Introduction to Geotechnics: Soil and Rocks offers you a unique opportunity to delve into the dynamic field of geotechnics, an area experiencing significant growth due to the increasing number of infrastructure projects worldwide. Understanding soil and rock properties is crucial for ensuring the safety and stability of structures, making it a highly sought-after skill in the engineering sector. This online course provides you with essential knowledge, ranging from the description and classification of soils and rocks to their unique properties. By mastering these skills, you’ll position yourself at the forefront of a booming industry, enhancing your career prospects and contributing to safer and more efficient engineering projects. Join this course to gain a competitive edge and play a vital role in shaping the world’s infrastructure.
Introduction to Geotechnics. Soil and rocks
Civil Engineering and Structures
40 hours
Introduction
Objectives
- To understand basic soil and rock terminology effectively.
- To identify different soil types and their characteristics.
- To classify soils based on their properties and standards.
- To recognise and describe various rock types accurately.
- To assess rock properties for classification purposes.
- To apply soil and rock knowledge into real-world applications problems.
- To develop a fundamental understanding of geotechnics.
Table of Contents
UNIT 1. DESCRIPTION OF SOILS
Soil – Concept and Formation
Soil – Types of soil and sedimentary deposits
Granular Soils – Gravel and Sand
Cohesive Soils – Silts and Clays
Cohesive Soils – Structure, Types and Properties of Clays
UNIT 2. PROPERTIES AND CLASSIFICATION OF SOILS
Basic Properties – Volume and Weight
Basic Properties – Granular Soils
Basic Properties – Cohesive Soils
Unified Soil Classification System (USCS)
AASHTO Soil Classification System
UNIT 3. DESCRIPTION OF ROCKS
The Rock Cycle. Plate Tectonics and Deformations of the Earth’s Crust.
Igneous Rocks
Sedimentary Rocks
Metamorphic Rocks
Rock, Rock Matrix and Rock Mass
UNIT 4. PROPERTIES AND CLASSIFICATION OF ROCKS
Properties of the Rock Matrix
Properties of the Rock Mass: Discontinuities
Geomechanical Classifications – RMR (Rock Mass Rating)
Geomechanical Classifications – The Q Index
The GSI Index – Geological Strength Index