CE 482

Course Syllabus

Fall 2012

Part I Course Organization

CE482 Fall 2012

Foundation Design
Instructor: H. L. Wong, Professor of Civil Engineering
Office: 216B Kaprielian Hall
Email: hlwong@usc.edu
Office Hours: MW: 10am-noon; 2pm-5pm; TuTh: 10am-3pm
Class Website: http://www-classes.usc.edu/engr/ce/482
COURSE OUTLINE
WEEK

TOPICS

8/27,29

Chapter 1 Geotechnical Properties of Soil

9/5

Chapter 2 Natural Soil Deposits and Subsoil Exploration

9/10,12*

Chapter 3 Shallow Foundations: Ultimate Bearing Capacity

9/17,19

Chapter 4 Ultimate Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundations: Special Cases

9/24,26

Chapter 5 Shallow Foundations: Allowable Bearing Capacity and Settlement

10/1,3**

Introduction to Additional Design Documents

10/8,10

Chapter 6 Mat Foundations

10/15,17*

Chapter 7 Lateral Earth Pressure

10/22,24

Chapter 8 Retaining Walls

10/29,31*

Chapter 9 Sheet Pile Walls

11/5,7

Chapter 10 Braced Cuts

11/12,14** Chapter 11 Pile Foundations

11/19

Chapter 12 Drilled-Shaft Foundations

11/26,28*

Chapter 13 Foundations on Difficult Soils

12/3,5

Chapter 14 Soil Improvement and Ground Modification

12/10**

Final Examination

* = Quiz on that day (9/12,10/17,10/31,11/28).

** = Examination on that day (10/3,11/14,12/10).
Grading Policy:
2 equally weighted examinations (15% each)
Final examination (25% each)
3 of 4 quizzes (5% each)
Homework and Design Problems

30%
25%
15%
30%

Reference Textbook:
Principles of Foundation Engineering, Seventh Edition, by Braja Das, Cengage Learning, ISBN 13: 978-0-495-66810-7.

Part II Detailed Course

Objectives

CE 482

Foundation Design

3 Units

USC | SONNY ASTANI DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

ABET Course Syllabus

Capstone | Kernel

Course Information, Textbook, and Supplementary Materials

Course Description:
Analysis and design principles of building foundations, including spread footings, piles, drilled shafts, sheet-pile walls
and retaining structures.
Capstone for: BSCE Structural Design Kernel for: BSCE and BSCE Environmental
Prerequisite: CE 467 Geotechnical Engineering
Co-Requisite: None
Required Textbooks:
1. Soil Mechanics in Engineering Practice, 3rd Edition, by Terzaghi and Peck, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., NY, NY, 1996.
2. Naval Facilities Engineering Command Design Manual 7.02, Foundations & Earth Structures, US Navy, 1986.
Reference: None
Topics Covered

Learning Outcomes

Theory and application of

soil mechanics in foundation
design

1. Index Properties of Soils and Soil Exploration

2. Mechanical Properties of Soils
3. Plastic Equilibrium I and II
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Ground Improvement
Retaining Walls
Open Cuts
Slope Stability
Geologic-Seismic Hazards

9. Legal Case Study

10.

Contamination, Embankments, Footings, Mats and Piles

11.

Design Project Proposal; Design Project Presentation

12.

Settlement Problems, Corrosion, Dams, and Forensic Engineering

Lecture and Lab Schedule

Lecture

Lab

Sessions per Week

Duration per Session

Sessions per Week

1.5 hours

n/a

Duration per Session

Page

CE 482

Foundation Design

3 Units

USC | SONNY ASTANI DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

Contribution of Course to Meeting the Professional Component

Engineering Topics | Design
Students will understand the design process and learn approaches used to solve various engineering problems
that are representative of those found in a professional environment. They will practice decision-making skills as
they apply their knowledge of basic sciences, mathematics, and the engineering sciences to convert resources
optimally to meet the stated needs of a project.
In this class, student will understand the theory of soil mechanics and be able to apply the theories in foundation
design. The course will begin with a review of fundamental principles of soil mechanics and methodologies to
obtain soil behavior information. They will then learn to apply soil mechanics in foundation design and use
available design tools for foundation design. The students will also further develop their writing skills for consulting
reports.
Note: This course also prepares the students to master the geotechnical portion of PE exam.
Engineering Topics | Other
Constraints and Considerations. Students will understand the diverse constraints and considerations that are
representative of what they will encounter in an engineering practice. This course covers the following topics:
Economic | Environmental | Manufacturability | Ethical | Health and Safety

Relation of Course
Objectives to Program Outcomes
The Civil Engineering program is
designed to teach beyond the technical
content of the curriculum and prepare
the students to utilize what they learn in
a professional setting.
This course contributes to the program
outcomes as outlined in the adjacent
table.

Key

Course Contribution to Program Outcomes (a-k)

a. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and
engineering.
c. An ability to design a system component or process to meet
desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic,
environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety,
manufacturability, and sustainability.
e. An ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering
problems.
g. An ability to communicate effectively.
i. Recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in lifelong learning.
j. Knowledge of contemporary issues.

Prepared by:

Professor H. L. Wong
Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Date:

Fall 2012
Page