CVEG 563V Geotechnical Site Characterization

Course Syllabus and Schedule

Spring 2015

Department of Civil Engineering

University of Arkansas

General Information
Class
Time: MWF 2:00PM 2:50PM
Room: ENGR 0307
Professor:

Clinton M. Wood, PhD

Office: Bell 4161 / Phone: 575-6084
Office Hours: MW 3:00-5:00 PM
E-mail: cmwood@uark.edu

Textbook:
A formal textbook is not required for this course. Citations and web-links for several free, downloadable
reference texts have been provided below. These will be referred to periodically throughout the course,
particularly in regards to background information presented early in the semester. A number of other
journal articles and professional papers will be provided throughout the semester in conjunction with
specific study topics.
Subsurface Investigations Geotechnical Site Characterization, National Highway Institute (NHI)
U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Publication No.
FHWA-NHI-01-031, May 2002. http://isddc.dot.gov/OLPFiles/FHWA/012546.pdf
Geotechnical Engineering Circular No. 5 Evaluation of Soil and Rock Properties, U.S.
Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Publication No. FHWAIF-02-034, April 2002. http://isddc.dot.gov/OLPFiles/FHWA/010549.pdf
Manual on Estimating Soil Properties for Foundation Design, Electric Power Research Institute
(EPRI), Product ID: EL-6800, August 1990.
http://www.epri.com/abstracts/Pages/ProductAbstract.aspx?ProductId=EL-6800
Mayne, P.W. (2007). Cone penetration testing. NCHRP Synthesis 368, Transportation Research
Board, National Academies Press, Washington, D.C., 118 p. http://www.trb.org/CRP/NCHRP/NCHRP.asp
Course Description
Prior to construction of any structure, geotechnical engineers are responsible for determining vertical and
lateral soil and rock stratigraphy, evaluating groundwater conditions, acquiring and interpreting laboratory
and in-situ test data for determination of engineering properties (strength, compressibility, permeability,
etc.), and synthesizing this information for use in design of foundations or other earth-based structures.
However, the engineering behavior of soil and rock is strongly influenced by geologic age, particle size and
mineralogy, historic and current state of stress, direction and rate of loading, and flow/drainage conditions.
Hence, our construction materials are complex, and our ability to perform engineering analyses far exceeds
our ability to determine appropriate soil and rock properties to input into these analyses. Therefore, it is
very important for the geotechnical engineer to be familiar with an arsenal of site characterization
techniques, know when to use them, and understand the precision (or lack therefore) associated with each
one (Coduto 2001). On nearly all projects, due to the increased cost and time involved in conducting
laboratory tests, there are far fewer lab tests available for interpretation than field tests. Therefore,

geotechnical engineers often rely heavily on the more abundant data from in-situ tests for site
characterization and design purposes (NHI 2001).
This course will focus on in-situ investigations performed for the purpose of collecting detailed site
characterization data for direct and/or indirect use in geotechnical design. Specifically, we will study
various static (e.g., SPT, CPT, VST, DMT, PMT) and dynamic (e.g., CHT, DHT, SW, GPR) in-situ tests
used to obtain estimates of stratigraphy, density, strength, stress history, modulus, and permeability of
geotechnical materials. We will predominantly focus on site characterization of soil sites, but will mention
rock testing and design methods when appropriate.
Prerequisites by topic:
1. Foundation Design (CVEG 4143 or equivalent)
Course Grade Distribution
Assignments/Lab Reports
Midterm Exam
Final Exam
Participation
Total
Grade Scale
90% 100%
80% 89%
70% 79%
Less than 70%

30%
30%
30%
10%
100%

A
B
C
F

Attendance

Class attendance is in accordance with the published university course schedule. You are
responsible for material identified in the readings and covered in class, even if absent from
class for authorized activities. Any absence should be coordinated before the absence, if
possible. Homework will be considered as late after an absence unless that absence is
coordinated with the professor in advance.
Come to class on time. If you are late to class, you stand the chance of missing a quiz and
your homework will be considered as late. Please turn off your cell phones before entering
the classroom.

