Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2023 - EASC 313 D100

Introduction to Soil and Rock Engineering (3)

Class Number: 1891

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 21, 2023
    Fri, 12:00–3:00 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. Physical properties of soil and rock. Field description and engineering classification. Introduction to site investigation methods. Principles of effective stress, consolidation and settlement. Laboratory and field measurements of soil and rock properties important in engineering design. Index tests, compressive, tensile and shear strength of soil, intact 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 remote sensing in rock engineering.

Course Topics:

  • Engineering properties of soils and rocks.
  • Engineering classifications of soils.
  • Principles of total and effective stress
  • Soil compaction, 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 slope stability analysis
  • Introduction to excavation methods and engineering design in soil and rock with application  in civil and mining engineering.

Grading

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

NOTES:

"Be aware that during the field trip there will be period of strenuous hiking, hiking close to cliffs and crossing roads with busy traffic. Appropriate clothing and footwear should be worn. Further details regarding safety, food, housing and field supplies will be discussed prior to the field trip."


Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Geological Engineering, de Vallejo and Ferrer, CRC Press

ISBN: 9780415413527, hard copy

ISBN: 1628707801, online access

 


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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