Semester:

3

Course Code:

CE2040

Course Name:

Soil Mechanics and Engineering Geology I

Credit Value:

3 (Notional hours: 150)

Prerequisites:

None

Core/Optional

Core

Hourly Breakdown

Lecture hrs.

Tutorial hrs.

Practical hrs.

Assignment hrs.

Independent Learning & Assessment hrs.

37

3

8

2

100

Course Aim: To impart knowledge and an understanding of the basics of soil mechanics and geology, and to familiarize with geotechnical and geological terminology and associated concepts commonly encountered in engineering practice.

Intended Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the course, the students should be able to;

➢    determine basic engineering and physical properties of soils and classify soils for engineering purposes.

➢    apply the effective stress concept to determine stress distribution of soils due to geostatic stresses.

➢    relate laboratory compaction to field applications.

➢    describe internal and external geological processes and the geology of Sri Lanka.

➢    identify the rock forming minerals, rock types, and interpret geological maps for engineering purposes.

Course Content:

➢    Basic characteristics of soils: Soil formation, structure and phase relationship, mineralogy, soil index properties, soil classification and description.

➢    Elements of stress analysis: Effective stress concept, stresses in ground, unsaturated zone, stress state at a point in soil mass.

➢    Compaction: Importance of soil compaction, laboratory and field compaction, quality control in field compaction.

➢    Basic Geology: Theory of plate tectonics, rock forming minerals and rock types, geological structures, geological processes, geological maps, geology of Sri Lanka.

Teaching /Learning Methods:

Classroom lectures, tutorial discussions, laboratory sessions

Assessment Strategy:

Continuous Assessment

 40%

Final Assessment

60%

Details:

Assignments/Quizzes/Tutorials 20%
Mid Semester Examination 20%

Theory (%)

 60

Practical (%)

 -

Other (%)

 -

Recommended Reading:

➢    Das, B.M., & Sobhan, K. (2014). Principles of Geotechnical Engineering, 8th edn, PWS Publishers.

➢    Knappett, J.A., & Craig, R.F. (2012). Craig’s Soil Mechanics, 8th edn, Taylor & Francis, New York.

➢    Lamb, T.W., & Whitman, R.V., (2008). Soil Mechanics, SI Version, Wiley India.

➢    Blyth, F.G.H., & De Freitas, M.H. (1984). Geology for Engineers, 7th edn, ELBS Publication.

➢    Cooray, P.G. (1984). An Introduction to the Geology of Sri Lanka, 2nd edn, National Museums of Sri Lanka.