Mar 28, 2024  
2016-2017 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
2016-2017 Undergraduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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AE 303 - Soil Mechanics and Foundations

4 lecture hours 0 lab hours 4 credits
Course Description
This course provides a basic understanding of the interaction between soil conditions and the design of the foundation system. Methods of soil testing and site investigation are described and analysis of data is performed. Topics include soil types and classifications, physical properties, subsoil stresses, shear strength, bearing capacity, settlement, consolidation and lateral earth pressure. Foundation design topics include load transfer through the structural system, shallow and deep foundation types, design of foundation size, shape and reinforcement. Also included is pedestal, base plate and anchor bolt design. The course utilizes the latest American Concrete Institute (ACI) Code and other pertinent reference materials. (prereq: AE 3021 , AE 3023 )
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Understand site analysis parameters, identify and classify soil types
  • Calculate soil properties, such as void ratio, water content and density
  • Understand the tests required for soil analysis and classification
  • Calculate bearing capacity and settlement
  • Design isolated spread footings, combined footings, and wall footings
  • Design anchor bolts and base plates
  • Determine lateral earth pressures on walls
  • Design cantilever retaining walls
  • Understand design processes for deep foundations
  • Understand requirements of building and design codes

Prerequisites by Topic
  • Understand stress, strain, and combined bending and axial load
  • Knowledge of reinforced concrete design (i.e., flexure and shear)

Course Topics
  • Introduction to soil types, physical properties of soils (3 classes)
  • Capillarity, water table, stresses in soils (2 classes)
  • Settlement and consolidation (2 classes)
  • Bearing capacity of shallow foundations (3 classes)
  • Statics of foundations; concentrically and eccentrically loaded foundations. Square and rectangular, combined footings (9 classes)
  • Footing design: The interaction of service and ultimate loads for soil, concrete and steel interfaces and the principles of concrete design and analysis (5 classes)
  • Anchor bolts, base plates analysis and design of the system (3 classes)
  • Lateral earth pressures and retaining wall design (sizing) (3 classes)
  • Retaining wall design (reinforced concrete design) (4 classes)
  • Introduction to deep foundations (4 classes)
  • Exams (2 classes)

Coordinator
John Zachar



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