Course Title: Test and evaluate soils

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2008

Course Code: CIVE5596

Course Title: Test and evaluate soils

School: 130T Infra, Electrotec & Build Serv

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6066 - Advanced Diploma of Civil Engineering (Structural Design)

Course Contact : Tony Skinner Program Coordinator

Course Contact Phone: (03) 9925 4444

Course Contact Email:tony.skinner@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Program Coordinator:
Mr Tony Skinner
Tel. 9925 4444
Fax. 99254377
Email: tony.skinner@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 40

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

EDX010 – Communicate and apply standard industry procedures and policies in and engineering design office
EDX120 – Use mathematics at technician level

Course Description

This unit covers the competency to correctly classify soils and carry out standard tests in order to evaluate soils.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

EAC120 Test and evaluate soils

Element:

Classify soils using standard tests and from examination of the origin of the soil

Performance Criteria:

1. 1 The processes from which soils are formed and transformed is examined and soil classification systems established.
1. 2 A sieve analysis and Atterberg limits test is performed to
AS 1289.
1. 3 A laboratory report is prepared which includes aims, apparatus, procedure, results, comments and conclusions.
1. 4 Any divergence from AS 1289 is noted in the report.
1. 5 Soils can be classified from visual examination and field tests.
1. 6 Soils can be classified from the results of particle size distribution and Atterberg limits analyses.
1. 7 Typical behaviour of different classes of soils in engineering situations can be described.
1. 8 Phase diagrams can be drawn for a soil having different degrees of saturation.
1. 9 The various parameters can be defined describing voids, water and density and the influence of voids and density on soil behaviour explained.
1. 10 A soil particle density test on sand is observed and a brief laboratory report is prepared which includes determination of the SPD.

Element:

Demonstrate understanding of the behaviour of engineering soils

Performance Criteria:

2.1 The main groupings of soils can be described including the types, origins, constituents and properties.
2.2 Sketches can be completed of typical soil profiles, including various water table situations and defects and the influence of each on the behaviour of the soil mass explained.
2.3 The process of consolidation can be described in terms of the dash pot analogy
2.4 The influence of pore water pressure and seepage pressure on soil stability can be described.
2.5 The methods of soil stabilisation can be described and the merits of each technique identified.
2.6 The suitability of various plant for compacting soils can be determined.
2.7 The various site exploration operations, sampling and testing techniques and equipment can be described.
2.8 The interaction between soil and structure can be discussed and the modes of failure of embankments, buildings, roads, retaining walls, dams etc identified.

Element:

Determine soil properties from the results of triaxial and direct shear tests

Performance Criteria:

3.1 The operation of the triaxial and the direct shear test is examined.
3.2 Test parameters and tabulated results are used to construct tables and graphs to determine soil properties.
3.3 Coulomb failure envelopes and Mohr’s circle is used to determine cohesion and the angle of internal friction.
3.4 A laboratory report is prepared which includes a graph showing the Coulomb lines and determining the angles of internal friction.

Element:

Perform a compaction test

Performance Criteria:

4.1 A standard or modified compaction test is performed.
4.2 The moisture content /dry density is plotted and used to determine optimum moisture content and maximum dry density
4.3 The zero air voids line is shown on the plot
4.4 The aims and process of compaction can be described.
4.5 Optimum moisture content can be explained.
4.6 Dry density curves can be drawn to show the influence of compaction effort and type of soil.
4.7 The principles of a C.B.R. test is examined and a prepared standard laboratory report which includes a load/penetration curve used in the determination of the zero correction and the ratio.
4.8 Stabilisation techniques, common test (laboratory and field) and simple pavement thickness design can be explained.

Learning Outcomes


Classify soils using standard tests and from examination of the origin of the soil
Demonstrate understanding of the behaviour of engineering soils

Determine soil properties from the results of triaxial and direct shear tests

Perform a compaction test


Details of Learning Activities

Teacher-led :
- The origin and the process of soil formations are explained.
- Parameters related with soil are explained.
- Atterberg limits test is explained and demonstrated.
- Sieve analysis test is performed and explained.
- Soil particle density test is demonstrated.
- Compaction test is explained and demonstrated.
- Parameters associated with the compaction test are explained.
- The principle of a CBR test is examined.
- The operation of the triaxial and the direct shear tests are examined.
- Parameters related with triaxial and direct shear tests are explained.
- The main groupings of soils are explained.
- Soil stability, soil stabilisation and related parameters are examined.
- Site exploration methods, sampling and testing techniques and equipment are described.
- Relation between soil and structure is described
Student-based problem-solving :
Participate in individual problem solving activities completed to industry standard related to typical engineering workplace problems requiring:
- Calculate all parameters related to soil.
- Calculate and complete test work sheets for sieve analysis, soil particle density, Atterberg limits, compaction and CBR.
- Determine cohesion and the angle of internal friction by using Mohr’s circle.
Lab work
- Perform sieve analysis test.
- Perform Atterberg Limits test.
- Perform compaction test (standard/modified).
- Observe CBR test.
- Observe triaxial and direct shear tests.


Teaching Schedule

See Online Learning Hub for details.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

From online notes.


References

• Manual of Soil Laboratory Testing Volume 1, K. H. Head, Pentech Press,
• Australian Standard 1726 – Geotechnical Site Investigations,
• Australian Standard 1289 - Methods of testing soils for engineering purposes,
• Australian Standard 1141 - Methods for sampling and testing of aggregates


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

This unit will be assessed in the classroom and the laboratory environment using holistic assessment based on typical workplace activities.
Assessment will comprise six assignments or lab reports (10% each), based on the following topics, followed by a final examination (40%). The number of laboratory experiments will depend upon the availability of resources :
• Triaxial/direct shear test
• CBR
• Compaction
• Atterberg Limits
• Sieve Analysis
• Soil Particle Density


Assessment Tasks

To achieve competence in this unit a student must demonstrate competence to industry standard in each element in terms of selected performance criteria and underpinning knowledge and skills.
A higher grading may be achieved by demonstrating competence in terms of additional performance criteria and underpinning knowledge and skills.

Context of assessment
This unit will be assessed in the classroom and the laboratory environment using holistic assessment based on typical workplace activities.
Assessment Method
1. Exams/tests
2. Laboratory work
3. Practical work/demonstration

The format of the test will include case studies and scenarios based on typical workplace activities to support problem-based assessment of ability to accurately complete calculations to industry standards. The industry standards applied will reflect those stated in the curriculum document under the sub-heading: ‘Critical aspects of assessment’

Students will have access to manufacturer’s charts and a list of relevant formulae, equations and material constants.


Assessment Matrix

Course Overview: Access Course Overview