Description
Course Description
The substance we call dirt, on which we build the structures we inhabit, is comprised of far more than meets the eye. Even before beginning design, we should investigate to determine whether a site will actually meet our project needs. Determining the adequacy of on-site soils for our purposes, will require analysis and testing. Such investigation might reveal the soil is inadequate to meet our requirements. If so, another site may need to be located. On the site in question, we can also explore ways to stabilize or modify the soil. Alternately, we can remove and replace it with higher quality soil. A fourth option would be to change the standard way we design foundations. Alternative means can be engineered to either distribute weight across poor performing soils, or carry the building load down to below the inadequate soil. Which response to poor soils is chosen, will have an impact on overall expenses. Evaluation of options must include comparing costs of all options. That evaluation must begin with the analysis and testing of the soil.
Course Learning Objectives
- Understand different soil types and how to identify them for the purpose of building design, verifying the soil will adequately support the intended structure for those using the structure and those that are around the structure.
- Recognize Site and Soil Analysis and the different types of tests that can be conducted to determine both the structural capabilities that are safe and the environmental suitability for on-site sewage systems.
- Summarize tests and determine what is required for the design and how it will determine the design, based on the soil bearing capacity discovered in testing.
- >Determine how soil stabilization can be accomplished for the most optimal, safe design for the occupants using the structure.
Course Number: AIAPDH729
Course Hours: 1 LU/HSW