WESTERN
Illinois
University
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT: Knoblauch 135
COLLEGE of BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY
CSTM 460 Soils & Foundations for Construction
Monday & Wednesday: 3:00- 4:15; KH 103
Dr. Denise Gravitt; (309) 298-2488; KH B-9 email: dd-gravitt@wiu.edu
OFFICE HOURS: Tues & Thurs 10-11:30 and 1:30-4:00; Fri 1:30-3:00. Other times
available by appointment. Other times available by appointment; call or email me to
set up a day & time.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
A course on basic principles of structural soils and structure foundations, soil
classification implications, and applications for the construction industry.
REQUIRED TEXT:
Essentials of Soil Mechanics & Foundations, 7th Ed. by D. McCarthy; ISBN#: 013-114560-6
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY DEPT: Goals for Student Learning
Technology (Engineering Technology, Graphic Communication, and Construction
Management) is a field of study designed to prepare technical, technical management,
and technical entrepreneurial professionals for employment in business, industry,
education, and government.
By graduation, Technology students should be able to:
1.
Think critically and creatively;
2.
Understand the theoretical principles of the profession;
3.
Understand and apply relevant technology in the solution of technical
problems;
4.
Develop an appreciation for ethical and professional practices;
5.
Develop and refine oral, written, and visual communication skills; and
6.
Demonstrate an overall competency in the program objectives.
To help with writing skills:
"The University Writing Center is available to assist you with general and specific
questions on writing assigned in any discipline and at any academic level. The one-onone assistance available at the Writing Center is valuable for generating ideas, talking
about global-level issues such as organization, and even working through grammatical
problems. The University Writing Center is located in Simpkins Hall 341. Call for an
appointment (298-2815) and be sure to bring a copy of your assignment."
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Students will be able to identify, evaluate, and use the various soil tests useful in
industry, especially for any construction project to evaluate soil issues. Students
will be able to roughly identify soil composition and identify potential
construction issues related to soils.
COURSE TOPICS:
Various components of soils and soil behaviors under loading will be covered in
addition to some basic tests that can be used to approximate soil composition and
expected behaviors. Structure foundations and reasons for different designs will
be addressed in addition to appropriate materials to be used to address soil issues.
Soil contamination causes and treatments will also be covered as they relate to
construction projects and land development.
GRADING:
3 Tests (Best 3 of 4)
Homework
Lab Write-Ups
Article Reviews
Attendance/Participation
45 %
25%
10%
10%
10%
100%
Final grade scale is below. No rounding up of percentages will occur.
GRADES BREAKDOWN:
*A+
(97.0% - 100%)
C+
(77.0% - 79.9%)
A
(93.0% - 96.9%)
C
(73.0% - 76.9%)
A(90.0% - 92.9%)
C(70.0% - 72.9%)
B+
(87.0% - 89.9%)
D+
(67.0% - 69.9%)
B
(83.0% - 86.9%)
D
(63.0% - 66.9%)
B(80.0% - 82.9%)
D(60.0%- 62.9%)
NOTE: WIU does not count A+. Any grade above 93% will be reported as an A. A
temporary symbol of I (Incomplete) for a course may be given only when a student, due
to circumstances beyond his or her control, has been unable to complete the course
requirements within the official limits of the term. The circumstances must be
documented to the instructor’s satisfaction.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
Preamble
Western Illinois University, like all communities, functions best when its
members treat one another with honesty, fairness, respect, and trust. Students
have rights and responsibilities (http://www.wiu.edu/provost/students/) and
students should realize that deception for individual gain is an offense against the
members of the entire community, and it is the student's responsibility to be
informed and to abide by all University regulations and policies on Academic
Integrity.
Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty constitute a serious
violation of University conduct regulations. Students who engage in dishonesty
in any form shall be charged with academic dishonesty.
It is a duty of faculty members to take measures to preserve and transmit the
values of the academic community in the learning environment that they create
for their students and in their own academic pursuits. To this end, they are
expected to instill in their students a respect for integrity and a desire to behave
honestly. They are also expected to take measures to discourage student
academic dishonesty, to adjust grades appropriately if academic dishonesty is
encountered, and, when warranted, to recommend that additional administrative
sanctions be considered. Grading policies are the exclusive prerogative of the
faculty; administrative sanctions are under the authority of the Director of
Student Judicial Programs. This document provides policies and procedures to be
followed when academic dishonesty is encountered.
