Course Outline

1.  Introduction
2.  Soil Deposits
3.  Soil Identification
4.  Soil Classification and Properties
5.  Rock Classification and Properties

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student will:

• Learn the importance of the geologic origin and mode of occurrence of soils;
• Learn about residual and organic sedimentary soils;
• Learn the different types of aeolian soils and their properties;
• Learn the properties of glacial soil deposits;
• Learn how to identify marine, colluvial and pyroclastic soils;
• Learn the definitions and terminology associated with soil fractions and components;
• Learn about the Unified Soil Classification System and how to use it with visual and laboratory classification methods;
• Learn about the Standard Penetration Test and Atterberg Plasticity Limits;
• Learn the properties of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock; and
• Learn the principles and terminology of rock weathering and discontinuities

Intended Audience

This course is intended for all of the engineers and construction professionals who are members of the infrastructure design and construction team.  This course will provide an introduction to the fundamentals of identification and classification of soils and rock.

Benefit for Attendee

Engineers and construction professionals will gain an understanding from this course of the systems for classification of soils and rock, and how these materials can be identified using visual and laboratory methods.

Course Introduction

This is an introduction to the fundamentals of identification and classification of soils and rock.  It will provide the first step necessary to an understanding of soil mechanics and foundation engineering.

About Course Author

Paul Guyer is a registered mechanical engineer, civil engineer, fire protection engineer and architect with over 35 years experience in the design of buildings and related infrastructure.  For an additional 9 years he was a senior-level advisor to the California Legislature on infrastructure and capital outlay issues.  He has designed and supervised the design of hundreds of construction projects requiring the preparation of detailed working drawings and specifications for federal, state and local public agencies and private companies.  He is a graduate of Stanford University and has held numerous national, state and local positions with the American Society of Civil Engineers and National Society of Professional Engineers.