Course Title: Test and evaluate soils

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2014

Course Code: CIVE5683

Course Title: Test and evaluate soils

School: 130T Vocational Engineering

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6093 - Advanced Diploma of Engineering Design

Course Contact: Program Manager

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4468

Course Contact Email: engineering-tafe@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Program Manager: Mr Ahmet Ertuncay
Tel. 9925 8375 Fax. 99254377
Email: ahmet.ertuncay@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

CIVE5658 (EDX130B) Use technical mathematics (basic).
CIVE5654 (EDX010B) Communicate and apply standard industry precedures and policies in an engineering design office.

Course Description

This unit of competency deals with the skills and knowledge required 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:

EAC120B Test and evaluate soils

Element:

1. Classify soils using standard classification systems, tests and various soil parameters.

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:

2. Perform a compaction test.

Performance Criteria:

2.1 A standard or modified compaction test is performed.
2.2 The moisture content /dry density is plotted and used to determine optimum moisture content and maximum dry density.
2.3 The zero air voids line is shown on the plot.
2.4 The aims and process of compaction can be described.
2.5 Optimum moisture content is understood and this informs analysis of results.
2.6 Dry density curves are drawn to show the influence of compaction effort and type of soil.
2.7 The principles of a C.B.R. test is examined and a standard laboratory report prepared which includes a load/penetration curve used in the determination of the zero correction and the ratio.
2.8 Stabilisation techniques, common test (laboratory and field) and simple pavement thickness design are understood.

Element:

3. 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:

4. Demonstrate understanding of the behaviour of engineering soils.

Performance Criteria:

4.1 The main groupings of soils are understood including the types, origins, constituents and properties.
4.2 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.
4.3 The process of consolidation is understood in terms of the dash pot analogy.
4.4 The influence of pore water pressure and seepage pressure on soil stability is understood.
4.5 The methods of soil stabilisation is understood and the merits of each technique identified.
4.6 The suitability of various plant for compacting soils can be determined.
4.7 The various site exploration operations, sampling and testing techniques and equipment are understood.
4.8 The interaction between soil and structure and the modes of failure of embankments, buildings, roads, retaining walls, dams etc are understood.

Learning Outcomes


.


Details of Learning Activities

You will be involved in the following learning activities to meet requirements for this course.

• Lectures/Tutorials
• Practicals/Discussions
• Journals/Research Work/Team Work
• Self-Directed Learning
• Site Visit/Excursion/Guest Speaker (TBA)

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 principles of CBR test are 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.
- Relations between soil and structures are 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 works
- Observe soil particle density test.
- Perform sieve analysis test.
- Perform Atterberg Limits test.
- Perform compaction test (standard/modified).
- Observe CBR test.
- Observe triaxial and direct shear tests.
 


Teaching Schedule

 The proposed teaching schedule for this competency is detailed below:

Week     Topics Delivered Element / Performance Criteria Assessment task                      
1 Classification of Soils 1.1  
2 Classification of Soils 1.4 - 1.5  
3 Classification of Soils 1.2 - 1.3 Soil Particle Density Asn.
 (Report due week 4)
4 Classification of Soils 1.6  
5 Classification of Soils 1.7 Atterberg Limits Prac.
(Report due week 6)
6 Classification of Soils 1.8 Sieve Analysis Prac.
(Report due week 7)
7 Classification of Soils 1.9 - 1.10  
8 Compaction Test 2.1 - 2.2  
9 Compaction Test 2.3 - 2.4  
10 Compaction Test 2.5 - 2.6 Compaction Test Prac.
(Report due week 11)
11 Compaction Test 2.7 - 2.8 C B R Asn.
(Report due week 12)
12 Determination of soil properties from the results of Triaxial and Direct Shear Tests 3.1 - 3.2  
13 Determination of soil properties from the results of Triaxial and Direct Shear Tests 3.3 - 3.4  Triaxial and Direct Shear Asn.
 (Report due week 14)
14 The behaviour of engineering soils 4.1 - 4.2 - 4.3  
15 The behaviour of engineering soils 4.4 - 4.5 - 4.6  
16 The behaviour of engineering soils 4.7 - 4.8  
17 - 18  Course feedback
Final Assessment 

1.1 - 1.3 - 1.4 - 1.6 - 1.7 - 1.8 - 1.9 - 1.10 - 2.2 - 2.3 - 2.4 - 2.5 - 2.6 - 2.7 - 2.8 - 3.2 - 3.3 - 3.4 - 4.1 - 4.2 - 4.3 - 4.4 - 4.5 - 4.6 - 4.7 - 4.8

 Written Test.
(Due week 17 / 18)


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

From online notes posted on blackboard.


