CE561 Soil Mechanics II (3 - 0:3)

Description: This course provides an elementary introduction to Geotechnical Engineering, and provides the basic mechanics necessary for the detailed study of
Geotechnical Engineering. This course aims to provide an understanding of: the nature of soils as engineering materials; common soil classification schemes; the
importance of water in the soil and the effects of water movement; methods of predicting soil settlements, the stress-strain-strength response of soils, and earth
pressures.

Pre-requisite: Soil Mechanics I

Student Assessment and Grading: Assignments and term Paper (10%), 2 Exams @ 25% each (50%), Final Exam (40%)

Learning outcomes, delivery and assessment methods- Cross Reference Table:

Program Objectives
Student Learning Outcome Method of Delivery Assessment Methods
1. Give an engineering classification of Examples and problems. Assignments, projects and a, b, e
any piece of soil, and on this basis predict how it exams.
will perform as an engineering material.
2. Understand the principle of effective Examples and problems. Assignments, projects and a, b, c, d, e, g
stress, and be able to apply this to calculate the exams
stresses causing soil deformation.

3. Calculate quantities of water flowing Examples and problems Assignments, projects and a, b, c, d, e, g
through the ground, and understand the effects exams
that water flow has on the soil.
4. Calculate the settlements, and rates of Examples and problems Assignments, projects and a, b, c, e
settlement, under structures of various shapes and exams
sizes.
5. Explain the advantages and limitations Examples and problems Assignments, projects and a, b, c, e
of the different methods of settlement calculation. exams.
6. Determine the strength parameters Examples and problems Assignments, projects and a, b, c, d, e, g
appropriate to a range of stability problems, and exams.
understand the difference between total and
effective stress approaches.
7. Evaluate strength parameters from Examples and problems Assignments, projects and a, b, c, d, e, g
laboratory data. exams.

ABET a-k Engineering and Technology program objectives

(a) An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, (e) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve (i) A recognition of the need for, and an ability to
science, and engineering engineering problems engage in life-long learning
(b) An ability to design and conduct experiments, to (f) An understanding of professional and ethical (j) A knowledge of contemporary issues
analyze and interpret data responsibility (k) An ability to use the techniques, skills, and
(c) An ability to design a system, component, or (g) An ability to communicate effectively modern engineering tools necessary for
process to meet desired needs (h) The broad education necessary to understand the engineering practice
(d) An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams impact of engineering solutions in a global and
societal context
CE561 Soil Mechanics II
Catalog Data CE 561 Soil Mechanics II (3 – 0 : 3)
This course provides the basic mechanics necessary for the detailed study of Geotechnical
Engineering. This course aims to provide an understanding of: the nature of soils as engineering
materials; common soil classification schemes; the importance of water in the soil and the effects
of water movement; methods of predicting soil settlements, the stress-strain-strength response of
soils.

Textbook Budhu, Muni (2000), Soil Mechanics and Foundations, John-Wiley and Sons.

Reference 1.Holtz, Robert D. and Kovacs, William D. (1981), An Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering,
Prentice-Hall.
2. Lambe, T. William and Whitman, Robert V. (1969), Soil Mechanics, John-Wiley and Sons.
3. Mitchell, James K. and Kenichi Soga (2005), Fundamentals of Soil Behavior, Third Edition, John-
Wiley and Sons.
Coordinator Dr. Osama Nusier

Goals Furnish the student with necessary knowledge of soil compaction, Darcy’s law , soil permeability, seepage
force, 2-D flow (isotropic and anisotropic soils) effective stress concept, consolidation of soil and settlement
calculations, shear strength of soil and shear strength analysis and the use of different parameters in stability
analysis.

Learning After successfully completing this course, the students should be able to:
O
ut
co
me
s:
1. Give an engineering classification of any piece of soil, and on this basis predict how it will
perform as an engineering material.
2. Understand the principle of effective stress, and be able to apply this to calculate the stresses
causing soil deformation.
3. Calculate quantities of water flowing through the ground, and understand the effects that
water flow has on the soil.
4. Calculate the settlements, and rates of settlement, under structures of various shapes and sizes.
5. Explain the advantages and limitations of the different methods of settlement calculation.
6. Determine the strength parameters appropriate to a range of stability problems, and
understand the difference between total and effective stress approaches.
7. Evaluate strength parameters from laboratory data.

Pre-Requisites 1. Soil classification 2. Effective stress

by Topic 3. Shear strength

Topics 1. Introductory Concepts 6 Lectures (50 min. each)

2. Effective Stress Principle 6 Lectures
3. Steady State Flow through Soils 8 Lectures
4. Analysis of Deformation and Settlement 10 Lectures
(Consolidation and Settlement)
5. Soil Behavior (Soil Strength and Stress- 13 Lectures
strain response)
6. Exams 2 Lectures

Computer
Usa
ge
Assessment Assignments and term Paper.…… 10% 2 exams @ 25% each ………… 50%
and Final Exam ……………………. 40%
Gra
ding

Estimated Engineering Science 1 Credit

Content Engineering Design 2 Credit

Prepared by Dr. Osama Nusier Date: December 2006