AE 353

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING - I

CLASS NOTES and LAB MANUAL

by

Giovanni Cascante Ph.D., [Link].

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

University of Waterloo

Blank spaces filled in during lectures.

NOT to be used as a textbook
To be printed single sided

-- SPRING 2016 --
 AE 353: GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING - I

Course Information – Spring 2021

Instructor:
Giovanni Cascante E2-2343B Ext. 32098 gcascant@[Link]
Lab coordinator:
Anne Allen DWE 1452 Ext. 33656 [Link]@[Link]
Teaching Assistants:
Cristobal Lara (Tutorials) calara@[Link]
Dandi Zhao (D2l) [Link]@[Link]
Ali Ghavidel (Labs) aghavidel@[Link]
Roozbeh Rahimijurabi (Assign. Labs) rrahimijurabi@[Link]

Recommended Text and Require Class Notes:

• Knappett J. & Craig, R.F. (2014). Craig’s Soil Mechanics. Eighth Edition. Spon Press, UK.

• Class Notes – University of Waterloo. (D2L)

• CIVE-353 Laboratory Manual – University of Waterloo. (D2L)

Laboratory [Attendance is compulsory]

• Laboratories will start from the week of May 17.

• Experiments: GSD, Atterberg limits, compaction, and permeability.
• The lab-manual includes all experimental procedures.
• The Lab coordinator (Anne Allen) will confirm that all groups have self-enrolled in D2L (four
students per group) by May 14.
• Students without a group should email the Lab coordinator (Anne Allen) asap.
• If a group is submitted with less than three student’s names, additional students will be added
from the list of students without group.
• Groups of less or more than four members require approval from course instructor.
• Final groups and schedules will be posted on [Link] (D2L) by May 15.
• Laboratory Manual and Class Notes will be available at D2L.
• Each group will submit one brief report for each lab.
• Reports will be marked out of 25 marks (indicated in parenthesis). Reports must include:

Title page and one-page Letter of submittal [signed by all the group members] (1)
Brief introduction (3), Completed data sheets (4), Appropriate figures/graphs (5),
Answers to questions (6), Conclusions and References (if applicable) (6).

All members of the group must actively participate in the preparation of the report. Reports
will not be accepted if the letter of submittal is not included. Lab report due dates are one week
after performing the lab. The reports need to be handed in by 11:59 p.m. in the D2L drop box
by the due date. All groups will get their reports back by the Friday before quizzes and final
exam.

Assignments and Solutions

• Almost every week. Include problems from textbook and typical exam problems.
• Distributed on Mondays and due a week later on the following Tuesday. Assignments will be
checked for completeness (75%); and one randomly selected problem will be marked in detail
(25%). Students are responsible for checking results with posted solution sets in D2L.
• Solutions sets will be posted in D2L on day after the due date.

Exams (time windowed in D2L) and Grades 1

Final Exam 40% (90% Problems, 10% Theory)

3 Quizzes 30% (90% Problems, 10% Theory)
4 Lab-reports 15% (one report per lab, per group)
11 Assignments2 15% (only 5% if Final < 40%)
1 The instructor reserves the right to adjust the class average on the exams.
2 Assignment #11 can be submitted for a bonus mark. Lowest mark assignment not considered.

Schedule of Lectures, Tutorials, Labs, and Office hours

All notes for Lectures, Tutorials, and Labs, will be posted in D2L at least a week earlier. Then
discussion sessions will take in Teams as indicated in D2L

Mondays 11:00 – 12:30 pm...............Tutorials / Office Hour

Tuesdays 4:00 pm..............................Office Hours
Wednesdays 11:00 – 12:30 pm...............Review of Lectures
Thursdays ...........................................Quizzes
Wednesdays 8:30 – 10:30 am.................Labs (only for the beginning of the term)
 Geotechnical Engineering I
AE 353 Spring 2021

Week Dates Topic Assignments Quizzes/

(*) Due Labs
1 May 10th I-Introduction, II-Origin of Soil, A1: May 26th
– 14th III-Particulate material. Phase diagram
2 May 17th III-Phase relationships. A2: Jun. 1nd
– 21nd Simple packings, GSD.
3 May 24th IV-Fine Soils. DDL. Plastic properties. A3: Jun. 8th Lab 1: May. 26th
(24th) –28th Soil compaction.
4 May 31st Soil classification. USCS. A4: Jun. 15th Lab 2: Jun. 2nd
– Jun 4th V-Seepage. Darcy’s Law. Bernoulli eq Jun. 3. Quiz #1
5 Jun. 7th - One dimensional flow. Perm. tests. A5: Jun. 22nd Lab 3: June. 9th
11th Laplace’s Eq. Flow Nets.
6 Jun 14nd Uplift pressure. Total and effective A6: Jun. 29th Lab 4: Jun. 16th
–18th stresses. Quick condition. Base heave.
7 Jun 21st – VI-Consolidation. Oedometer test. Cc, A7: Jul. 6th Jun. 24th Quiz #2
25th Cs, mv. Settlement calculation.
8 Jun 28th – 1D consolidation theory. Cv. A8: Jul. 13th
(1 2 ) Jul 2th
st nd Settlement time calculation.
9 Jul 5th– VII-Mechanics of particulate media. A9: Jul. 20th
9th Mohr circle. Failure plane.
10 Jul.12nd– VIII- Principal stresses. M-C Failure. A10: Jul. 27th Jul.15
16th In-situ and induced stresses. Ko. Quiz #3
11 Jul 19th – IX- Foundations. Point load. Line load. A11: Aug. 3rd
23rd Strip footing. Square foundation. (Bonus)
12 Jul 26th – IX- Foundations. Bearing capacity in
30th sands and clays
13 Aug. 2nd Course Review
nd
(2 ) 6th
14 Aug. 7th Exam Period Final Exam
16th
(*) No lectures
 CIVE 353: GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING - I

