
Lecture: Review of Chapter 5, and Chapter 6, Contract and Contract Documents
Homework: Read Chapter 7 Interpretation of Soils Reports

October 13
Lecture: Review of Chapters 1 through 6
Homework: Prepare for Mid term Examination

October 20 - Mid Term Examination

October 27
Lecture:: Review of Mid term examination and feedback, and Review of Chapter 7
Homework Read Chapter 8 Embankment Construction and Erosion Control

November 3
Lecture: Review of Chapter 8 Embankment Construction and Erosion Control
Homework: Read Chapter 9 - Dewatering

November 10
Lecture: Review of Chapter 8 and Chapter 9 - Dewatering
Homework: Read Chapter 10 - Excavations and Excavation Supports

November 17
Lecture: Review of Chapter 9, and Chapter 10 - Excavations and Excavation Supports
Homework: Read Chapter 11 Foundation Construction

November 24 – Winter Break

December 1
Lecture: Review of Chapter10 - Excavations and Excavation Supports, and Chapter 11 Foundation Construction
Homework: Read Chapter 12 – Construction Access and Haul Roads

December 8
Lecture: Review of Chapter 11 and Chapter 12 – Construction Access and Haul Roads
Homework: Review text and lecture notes

December 15
Lecture: Course review
Homework: Prepare for Final Examination

December 22 - Final Examination