Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - EASC 313 D100

Introduction to Soil and Rock Engineering (3)

Class Number: 1661

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 24, 2021
    Sat, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    EASC 101, 204 or permission of instructor. All with a grade of C- or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the engineering properties and behavior of soil and rock. Laboratory and field measurements of soil and rock properties. Applications in engineering design will be illustrated with case studies of slope stability, road design, foundations and underground excavations. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of soil and rock mechanics in the resources sector.

COURSE DETAILS:

General:
Fundamentals of engineering properties of soil and rock. Field description and engineering classification. Introduction to site investigation methods. Laboratory and field measurements of soil and rock properties important in engineering design. Index tests, compressive, tensile and shear strength of soil, rock and rock discontinuities. Rock mass characterization. Introduction to the application of soil and rock mechanics in engineering design including slope stability, road design, foundations and underground openings. Influence of structural geology, groundwater and seismicity on engineering performance. Introduction to the use of ground based remote sensing (LiDAR and photogrammetry) in rock engineering.

Course Topics:

  • Engineering Properties of Soils and Rocks.
  • Engineering Classifications of Soils.
  • Principles of Effective Stress, Consolidation and Settlement.
  • Laboratory and Field Testing Methods.
  • Engineering Logging of Soil and Rock.
  • Strength Properties of Soil and Rock.
  • Discontinuities in Rock.
  • Use of Rock Mass Classifications (RMR, Q, GSI)
  • Introduction to Engineering Design in Soil and Rock using case histories in civil   and mining engineering. 

Grading

  • Midterm 25%
  • Laboratory/Fieldwork/Assignments/Seminar 35%
  • Final Exam 40%

NOTES:

- All lectures and labs will be scheduled as synchronous (takes place at a set time, and student is expected to attend remotely at that time).
- Six (6) labs are currently scheduled to be delivered on-campus, in-person attendance will be needed to complete the labs.
- The technology requirements for successfully completing your course will include: a computer or tablet, internet access, Canvas access, Zoom access, and a webcam.
- Specialized software may be used through remote desktops to the EASC computer labs

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Course E-Text:

Geological Engineering, de Vallejo and Ferrer, CRC Press
ISBN: 9781439884652

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).