Geotechnical Intro

Question 1

How many phases can soil be?

Answer 1

2 or 3 (combo of air, liquid and solid)

Question 2

What soil is responsible for the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

Answer 2

Fine-grained soil (clay)

Question 3

What is Geotechnical Engineering?

Answer 3

A branch of civil engineering that deals with soil, rocks, and underground water, and their relation to the structures that rest on them

Question 4

What is stratigraphy?

Answer 4

The horizontal layers (strata) of rocks or soil

Question 5

What is Soil Mechanics?

Answer 5

Analysis of the loads and deformations of soil

Question 6

What is the Observational Method created by Ralph Peck?

Answer 6

A process of observing performance during construction and modifying the design as needed

Question 7

Who was the Father of Soil Mechanics?

Answer 7

Karl Terghazi, who developed the “theory of consolidation”

Question 8

What makes geotechnical engineering unique from other civil disciplines?

Answer 8

• site investigations are needed for every project (soil is unique vs steel which is homogenous)
• many unknowns and errors (cannot do bore holes everywhere)
• larger factor of safety (more conservative designs)