Homework Assignments and Lab Reports

Most practicing engineers spend more time and effort communicating their ideas, analyses and results than
they do performing technical calculations. To encourage the development of these vital professional skills,
your homework assignments and lab reports may require a written response and not just a simple numerical
answer. In addition to engineering calculations, you might be asked to explain the important aspects of a
problem, to identify the assumptions you have made, or to give some recommendations. Write your
answers in paragraph form using good, technical English. When required, neatly draw all sketches and data
plots or use appropriate computer software of your choice. Always show all relevant labels/units. As much
as possible, I want your assignments to reflect real-world engineering practice where your submission to a
client involves much more than calculations. Above all, present your results clearly and concisely so that
someone else, who may be less knowledgeable than you are, could understand and apply your results
correctly. Any homework which is sloppy, hard to read or difficult to understand will receive a reduced
grade.

 All homework assignments should be turned in before class begins. Late homework will be accepted
only for 24 hours after the initial due date. Furthermore, there will be a 20 percent reduction applied.
Students may consult with each other about homework assignments. However, each student is
responsible for understanding the principles behind the correct homework solution (not just the correct
answer). Cheating on homework assignments (i.e. copying another students work) will NOT be
tolerated. Students are expected to report cheating issues to the professor.
Exams
There will be two examinations given in this course (a midterm and a comprehensive final). In addition to
the material covered in the class lectures, the exams may include questions from field trips/labs or from
reading assignments. All of the course examinations will be closed-book, closed-notes. However, you will
be permitted to bring one sheet (single side, 8.5 x 11 inch) of your own handwritten notes to each
examination. The organizational effort required to do this is an effective means of reviewing the course
content before the exam. In addition, you need to bring a calculator and straight edge to the exams. Cell
phones must be turned off and stored out of sight during exams. The final examination will cover all of
the material from the semester. As the final is comprehensive, you will be allowed to use the handwritten
note-sheet from your midterm plus one side of an additional sheet for the material covered since the
midterm exam (i.e., a total of one full sheet of 8.5 x 11 paper).
Academic Honesty
The engineering profession does not need, and should not tolerate, dishonesty. Therefore, evidence of
cheating on homework or exams will be dealt with seriously. Students are encouraged to read and
understand the general definitions, policies, and procedures related to Academic Honesty set forth in the
University of Arkansas Catalog of Studies.

Disability Policy
Students in this course with a disability that may prevent them from fully demonstrating their potential
should contact the professor as soon as possible to discuss necessary accommodations.

Emergency Procedures
Many types of emergencies can occur on camps; instructions for specific emergencies such as severe
weather, active shooter, or fire can be found at emergency.uark.edu.

Inclement Weather Policy

From time to time inclement weather in Northwest Arkansas can cause disruptions to classes at the
University of Arkansas. However, it is the policy of Dr. Wood that classes will be held if the university is
open. If the university is closed, class will be cancelled.

Course Outline:
A tentative course outline is presented below. It is vital that you check your e-mail frequently for updates to
the course schedule and other pertinent information. Occasionally, it will be necessary for me to miss class
due to obligations associated with professional conferences and research activities. Students will be notified
as soon as possible in advance of these occasions and the lectures will be made up accordingly.
1. Introduction to In-Situ Site Characterization for Geotechnical Design
a. Site characterization objectives and initial steps
b. General site investigation methods
i. Remote sensing
ii. Geophysical investigations (surface-based/non-intrusive)
iii. Drilling and sampling/in-situ testing
2. Drilling and Sampling (primarily soil focus; rock covered in tunneling course)
a. Drilling methods
b. Sampling methods
c. Boring logs
3. Static In-Situ Geotechnical Tests
a. Standard Penetration Test (SPT)
b. Cone Penetration Test (CPT)
c. Texas Cone Penetrometer (TCP)
d. Vane Shear Test (VST)
e. Flat Plate Dilatometer Test (DMT)
f. Pressuremeter Test (PMT)
4. Dynamic In-Situ Geotechnical Tests
a. Seismic Refraction (SR)
b. Crosshole Test (CHT)
c. Downhole Test (DHT)
d. Surface Wave Tests (SW)
e. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
f. Electrical Resistivity (ER)
5. Obtaining Geotechnical Parameters from In-Situ Tests
a. Density/unit weight
b. Drained strength
c. Stress history (preconsolidation stress and overconsolidation ratio)
d. Lateral stress state
e. Undrained strength
f. Stiffness/modulus and deformation parameters
g. Hydraulic properties