GEM343 - Geomechanics

Subject Title
Geomechanics

Subject Description
This subject covers the geotechnical properties of soil required for a complete engineering evaluation of a proposed construction site.  Laboratory tests required for both classification and foundation design will be covered.  Seepage properties of soil will be determined to evaluate groundwater flow for excavations as well as capillary water and its effects.  In-situ soil stresses will be covered along with shear strength evaluation to facilitate a complete foundation design.

Credit Status
One credit towards the Civil Engineering Technology Diploma Program.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Identify visually the four basic soil types;
2. Calculate soil properties based on mass/volume relationships utilising a phase model diagram;
3. conduct laboratory tests to measure mass/volume data on a given sample;
4. Conduct classification tests in the laboratory and classify soil samples by the Unified Soil Classification system;
5. Calculate groundwater flow using Darcy's law;
6. conduct laboratory permeability tests on a given sample;
7. estimate the height of capillary rise in soils from physical properties;
8. Describe the engineering significance of capillary water;
9. Calculate Total, Neutral and Effective stresses in soils and draw stress profiles for in-situ soils;
10. Calculate seepage effects due to excavations in soils using the critical hydraulic gradient;
11. Draw flow nets, for 2 dimensional flow and calculate seepage, head loss and stability of the soil within the zone of instability;
12. Conduct shear strength tests to determine cohesion and the angle of internal friction for cohesive, cohesionless and mixed soil types;
13. Utilise Mohr's circle of stresses to evaluate shear strength within a soil mass.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Execute mathematical operations accurately.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
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Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
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Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
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