CEE 305
Soil Mechanics I
3
Course Description
Upon the completion of the course, students should be capable of:
1. measuring soil properties in the laboratory;
2. interpreting and summarising the data;
3. classifying soils;
4. determining the optimum conditions for the compaction of soils and the ultimate amount
achievable; and
5. estimating the settlement of soils due to compaction and consolidation.
Course Outline
Mineralogy of soils and soil structures. Formation of soils, soil classification, engineering
properties of soils. Soil in water relationships - void ratio, porosity, specific gravity,
permeability and other factors. Atterberg limits, particle size distribution, Shear strength of
soils and Mohr’s stress circle. Compaction and soil stabilisation, settlement, theory of
consolidation. Laboratory work.