SOIL MECHANICS AND FOUNDATION L T P J C

CLE1004
ENGINEERING 3 0 2 0 4
Syllabus version
Pre-requisite MAT1011 Calculus for Engineers
1.0
Course Objectives:
1.To impart the fundamental concepts of soil mechanics and understand the bearing capacity
2. To understand the concept of compaction and consolidation of soils
3. To understand the design aspects of foundation
4. To evaluate the stress developed in the soil medium
5. To study the stability of slopes
Expected Course Outcome:
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to
1. Compare the various engineering and index properties of soil.
2. Explain the hydraulic conductivity of the soil and seepage actions.
3. Examine the stress distribution at any point below the ground level.
4. Evaluate the shear strength of the soil using Mohr Soil.
5. Discuss the soil investigation techniques for advanced explorations and to conduct the field test
like SPT & PLT.
6. Evaluate the safe bearing capacity of shallow foundations
7. Estimate load carrying capacity of pile foundations and to compute the lateral earth pressure.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO): 1, 2, 14

Module: 1 Soil Properties and Compaction 7 hours SLO: 1, 2, 14
Basic definitions; Phase relations; Index properties; Grain size distribution & Index properties; Soil
Classification (IS) Compaction, Laboratory compaction tests & Factors affecting compaction.
Module: 2 Effective Stress Principle and Permeability 5 hours SLO: 1, 2
Principle of effective stress; Capillarity; Seepage force and quicksand condition One-dimensional flow;
Darcy’s law; Laboratory methods for permeability determination.
Module: 3 Stress Distribution and Consolidation 7 hours SLO: 1, 2
Boussinesq stress distribution theory and Newmarks chart Compressibility of soils, e-p data and stress
history; Normally consolidated and over-consolidated soils; Terzaghi’s theory of one-dimensional
consolidation; Time-rate of consolidation; Evaluation of compressibility and consolidation parameters.
Module: 4 Shear Strength Behaviour 6 hours SLO: 1, 2, 14
Mohr’s stress circle; Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion; Laboratory tests for shear strength
determination; Effective and total stress shear strength parameters; Shear strength characteristics of
clays and sands.
Module: 5 Soil Exploration 4 hours SLO: 2
Objective of site investigation– Detailed site investigation – Methods of exploration – Depth of
exploration – Factors governing location and depth of foundation – Types of Foundations – Selection
of Foundation. Preparation of soil investigation report
Bearing Capacity and Settlements of Shallow
Module: 6 8 hours SLO: 1, 2, 14
Foundations
Terzaghi’s theory of bearing capacity – General and local shear failure - Effect of Water table – Plate
load test – Standard Penetration Test – Design of Footings – Settlement of footings - Immediate and
 Time dependent settlement – Permissible limits of total and differential Settlement
Module: 7 Pile Foundations and Slope Stability 6 hours SLO: 2, 14
Classification and selection of piles – Static and dynamic formulae for single pile capacity – Efficiency
and capacity of pile groups – Design of Pile group – Settlement of Pile Groups– Load test on piles
Failure of infinite and finite slopes – Swedish circle method – Factor of safety - Slope stability of earth
dams.
Definitions – Earth pressure at rest – Rankine’s active and passive earth pressures - Coulomb’s earth
pressure theories – Types of retaining walls
Module: 8 Contemporary issues 2 hours
Total Lecture hours 45 hours
Text Book(s)
1. K.R.Arora, “Soil mechanics and Foundation Engineering” Std Publishers, New Delhi. 2011.
Reference Books
Braja M. Das, “Principles of Geotechnical Engineering”, Cengage learning pvt. Ltd, 8th Edition,
1.
2014.
Holtz D. and Kovacs, W.D., “An Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering”, Prentice Hall. 2nd
2.
Edition 2011.
Mode of evaluation: Continuous Assessment Test, Quizzes, Assignments, Final Assessment Test
Recommended by Board of Studies 04.03.2016
Approved by Academic Council 40th ACM Date 18.03.2016

Laboratory Exercises L Hrs SLO

Determination of Specific Gravity
Grain size Analysis – Mechanical Method
Consistency Limits
i) Liquid Limit
ii) Plastic Limit
Relative density
Compaction Test
Determination of Field Density 30 14
Coefficient of Permeability – Constant Head & falling head
Method
Direct Shear Test
Unconfined compression Test
Vane shear test
Consolidation Test
California Bearing Ratio Test