Course Outline [Sections of textbook]

1. Introduction

Historical developments
Geotechnical Engineering - A general perspective
General approach to solving problems in Geotechnical Engineering

2. Soil Formation

Rock-Soil Cycle
Weathering Processes
Transportation, Sorting, Deposition
Residual, Eolic, Fluvial, Marine, Lacustrian and Glacial Soils

3. Particulate Media [ 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6 ]

Characterization of particulate media [void ratio, porosity, water content, etc.]

Phase relations, specific gravity, soil compaction
Multi-phase systems: solid, water and air phases
Packing of uniform spheres. Inherent anisotropy
Deformation: Hertz and Mindlin
Particle size distribution curves

4. Fine Soils - Colloids [ 1.1, 1.4 ]

Structure of clays, water molecule, ions, clay and water

Diffuse Double Layer
Atterberg Limits
Soil Classification

5. Seepage [ 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 ]

Hydraulic gradient, permeability and Darcy’s Equation

Determination of coefficient of permeability
Heads and energy balance: Bernoulli
Laplace’s equation, models and analogues
Graphical and numerical solutions. Anisotropy
Seepage forces
Total and effective stresses, the quick condition

6. Consolidation [ 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.10 ]

Consolidation analogy, the oedometer test

 Preconsolidation pressure
In-situ void ratio vs. effective stress curve
Magnitude of Settlement
Degree of consolidation,1-D theory of consolidation
Average degree of consolidation
Coefficient of consolidation.

7. Mechanics of Particulate Media [ 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6, 4.7 ]

Equilibrium, compatibility and constitutive equations

Mohr circle of stress, Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion
Stress path. Shear strength (direct shear, triaxial, unconfined tests)
Contractive and dilative tendencies
Drained and undrained shear strength
Residual strength and sensitivity of clays

8. In-Situ and Induced Stresses [ 6.2 (pressure at-rest), 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 8.5]

In-situ stress: vertical and horizontal

Induced stresses: Boussinesq point load
Earth Stresses at Rest (Ko condition)
Rankine’s Theory of Active and Passive Pressure
Stability of Retaining Walls

9. Shallow Foundations [ 8.2, 8.4]

Design Loading
Ultimate Bearing Capacity
Net Foundation Pressure
Settlement

BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES

Bowles, J. E. 1996. Foundation Analysis and Design. 5th Ed. MacGraw-Hill, NY.
Cernica J.N. 1995. Geotechnical Engineering: foundation design. John Wiley & Sons, NY.
CivE-353 Laboratory Manual. 2022. Civil Engineering Department. University of Waterloo.
Knappett J. & Craig, R.F. (2014). Craig’s Soil Mechanics. Eighth Edition. Spon Press, UK.
[Textbook of the course]
Budhu, M. 2011. Soil Mechanics and Foundations. 3rd Ed. John Wiley & Sons Inc., NY.
Das, B. M. 2011. Principles of Foundation Engineering. 7th Ed. Cengage Learning, USA.
Coduto, D. P. 2001. Foundation Design: Principles and Practices. 2nd Ed. Prentice-Hall, NY.
 AE 353 OVERVIEW

Objectives: This course covers the fundamentals of soil mechanics, including characteristics of
soil, flow of water through soil, effective stresses in soil, soil consolidation, soil strength, and the
basics of shallow foundation design. Upon completion of the class, you should be ready to apply
the knowledge of soil mechanics in geotechnical designs of slopes and retaining structures.

Includes four lab sessions: GSD, Atterberg limits, compaction, and permeability.

