Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - EASC 313 D100

Introduction to Soil and Rock Engineering (3)

Class Number: 2477

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 20, 2026
    Mon, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    EASC 204 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. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

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 and underground openings. Influence of structural geology, groundwater and seismicity on engineering performance.
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 liquefaction and soil dynamics
  • Introduction to excavation methods and engineering design in soil and rock with application  in civil and mining engineering

Grading

  • Midterm 25%
  • Laboratory/ Fieldwork/Assignments 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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.