Geotechnical Engineering Explained: Soil, Foundations & Earth System Design

Geotechnical Engineering Explained: Soil, Foundations & Earth System Design is an open educational resource (OER) curriculum module establishing the continuum mechanics, subsurface testing protocols, and computational modeling paradigms governing earth-structure interactions.

The module establishes a rigorous geotechnical engineering foundation across nine specialized domains:

• Subsurface Mechanics & Testing: Soil mechanics (Mohr-Coulomb shear criteria, Terzaghi 1D consolidation theory, Darcy's seepage law), rock mass characterization (RMR/GSI), in-situ exploration (SPT, CPTu piezocone, pressuremeter, borehole coring), and laboratory testing (triaxial compression, oedometer, Atterberg plasticity limits).
• Foundation & Earth Retention Systems: Shallow spread/raft foundation bearing capacity, deep bored shafts and driven pile friction mechanics, retaining wall lateral earth pressures (Rankine/Coulomb), and deep excavation shoring.
• Geotechnical Hazards & Ground Improvement: Limit equilibrium and finite element slope stability (infinite slope equilibrium, Bishop method of slices), seismic liquefaction triggers, deep soil mixing, dynamic compaction, vibro-replacement stone columns, and bio-mediated cementation (MICP).

Key Analytical & Technical Features:

• Foundation System & Ground Modification Trade-off Matrix: Multi-variable comparison evaluating Shallow Spread Footings, Driven Precast Concrete Piles, Bored Cast-in-Situ Shafts, and Vibro-Stone Columns across load capacities, stratigraphy limits, vibration noise, and lifecycle risk allocation.
• Worked Numerical Engineering Application: Multi-step Terzaghi bearing capacity derivation for continuous strip footings under general shear failure, calculating surcharge overburden contributions, ultimate capacity, allowable capacity (FS = 3.0), and permissible wall line loads.
• Interactive Slope Stability & Landslide Simulator: Client-side dynamic canvas tool evaluating infinite hillside equilibrium, displaying pore water ratio degradation ($r_u$), driving gravity shear, and resisting strength vectors in runtime.
• Comprehensive Multi-Tiered Assessment: Ten foundational concept reviews, seven scenario-based thought questions, and seven step-by-step numerical calculations (including vertical effective stress profiles, Terzaghi bearing capacity, net allowable pressures, one-dimensional consolidation settlement, Rankine active lateral forces, and constant-head permeability).