Geotechnical Engineering Fundamentals: Basic Soil Mechanics Concepts

After participating in this course, you will be able to:

• Determine the hydraulic conductivity (also called permeability) of soils.
• Determine the rate of flow through soil.
• Calculate flow under and within earth structures.
• Calculate pore water pressure and uplift seepage force.
• Appreciate the importance of the flow of water through soils.

Description
The flow of water in soil may cause instability and failure of many geotechnical structures (e.g., excavation, embankments, dams, roads and bridges).

This lecture focuses on the 1-dimensional and 2-dimensional flow of water in the soil. All key concepts, including the mechanism of flow, rate of flow, determination of flow rate in different applications, and flow control, will be explained, and emphasis will be placed on the practical application of the information provided.

Course Outline

• Mechanism of flow in soil
• Soil permeability
• 1D and 2D flow through the soil
• Seepage analysis for dams and retaining walls
• Impact of the flow of water on the stability of shoring systems and dams

Who Should Attend
Those who deal with construction-related geotechnical engineering issues or need to build background on geotechnical analyses & design, including:

• Civil, Environmental & Transportation engineers/Technicians
• Geologists, city & public works officials/planners