CEE 367: Geotechnical Engineering

In this undergraduate class, students will study the fundamental engineering properties of geologic media (i.e., soil and rock). The course topics include:

• I. Physical characteristics; including air-water-solid phase relationships, particle size distribution, plasticity, and compaction in soil; and discontinuity patterns in rock
   
• II. Hydro-conductive properties (i.e., ability to conduct water, or "permeability"; also, effects of water on stresses in soil)

• III. Volume change characteristics; including short- and long-term deformation or "settlement" of soil

• IV. Strength properties; including consideration of "drained" and "undrained" loading in soil, rock mass strength, and shear strength of discontinuities in rock
   
Additionally, we will discuss experimental methods and perform laboratory tests to measure select properties of soil. Finally, we will apply our understanding to a range of practical problems falling within the broad realm of the field of geotechnical engineering (e.g., landslides, 'fracking,' levees, among others).

CESG 566: Slope Stability and Landslides

Students enrolled in this graduate-level course will learn how to assess, analyze, and mitigate landslide hazards and associated risks. The main course topics include (i) landslide characteristics and features, (ii) limit equilibrium-based slope stability analyses including Bishop, Janbu, Spencer, Morgenstern and Price methods, (iii) landslide field assessment and investigations, (iv) mitigation of slope hazards, and (v) landslide risk assessment. The course will provide a brief introduction to seismic slope stability analyses. The course will be structured, in part, in a problem-based learning format, with a focus on hazard and risk assessment and mitigation of the La Conchita landslide located near Ventura, California. This community has experienced numerous landslides over the past decades resulting in both human and capital losses. The course includes field trips in the Puget Sound region to observe, measure, map, and assess landslides in the field. (Typically offered each Winter term)

CESG 569: Geological Engineering

Students in this graduate-level course will learn how to characterize, assess, and analyze rock masses for engineering design.  The main course topics include (i) engineering rock classification, (ii) geological processes and features, (iii) rock mass classification, (iv) strength of rock, rock masses, and discontinuities, and (v) stereonet analysis, and (vi) rock slope stability and runout evaluation. The course includes various instructional methods, including lectures, laboratory sessions, computer modeling, and in-field assessment of rock masses.
(Typically offered each Spring term)