Definitions of Academic Dishonesty
The following definitions and examples are not meant to be exhaustive. The
University reserves the right to determine, in a given instance, what action
constitutes a violation of academic integrity. (See
www.wiu.edu/policies/acintegrity.php for complete descriptions of the following
topics:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Plagiarism
Fabrication and Falsification
Cheating
Complicity in Academic Dishonesty
Abuse of Academic Materials
Multiple Submissions
Reporting Academic Dishonesty
All members of the University community share the responsibility and authority
to challenge and make known acts of apparent academic dishonesty. Any
student, faculty member, or staff person who has witnessed an apparent act of
student academic dishonesty, or has information that reasonably leads to the
conclusion that such an act has occurred or has been attempted, has an ethical
responsibility for reporting said act(s). Confronting and reporting academic
dishonesty can be done in a variety of ways, and people should choose the
manner most appropriate for the circumstances. Acts of apparent academic
dishonesty that occur in the classroom should be reported directly to the course
instructor, and/or the course instructor's Department Chair, and/or the instructor's
College Dean. The Council on Admission, Graduation, and Academic Standards
(CAGAS) or the Graduate Council will not accept or act upon anonymous
reports, but will hold in strict confidence the identity of any person reporting a
suspected instance of academic dishonesty, unless that person consents to having
his/her identity revealed.
STUDENT ACCESS, DISABILITY SERVICES & Disputes:
“In accordance with University policy and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),
academic accommodations may be made for any student who notifies the instructor of the need
for an accommodation. For the instructor to provide the proper accommodation(s) you must
obtain documentation of the need for an accommodation through Disability Resource Center
(DRC) and provide it to the instructor. It is imperative that you take the initiative to bring such
needs to the instructor's attention, as he/she is not legally permitted to inquire about such
particular needs of students. Students who may require special assistance in emergency
evacuations (i.e. fire, tornado, etc.) should contact the instructor as to the most appropriate
procedures to follow in such an emergency. Contact Disability Resource Center (DRC) at 2982512 for additional services.”
If you have emergency medical information to share with me, if you need special
arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, or if you need accommodations in
this course because of a disability, please make an appointment with me as soon as
possible. My office location and hours are at the top of this syllabus. If you plan to
request disability accommodations, you are expected to register with the Disability
Resource Center (DRC) at 298-2512.
Resolution of Problems
Should a problem occur, students should speak to their instructor first. If the problem is
not resolved, meet with the chair of the department. If the problem continues to be
unresolved, go to the College of Business and Technology’s Dean.
Students should observe the following sequence for the resolution of problems:
Student --- Instructor --- Chairperson --- Dean
ATTENDANCE, STUDENT BEHAVIOR & LATE HOMEWORK POLICIES:
There will be no leaving/reentering the classroom for drinks, bathroom breaks, answering
phones etc. Do your personal business before or after class.
Attendance is mandatory. Everyone can have up to 2 absences excused and/or
unexcused. If you use up your absences for personal reasons and then get sick- too
bad since no more than 2 will be excused. No matter why you are absent
homework/assignments are still due the day as indicated in the syllabus. If you are
sick email the assignment to show it is complete then turn it in as a paper document
the class period you return to class. If this isn’t done they will not be graded. Any
absences over 2 will count against your semester grade in addition to not getting
grades for assignments due that day. It is the student’s responsibility to find out
what they missed when not in attendance.
Online Absence Reporting System (OARS)
In accordance with WIU University Senate policy; students are to report any absences through
OARS. Beu Health Center will no longer issue documentation of absence due to illness.
There will be no tolerance for disruptive, rude, intolerant, or discriminatory behaviors
including expressions of vulgarity as determined by the instructor. Students exhibiting
these behaviors including texting, answering phones, reading papers, talking to others out
of turn, being argumentative, etc. will be asked to leave the classroom. More than one
request to leave the classroom will result in that student not being allowed to return to the
classroom for the remainder of the semester except for exams.
Late or un-excused absence homework will not be graded and only homework turned
in on paper will be graded. Homework is due at the beginning of the class period; no
excuses for delayed printers etc. will be accepted. It is the student’s responsibility
to have all work typed and printed out and turned in to be graded- plan ahead and use
time management skills. Emailed versions will not be graded- only noted for date of
completion. Those with documented University approved absences need to get with
the instructor for missed work. Unexcused absences on lab days can not be made up.
Students are responsible for checking email and paying attention in class. If it is
spoken, or written on board, or in syllabus, or via email it is the students responsibility
to make note of the information. Notes of any presentation materials will not be given
out to students- it is the student’s responsibility to take notes.
Article Reviews: Three are assigned for the semester- one for each test range of topics.
You must use one article from the reading list (to be put on WesternOnline) or
article provided (to be provided for you in Western Online) for those chapters
covered then find another article from a journal or book that compares or
compliments the one you have chosen from my list. Blogs are NOT acceptable
sources of “articles”. When in doubt check it out with me first. Compare and
contrast the two articles. Use the format from the example (see WesternOnline)
exactly as shown as regards to font, section headings etc.- it will help with critical
thinking as well as help the readers.
COURSE CALENDAR/ BREAKDOWN OF ASSIGNMENTS:
Note: This syllabus may be revised at the instructor’s preference or due to class
progress.
Homework is DUE on date following the date when assigned at the BEGINNING of
class. If you are late your assignment will not be accepted unless for “excused” reasons.