Course Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
Course Learning Outcomes SO Assessment Tools
1. Identify and classify soils; 1, 2, 3, 4 HW, Lab, and Exam
2. Understand soil compaction and factors affecting 1, 2, 3, 4 HW, Lab, and Exam
performance of compacted soils;
3. Solve problems involving steady 1-D flow through 1, 2, 4 HW, Lab, and Exam
saturated soils;
4. Solve 2-D problems involving steady seepage through 1, 2 HW and Exam
simplified earth structures and dams;
5. Determine in situ stresses and stresses in the soil due 1, 2, 4 HW and Exam
to vertical surface loads;
6. Calculate 1-D consolidation deformation of soils and 1, 2, 3, 4 HW and Exam
time dependent deformations;
7. Determine soil strength using Mohr-Coulomb theory; 1, 2 HW and Exam
8. Calculate bearing capacity of shallow foundations and 1, 2, 3, 4 HW and Exam
evaluate the stability of retaining walls.

Contribution of AE 353 towards fulfillment of Student Outcomes:

1) Ability to identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of
engineering, science and mathematics: Knowledge of calculus, statics, mechanics of solids, and fluid
mechanics principles are used in the analysis of soil behavior under the effect of water seepage and under
other engineering loads. The in-class problems and homework assignments introduce the students to real-
world problems where the theory is applied to solve problems albeit in a simplified scale, so they may
apply their engineering knowledge to arrive at meaningful solution to the problems. It develops confidence
and comfort on their abilities as engineers. The students are made aware of the shortcomings in the current
understanding and/or applications of soil mechanics to solve complex problems, and the need to continue
updating their knowledge.

2) An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make
informed which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental and
societal contexts: Students are introduced to past geotechnical failures in appropriate topics, and are made
 aware of the professional and ethical responsibility of engineers in developing suitable solutions to real
world problems with utmost care and dedication.
3) An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use
engineering judgement to draw conclusions: The students master the various experimental methods and the
associated theory for measuring soil properties (permeability, compressibility, shear strength, soil
classification) in the laboratory. They interpret and analyze mock laboratory data.

4) An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use
engineering judgement to draw conclusions: The students master the various experimental methods and the
associated theory for measuring soil properties (permeability, compressibility, shear strength, soil
classification) in the laboratory. They interpret and analyze mock laboratory data.
Major topics
• Index Properties and Physical Description of Soil. Engineering Description of Soil.
• Geology and Soil Formation. Soil Compaction.
• Flow of Water through Soil. Soil Compression and Consolidation.
• Stress State and Shear Strength of Soil. Induced Stresses in Soil Mass. In-situ Stresses.

HELP WITH CONTINGENCY MANAGEMENT

Fair Contingencies for Emergency Remote Teaching (include in syllabus and in course week-by-week
schedules). We are facing unusual and challenging times. To provide contingency for unforeseen
circumstances, the instructor reserves the right to modify course topics and/or assessments and/or weight
and/or deadlines with due notice to students. In the event of further challenges, the instructor will work
with the Department/Faculty to find reasonable and fair solutions that respect rights and workloads of
students, staff, and faculty.

Online Academic Integrity.

All students are expected to work individually and submit their own original work. Under Policy 71, the
instructor may have follow-up conversations with individual students to ensure that the work submitted
was completed on their own. Any follow up will be conducted remotely (e.g., MS Teams, Skype, phone),
as the University of Waterloo has suspended all in-person meetings until further notice.

Wellness Support and Contact Information.

University can be a challenging environment and it is normal to need support from time-to-time. Campus
Wellness services are available to students through counselling and health services. If you are struggling
or need someone to talk to you, please reach out. To book an appointment or learn more about the
services, call 519-888-4567 x 32655 or explore [Link]/campus-wellness. If you're
experiencing a crisis and feel unable to cope and Campus Wellness is closed, contact any of these after-
hours supports: Empower Me (1-833-628-5589), Good2Talk (1-866-925-5454) or Here 24/7 (1-844-
437-3247). They are available at any time of the day or night to help.
 AE 353 OVERVIEW

Particulate Materials I, II

Coarse Soils III Fine Soils IV

Sand and Gravel Clays
Eng. characteristics: Eng. characteristics:
e, w, GSD So, wl, wp, ws, Ip
Material characteristics: Material characteristics
Hertz, Mindlin, Friction Coulomb, Ions, DDL

Soil Classification IV
Expected behaviour.

Soils + Water: Seepage V

How much flow?
Up-lift force?
Quick condition?

Soils – Water: Consolidation VI

How much settlement?
How long?

Strength and Loading VII, VIII

Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion
Shear strength
Induced and in-situ stresses.

Shallow
Foundations
Earth pressure
Bearing capacity
Bearing capacity
Geotechnical Engineers design foundations for all structures!

Photos copyright © 2013 George Rumble

([Link]
The CN Tower (553 m, 1973-1976)

Photo from Photo from

([Link] ([Link]
[Link] 242/cn-tower-in-toronto-canada-555-metres)
Another Famous (?) Tower (56 m, 1173-1372)

The leaning tower of Pisa was on the verge of toppling because the soft
clay was settling, but a group of experts have managed to restore the
settlement of the tower to stabilize it. Amongst the experts, Geotechnical
Engineers are an integral part.