Engineering Technology
Walla Walla Community College
ENT 132 – Soils Mechanics for Construction
INSTRUCTOR:
Ron Rooks, P.E.
CONTACT:
(509) 527-3655
Winter 2015
ronald.rooks@wwcc.edu
OFFICE:
1110 (Technology Center)
9:30 am to 10:20 MWF
_______________________________________________________________________________
TYPE OF COURSE:
Lecture course with assignments, examinations, laboratory work,
and problem solving activities.
CREDIT HOURS:
4 (30 Lecture hours; 20 Laboratory hours)
PREREQUISITES:
None
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Introduction to the fundamental principles of soil mechanics as it
relates to engineering design. Emphasis is on the identification,
classification, engineering properties, compaction, aggregate
gradations, bearing capacities, and construction consideration of
soils. Students shall complete ASTM and/or AASHTO laboratory
test methods of soils. Formerly CET 224.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to use
and understand the basic concepts of the following:
 Classify soils using various industry standards
 Determine engineering properties of soils
 Determine aggregate gradations
 Determine bearing capacities of soil
 Explain concepts related to compaction, subgrade
stabilization, and earthwork
 Complete ASTM and/or AASTHO laboratory test methods
 Write laboratory reports
COURSE TOPICS:
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Printed: 2/9/16
Natural soils and their properties
Soil index properties
Construction Specifications
Soil reports
Earthwork
Supports for excavations
Foundation support
Applications
Page 1 of 4
Engineering Technology
Walla Walla Community College
ENT 132 – Soils Mechanics for Construction
Winter 2015
REFERENCE TEXT:
Soils In Construction, 5th Edition, by Schroeder, Dickenson, and
Warrington
OTHER MATERIALS:
The following materials are required for this course:

Engineering computation paper, straight edge, engineer scale,
protractor, pencil, and eraser

Scientific Calculator (with trigonometric, radian, and root
function capability at minimum)

A copy of the Instructor’s Engineering Course Guidelines.
Syllabus requirements take precedence if a conflict arises.
PORTFOLIOS:
Assignments should be organized in a portfolio as a professional
practice. Recommendations for doing so are provided in
PORTFOLIO GUIDELINES in the Engineering Course Guidelines.
LABORATORIES:
One must complete all laboratories in order to pass the course.
Additionally, one must attend the laboratory to receive full credit.
Absences: Excused (10% deduction), UNexcused (20% deduction).
EVALUATION SUMMARY:
Evaluation of the student’s final grade will be based upon the
following components and their assigned points. See FINAL
GRADE in the Engineering Course Guidelines for final scoring.
Additionally, one must pass the Final Examination in order to pass
the course.
Component
Homework:
Laboratories:
Chapter Examinations:
Final Examination:
TOTAL:
Attendance Bonus:
Printed: 2/9/16
Total Points
300
200
400
100
1000
30
Page 2 of 4
Engineering Technology
Walla Walla Community College
ENT 132 – Soils Mechanics for Construction
1
DATE
CHAPTER
5-Jan
1
Introduction; SOIL CONSTITUENTS
2
NATURAL SOIL DEPOSITS
7-Jan
LAB 1
9-Jan
3
12-Jan
2
3
4
14-Jan
LECTURE SCHEDULE**
Soil constituents & properties
SOIL INDEX PROPERTIES
(continued)
LAB 2
Soil constituents & properties
EXAMINATION 1
19-Jan
HOLIDAY - MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY
4
CLASSIFICATION
LAB 3
Soil Classification
7
Exercises
1
all
2
all
3
1-5
(continued)
4a 1, 2, 4
26-Jan
(continued)
4b 3 (soils 1-4)
28-Jan
(continued)
LAB 4
4-Feb
4c 3 (soils 5-9)
Soil Classification
EXAMINATION 2
2-Feb
6
No.
23-Jan
30-Jan
5
ASSIGNMENT DUE
(continued)
16-Jan
21-Jan
Winter 2015
5
STRESS ANALYSIS & ENGINEERING PROPERTIES
(continued)
LAB 5
Soil Investigation & reports
5a 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
6-Feb
6
CONTRACT DOCUMENTS
5b 9, 10
9-Feb
7
SOIL REPORTS
6
handout
7
all
11-Feb
(continued)
LAB 6
Soil Investigation & reports
13-Feb
EXAMINATION 3
16-Feb
HOLIDAY - PRESIDENT'S DAY
18-Feb
8
LAB 7
20-Feb
Printed: 2/9/16
EMBANKMENT CONSTRUCTION/CONTROL
Compaction & Testing
(continued)
8a 1, 2, 5
Page 3 of 4
Engineering Technology
Walla Walla Community College
ENT 132 – Soils Mechanics for Construction
DATE
8
CHAPTER
LECTURE SCHEDULE**
Exercises
8b 6, 7
25-Feb
(continued)
8c 8, 9, 10
LAB 8
Compaction & Testing
EXAMINATION 4
2-Mar
9
DEWATERING
4-Mar
10
EXCAVATIONS & SUPPORTS
LAB 9
11
9-Mar
11
No.
(continued)
6-Mar
10
ASSIGNMENT DUE
23-Feb
26-Feb
9
Winter 2015
9
all
Site Visits
FOUNDATION CONSTRUCTION
10 1 to 4
(continued)
11-Mar
12
LAB 10
CONSTRUCTION ACCESS/HAUL ROADS
Site Visits
13-Mar
(continued)
16-Mar
REVIEW
18-Mar
11 handout
12 handout
NO CLASS
NO LAB
20-Mar
FINAL (8:30 am to 10:30 pm)
* Subject to change to class needs at the Instructor's discretion
** LAB reports are due on FRIDAY of the week of the laboratory; "Holiday" due dates are actually due on
TUESDAY
Printed: 2/9/16
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