For example, Chpts. 1 is assigned on 1/21 and due 1/26.
Date
Dept.
Program
Goals
Goals
Addresse Addressed
d
1, 2, 3, 5, 6 1, 2, 3
CSTM 460 Topics
covered
Introduction,
Chpt 1
Homework Assignments
Read Chpts 1 ; Hmwk: 1.1, 1.2, 1.4 thru 1.13, 1.15
Jan 26
Chpt 1
Hmwk: Chapter 1.17, 1.18, 1.20-22, 1.25-1.29
1, 2, 3, 5, 1, 2, 3
6
Jan 28
Chapter 2
Hmwk: 2.1-5, 2.9 thru 2.13, 2.15, 2.17, 2.19, 2.20
1, 2, 3, 5, 1, 2, 3
6
Feb 2
Chpt 2/3
Hmwk: 3.2, 3.4, 3.8, 3.11
1, 2, 3, 5, 6 1, 2, 3
Feb 4
Chpt 3
Hmwk: Article Review #1 over topics from chpts 1, 2, 3 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 1, 2, 3
Feb 9
Chpt 4
Hmwk: 4.1 thru 4.4, 4.11, 4.13, 4.17 thru 4.19, 4.22
1, 2, 3, 5, 6 1, 2, 3
Feb 11
Chpt 4/5
Hmwk: 5.1 thru 5.3, 5.5, 5.7, 5.9
1, 2, 3, 5, 6 1, 2, 3
Feb 16
Chpt 5
Hmwk: 5.19, 5. 21, 5.23 thru 5.25
1, 2, 3, 5, 6 1, 2, 3
Feb 18
Review Exam #1
Feb 23
Exam #1
Read Experiment Handouts
1, 2, 3, 5, 6 1, 2, 3
Feb 25
Experiments
1, 2,3, 5, 6 1, 2, 3
Mar 2
Experiments
1, 2, 3, 5, 6 1, 2, 3
Mar 4
Experiments
Lab Write-ups due 3/9. Read Chpt 6
1, 2, 3, 5, 6 1, 2, 3
Mar 9
Chpt 6
Hmwk: 6.1, 6.3 thru 6.6, 6.9 thru 6.11
1, 2, 3, 5, 6 1, 2, 3
Mar 11
Chpt 6
Hmwk: 6.16 thru 6.19, 6.25, 6.44, 6.45, 6.47
1, 2, 3, 5, 6 1, 2, 3
Hmwk : 7.3 thru 7.5, 7.10, 7.11, 7.14 thru 7.16, 7.18,
7.19
Hmwk: 7.21 thru 7.24, 7.26 thru 7.29, 7.31,7.32,
; 10.1, 10.24, 10.30, 10.31
Article Review #2- due Apr 6
1, 2, 3, 5, 6 1, 2, 3
Jan 21
3/16-3/18
Spring Break
Mar 23
Chpt 7
Mar 25
Chpt 7/10
Mar 30
Chpt 10 & Review
1, 2, 3, 5, 1, 2, 3
6
1, 2, 3, 5, 1, 2, 3
6
1, 2, 3, 5, 1, 2, 3
6
Apr 1
Exam #2
Exam #2
Hmwk: Read Chps 11, 12, 13
Apr 5
Apr 6
Last day to drop
Chpt 11/ 12
Hmwk: 12.1, 12.6
1, 2, 3,
5, 6
1, 2, 3
Apr 8
Chpt 12/13
Hmwk: 13.1 thu 13.7
1, 2, 3
Apr 13
Chpt 13
Hmwk: 13.11, 13.13 thru 13.19, 13.21
Apr 15
Chpt 14
Hmwk: 14.1, 14.67
Apr 20
Apr 22
Apr 27
Apr 29
May 4
Chpt 15
Chpt 16
Chpt 16/ Review
Exam #3
Chpt 17
Hmwk: 15.1 thru 15.12
Hmwk: 16.1, 16.2, 16.4
Hmwk: Article Review #3 due 5/4
Read Chpt 17
Hmwk: 17.1 thru 17.3, 17.10, 17.21
1, 2, 3, 5,
6
1, 2, 3, 5,
6
1, 2, 3,
5, 6
1, 2, 3, 6
May 6
Review Final Exam Guest Speaker
1-6
1, 2,, 3, 9,
11
May 13
Final Exam 3-4:50 PM
1,2, 3, 4, 5, 1, 5, 9,
6
11
1, 2, 3
1, 2, 3
1, 2, 3
1, 2, 3, 5, 6 1, 2, 3
1, 2, 3, 5, 6 1, 2, 3
1, 3, 4, 5, 6 1, 2, 3
LATE HOMEWORK POLICY: Late, or un-excused absence homework will NOT be
graded or accepted for any credit. Excused absence homework will NOT be accepted
more than 1 week past the assigned due date assigned based upon the student situation.