GEOL 455
PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
Catalog Entry
GEOL 455. Principles of Engineering Geology
Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory (4).
Prerequisite: GEOL 105; and either GEOL 100 or GEOL 106; and mathematics through trigonometry. Minimum of one semester of physics is strongly recommended.
A study of the application of geologic principles and data collection techniques to the evaluation of design and construction problems relating to engineering projects including dams, highways, landfills, tunnels and reservoirs including an overview of availability and suitability of soil and rock as construction materials.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
The primary emphasis of this course is to develop in students an understanding of the application of geologic data collection techniques and principles to the study of rock and soil materials, and to some extent groundwater, so that the geologic factors affecting the design, construction, and maintenance of engineering projects are known. Topics include:
WEEK TOPICS
1 Introduction, Engineering Geology Defined
2 Soil vs. Bedrock
3 Soil Classification
4 Phase Diagrams, Soil Properties, Compaction
5 Effective Stress, Ground-water, Permeability
6 Soil Strength
7 Soil Strength & Consolidation
8 Engineering Properties of Rock, Aggregates
9 Physical Subsurface Investigations
10 Building Foundations
11 Highway Geology
12 Blasting
13 Slope Stability
14 Grouting, Engineering Geology of Urban Areas
15 Student Presentations
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This course combines classroom lecture with laboratory investigations and practical problem solving exercises. Video tape and slide presentations are utilized to provide visual examples of engineering geologic case histories and technical procedures. A minimum of one field trip is planned to provide additional practical experience. Students are required to complete a research project and offer the results in the format of either a professional paper or a professional oral presentation.
Goals and Objectives of Course
1. Students will understand the application of geologic principles and procedures
to the engineering design and performance of manmade structures on and in the earth.
2. Students will acquire knowledge of actual career working conditions and employer
expectations.
3. Students will be required to exhibit professional quality work.
Assessment Measures
Grading:
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Final grades will be based on the percentage of points earned by the student out of the 500 possible points. The lecture tests consist of essay and short answer questions along with practical geologic and engineering problems testing students' knowledge base in engineering geology. The laboratory and homework assignments will assess skill levels in industry standards of analysis. The research project will assess the students' thoughtful application of principles to a practical situation and their ability to report results in the format of the Bulletin of the Association of Engineering Geologists.
Other Course Information
1. GEOL 455 is a required course for the Environmental and Engineering Geoscience
Concentration for a B.S. degree in geology.
2. GEOL 455 is usually taught in the evening. Working professionals are encouraged
to take this class to enhance their understanding of the interactions between the
works of man and the natural world.
Bibliography:
Approval and Subsequent Reviews
Date Action Reviewed By
August 2005 Reviewed and Updated Stephen W. Lenhart, Chair