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

Assessment are conducted in both theoretical and practical aspects of the course according to the performance criteria set out in the National Training Package. Students are required to undertake summative assessments that bring together knowledge and skills.

To successfully complete this course you will be required to demonstrate competency in each assessment tasks detailed under the Assessment Task Section.


Your assessment for this course will be marked using the following table

NYC (<50%)
Not Yet Competent

CAG (50-59%)
Competent - Pass

CC (60-69%)
Competent - Credit

CDI (70-79%)
Competent - Distinction

CHD (80-100%)
Competent - High Distinction


Assessment Tasks

Assessment Tasks
There are six assessments for learning elements and a final written test in the last session covering two hours. The seven assessments all contribute to the final result for this course. There are no extensions to assessment tasks.
Assessment 1 – Soil Particle Density Test (Assignment-Practical Test)
This practical assessment (in the class) will focus on your practical ability to solve problems, complete work-sheet and report results of the soil test.  This practical exercise will have a weighting of 2% of the final overall assessment mark.
Assessment 2 – Atterberg Limits Test (Laboratory Test)
This practical assessment (in the laboratory) will focus on your practical ability to conduct the test, solve problems, complete work-sheet and report results of the soil test.   This laboratory exercise will have a weighting of 10% of the final overall assessment mark.
Assessment 3 – Sieve Analysis Test (Laboratory Test)
This practical assessment (in the laboratory) will focus on your practical ability to conduct the test, solve problems, complete work-sheet and report results of the soil test.   This laboratory exercise will have a weighting of 10% of the final overall assessment mark.
Assessment 4 – Compaction Test (Laboratory Test)
This practical assessment (in the laboratory) will focus on your practical ability to conduct the test, solve problems, complete work-sheet and report results of the soil test.   This laboratory exercise will have a weighting of 10% of the final overall assessment mark.
Assessment 5 – CBR Test (Assignment-Practical Test)
This practical assessment (in the class) will focus on your practical ability to solve problems, complete work-sheet and report results of the soil test. This practical exercise will have a weighting of 2% of the final overall assessment mark.
Assessment 6 – Triaxial / Direct Shear Test (Assignment-Practical Test)
This practical assessment (in the class) will focus on your practical ability to solve problems, complete work-sheet and report results of the soil test. Provide written assignment regarding Triaxial and Direct Shear tests.  This practical exercise will have a weighting of 10% of the final overall assessment mark.
Assessment 7 - Written Test
A two hour exam will be held to assess the learning outcomes listed under the elements / performance criteria. The final assessment is a closed book written test.  This assessment will have a weighting of 56% of the final overall assessment mark



 


Assessment Matrix

Assessment vs EAC120B Elements & Performance Criteria.

  EAC120B Elements & Performance Criteria

Assessments             

1.1 

 1.2 1.3  1.4  1.5 1.6 1.7  1.8 1.9 1.10 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7

4.8
Assignments 14 %         x          x              x    x   x x  x                 
Lab tests        30 %   x  x  x   x    x  x  x  x   x x  x  x  x                             
Test                 56%  x   x   x   x  x  x  x x    x   x x  x   x  x  x    x  x  x  x x   x x   x  x x  x


 

Other Information

You need to obtain minimum PASS from all assessment tasks, failing one or more assessment task will result in failing the course.

Study and Learning Support:
The Study and Learning Centre (SLC) provides free learning and academic development advice to all RMIT students.
Services offered by SLC to support numeracy and literacy skills are:

* Assignment writing, thesis writing and study skills advice
* Maths and science developmental support and advice
* English language development

Please refer http://www.rmit.edu.au/studyandlearningcentre to find more information

Disability Liaison Unit:
If you have a disability or long-term medical condition you should contact the DLU to seek advice and support.

Please Refer http://www.rmit.edu.au/disability to find more information about their services

Late submission:
If you require an extension for 7 calendar days or less (from the original due date) you must complete and lodge an Application for Extension of Submittable Work (7 Calendar Days or less) form and lodge it with the Senior Educator/ Program Manager.
The application must be lodged no later than one working day before the official due date. The student will be notified within no more than 2 working days of the date of lodgment as to whether the extension has been granted.

If you require an extension of more than 7 calendar days (from the original due date) you must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form under the provisions of the Special Consideration Policy, preferably prior to, but no later than 2 working days after the official due date.

Assignments submitted late without approval of an extension will not be accepted nor marked.

Special consideration:

Please Refer http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration to find more information

Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is a form of cheating and it is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University.

Please Refer: www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity to find more information.

Other Information:
All email communications will be sent to your RMIT email address and it is recommended that you check it regularly.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview