Course Number and Title:
CET 236 Soils
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: (Test score or ENG 102 or higher) and (MAT 183 or higher) and CET 135
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
2 lecture hours/week
2 lab hours/week
0 offsite lab hours
Course Description
This course examines the principles of soils engineering, including the study of physical and mechanical properties of soils, design considerations, construction applications, and the transport of water and pollutants. Emphasis is placed on field conditions and problems that are encountered on the construction job sites and how they are resolved.
Additional Materials
None
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Explain soil fundamentals and related geology. (CCC 1, 2, 6; PGC: 1, 7)
- Describe soil-water relationships. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 6; PGC: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7)
- Classify different soil types and describe indexing properties. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7)
- Apply soil mechanics theory and explain related engineering behavior. (CCC 1, 2, 6; PGC: 1, 2, 3, 7)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Explain soil fundamentals and related geology.
- Explain the composition of soil and define related terminology.
- Describe basic geology as it relates to soil and rock formation.
- Explain the relationships between geology, soils, and engineering.
- List branches of engineering that require knowledge of soils and geology.
- Identify soil-forming factors and describe their effect on soil development.
- Explain biochemical processes involved in soil formation.
- Describe major soil types, soil structure, and related horizons.
- Interpret particle shapes and sizes to classify soil types.
- Describe soil-water relationships.
- Explain the unsaturated zone, capillary zone, water table, and saturated zone.
- Describe the relationship between clay content and water behavior.
- Explain the effects of water on soil properties, including drainage, dewatering, frost heave, swelling, hydrocompaction, liquefaction, and subsidence.
- Describe the relationship between soils and hydrology, including groundwater flow and aquifer types.
- Calculate groundwater flow using Darcy’s law.
- Explain contaminant transport in the subsurface.
- Classify different soil types and describe indexing properties.
- Apply soil classification systems, particularly the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) system.
- Perform soil classification tests.
- Explain indexing properties of soil and their influence on strength, compressibility, and engineering behavior.
- Apply soil mechanics theory and explain related engineering behavior.
- Apply soil mechanics theories to practical engineering problems.
- Analyze stress distribution and mechanical response of soils to load.
- Explain consolidation and calculate consolidation settlement.
- Explain shallow and deep foundation design and related parameters.
- Identify unstable slopes and apply principles for slope stability.
- Explain common field compaction procedures, equipment, and quality control methods.
- Describe techniques for soil stabilization and retaining structure design.
- Describe excavation, fill placement, and volume/density considerations in construction.
- Apply engineering judgment to address unanticipated field challenges.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Percentage of final grade |
Summative Assessments |
- 3-4 Exams - (Equally weighted)
| 35% |
- 4-6 Labs, equally weighted
| 35% |
Formative Assessments |
The course will contain various formative assessments including but not limited to: (equally weighted) - Homework
- In-class assignments
| 30% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
CET/EET
1. Apply technical knowledge, skills, and engineering principles in various civil and environmental engineering applications.
2. Conduct field and laboratory testing using industry-standard procedures.
3. Select and apply appropriate materials, technologies, and best practices for civil and environmental engineering projects.
4. Utilize engineering software, visual communication tools, and technical documentation to support diverse civil and environmental engineering activities.
5. Interpret and apply relevant industry regulations and standards to civil and environmental engineering applications.
6. Pursue industry-recognized certifications related to civil and environmental engineering technology.
7. Demonstrate professionalism and ethical responsibility while prioritizing safety, quality, timeliness, and continuous improvement in civil and environmental engineering practices.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.