This course builds on many of the concepts covered in Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering. It develops the fundamentals for analyzing several common geotechnical problems, including compaction, consolidation settlement, slope stability, retaining walls, and foundations. Two laboratories allow students to observe real soil behaviour. This course, along with Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering, provides the foundation required for subsequent geotechnical electives, including Foundation Engineering, Geotechnical Analysis, Slope Engineering, and Ground Improvements and Geosynthetics Engineering.
Through labs, a group project, assignments, and lectures, students should become familiar with the terminology and principles of geotechnical engineering associated with each topic. They should also develop the ability to apply the concepts learned to design problems. Finally, they should develop a deepening appreciation of geotechnical engineering as a coherent body of knowledge and become aware of how it relates to other areas in Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering.