University of San Carlos

School of Engineering
Department of Civil Engineering

CE 3105 SYLLABUS
Course
Course Title: Geotechnical Engineering Lecture (5 Units) Course Tier: Tier 1
Credit:
Facilitators:
Dr. Erwin T. Calo
Engr. Opalyn F. Seno
Engr. Jasmine V. Nasara
Engr. Diosfer L. Ledesma
Pre-requisite:
CE 2206, GEO 1201 Co-requisite: CE 3105L
Contact: [email protected]/
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
230-0100 local 260

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course on soil formation, soil structures, physical properties of soil, soil classifications, soil compaction, permeability and stresses on soils. It
provides the fundamental concepts and theories required for solving problems involving the consolidation, shear strength, stability and bearing
capacity of soils. It aims to develop the student’s understanding of the concepts to be applied in the estimation of time rates of consolidation, shear
strength of soils, and settlement. The course also allows the student to demonstrate their capability of solving design and construction problems
related to: lateral earth pressure, soil bearing capacity, slope stability, and earth retaining structures.
​ The course requires 5 contact hours and 3 non-contact hours per week. The contact hours are held face to face, consisting of lectures,
seatworks, and other class activities. The non-contact hours are intended for the assignments.

COURSE OUTCOMES

1
The student outputs in this course are ENABLING to the achievement of SOs A, B, D, and J.
By the end of the semester, students will be able to:
CO1: use geotechnical engineering principles to quantify relevant soil parameters (enabling to the achievement of SO a, b, d, and j);
CO2: make appropriate computation to the components of the design in different geotechnical engineering problems (enabling to the achievement
of SO a, b, and d); and
CO3: develop solutions to identify and solve geotechnical engineering problems (enabling to the achievement of SO a, b, d, and j).

COURSE LEARNING PLAN

Teaching-Learning Activities Assessment Tasks Estimated
Intended
Content Student
Learning
Onsite Online Onsite Online Workload
Week 1 ● Adjustment Period - - - - -

Week 2 ● Orientation ● Introduction to the Asynchronous - ● Research on the Synchronous

● Library Research course. ● Library research History of 2 hours
● Guideline to the Geotechnical
course Engineering Asynchronous
3 hours

Weeks 3 Unit 1: Origin of Soil and ● Lecture Asynchronous ● Seatwork ● Assignment Face-to-Face
(COs 1) Grain Size ● Discussion ● Reading materials ● Quiz 5 hours
1. Discuss the ● Rock Cycle and the ● Sharing of insights provided through
history of Origin of Soil and understanding. CANVAS Non-contact
Geotechnical ● Soil-Particle Size ● Consultation hours
Engineering and ● Specific Gravity 3 hours
what it is all about. ● Mechanical Analysis of
2. Define the origin Soil
of soil and its grain
size.
Weeks 4 Unit 2: ● Lecture Asynchronous ● Seatwork ● Assignment Face-to-Face
(COs 1) Weight-Volume ● Discussion ● Reading materials ● Quiz ● Problem Sets 5 hours
1. Discuss the Relationships ● Sharing of insights provided through
weight-volume ● Relationships among and understanding. CANVAS Non-contact
relationship of soil Unit Weight, Void Ratio, ● Consultation hours
including its Moisture Content, and 3 hours
Specific Gravity

2
mechanical ● Relationships among
properties. Unit Weight, Porosity,
and Moisture Content
● Relative Density
Week 5 ● Written Exam (to Face-to-Face
Pre-midterm Examination - 3 hours
(COs 1) be scheduled)
Weeks 6 Unit 3: ● Lecture Asynchronous ● Seatwork ● Assignment/ Face-to-Face
(COs 1) Plasticity and Soil ● Discussion ● Reading materials ● Quiz Problem Sets 5 hours
1. Discuss the Structure ● Sharing of insights provided through
plasticity and soil ● Liquid Limit and understanding. CANVAS Non-contact
structure which ● Plastic Limit ● Consultation hours
includes the liquid ● Shrinkage Limit 3 hours
limit, plastic limit,
and shrinkage limit
of the soil.
Weeks 6 Unit 4: ● Lecture Asynchronous ● Seatwork ● Assignment/ Face-to-Face
(COs 1) Classification of Soil ● Discussion ● Reading materials ● Quiz Problem Sets 5 hours
1. Describe the ● Textural Classification ● Sharing of insights provided through
classification of soil. ● Classification by and understanding. CANVAS Non-contact
2. Define the Engineering Behavior ● Consultation hours
classification of soil. 3 hours

Weeks 7 Unit 5: ● Lecture Asynchronous ● Seatwork ● Assignment/ Face-to-Face

(COs 2) Soil Compaction ● Discussion ● Reading materials ● Quiz Problem Sets 5 hours
1. Define and ● Proctor Compaction Test ● Sharing of insights provided through
discuss the different ● Field Compaction and understanding. CANVAS Non-contact
tests carried out in ● Consultation hours
the field for soil 3 hours
compaction.
Weeks 8 Unit 6: ● Lecture Asynchronous ● Seatwork ● Assignment/ Face-to-Face
(COs 2) Permeability and Seepage ● Discussion ● Reading materials ● Quiz Problem Sets 5 hours
1. Discuss ● Hydraulic Conductivity ● Sharing of insights provided through
permeability of soil ● Equivalent Hydraulic and understanding. CANVAS Non-contact
and seepage. Conductivity in Stratified ● Consultation hours
2. Define and Soil 3 hours
discuss the different ● Permeability Test in the
tests carried out in Field by Pumping from
the field for the Wells

3
permeability and ● Flow Nets
seepage of soil.
Week 9 ● Written Exam (to Face-to-Face
Midterm Examination - 3 hours
(COs 1,2) be scheduled)
Week 10 USC Days
Weeks 11 Unit 7: ● Lecture Asynchronous ● Seatwork ● Assignment/Probl Face-to-Face
(COs 1, 3) Stresses in a Soil Mass ● Discussion ● Reading materials ● Quiz em Sets 5 hours
1. Describe the ● Stresses in Saturated ● Sharing of insights provided through
stresses in soil Soil without Seepage and understanding. CANVAS Non-contact
mass with and ● Stresses in Saturated ● Consultation hours
without seepage Soil with Seepage 3 hours
force. ● Seepage Force
2. Discuss what is a
seepage force,
Weeks 12-13 Unit 8: ● Lecture Asynchronous ● Seatwork ● Assignment/Probl Face-to-Face
(COs 1, 2, 3) Consolidation ● Discussion ● Reading materials ● Quiz em Sets 5 hours
1. Discuss what is ● Primary Consolidation ● Sharing of insights provided through
consolidation. Settlement and understanding. CANVAS Non-contact
2. Describe the ● Secondary Consolidation ● Consultation hours
different types of Settlement 3 hours
consolidation of soil. ● Time Rate of
Consolidation
Week 14 ● Written Exam (to Face-to-Face
Pre-final Examination - 3 hours
(COs 1,2) be scheduled)
Weeks 15-16 Unit 9: ● Lecture Asynchronous ● Seatwork ● Assignment/Probl Face-to-Face
(COs 1, 2, 3) Shear Strength of Soil ● Reading materials ● Quiz em Sets 5 hours
● Discussion
1. Discuss what is ● Direct Shear Test ● Sharing of insights provided through
shear strength of ● Triaxial Shear Test CANVAS Non-contact
and understanding. hours
soil. ● Consultation
2. Describe the 3 hours
different types of
shear strength test.
Weeks 17 Unit 10: ● Lecture Asynchronous ● Seatwork ● Assignment/Probl Face-to-Face
(COs 1, 2, 3) Lateral Earth Pressure ● Quiz em Sets 5 hours
● Discussion

4
1. Discuss what is ● At-Rest, Active, and ● Sharing of insights ● Reading materials Non-contact
lateral earth Passive Pressures provided through hours
and understanding.
pressure. ● Rankine’s Pressure CANVAS 3 hours
2. Define the Theory ● Consultation
different types of ● Coulomb's Pressure
lateral earth Theory
pressure.
Week 18 ● Written Exam (to Face-to-Face
Final Examination - 3 hours
(COs 1,2,3) be scheduled)

COURSE POLICIES
Attendance
Since this is a lecture course, you are required to attend all face-to-face and online classes. You must arrive in the discussion room or meeting link
if online provided by the instructor on time or before the class starts. Being fifteen minutes late to the activity briefing will consider you absent. A
student who incurs unexcused absences of more than 20% of the prescribed number of class hours or laboratory periods during the term should be
given NC or 5.0 (USC Student Manual Section 5.1, page 19).

Examinations
Examinations will be given face-to-face. If you are not able to take any of the Midterm and Final Examinations on the scheduled dates, you may
write a formal written request but only in cases when you missed an examination due to a serious medical condition, personal emergency, or those
who will be away to represent the University in any form of competition or other similar events. Pertinent supporting documents must be attached to
your letter of request. Any request stands both chances of getting granted or denied. The COURSE FACILITATOR shall be the one to set the date
and time of the make-up exam. Cheating in any form shall be dealt with accordingly and may be a cause for an automatic failing grade of the
course.

Submission of Required Outputs

You are expected to submit requirements on time. Every problem set must be submitted on the deadline provided. Outputs submitted beyond
the specified deadline will be marked late and will be given -5 points per day of late submission and once exceeded three days with no submission
will be given a zero or an equivalent of 5.0. An INC mark must be changed with an equivalent grade prior to the start of enrollment in the next
semester; otherwise, you will receive a final grade of 5.0.

Communication
CANVAS will be the official Learning Management System (LMS) to be used for the course with a link provided by the teacher during the first day of
classes. All course-related communications outside of class should be done through CANVAS. Supplementary learning materials, announcements,
instructions, and the like will be accessed through CANVAS. Make sure that you regularly check your inbox and the announcements in CANVAS.

5
COURSE ASSESSMENT LEARNING AND GRADING
As evidence of having achieved the outcomes, students must successfully perform tasks and produce quality outputs and/or carry out tasks
successfully.

Formative Summative (Rubric-Based)

For CO1: Quizzes, Problem Set, Seatwork, Assignments For CO1: Comprehensive Exam
For CO2: Quizzes, Problem Set, Seatwork, Assignments For CO2: Comprehensive Exam
For CO3: Quizzes, Problem Set, Seatwork, Assignments For CO3: Comprehensive Exam

Assessment and Evaluation Rubrics (See Annex)

Output/Performance Rubric Number and Title
● Worded Application Problems ● [CE 3105-1] Assessing and Grading Worded Application
Problems
Grading System
The student’s grade for the course is computed based on both formative and summative assessment data. The computation is detailed below.

Grade Component Weight Computation

Quiz Average (QA) (25%) QA average rating x 0.25
Long Exam (LA) (70%) LA average rating x 0.70
Class Standing (CS) (5%) OE average rating x 0.05
Final Grade
Passing Grade: 3.0

LEARNING RESOURCES
Textbook:
● Das, Braja M., Geotechnical Engineering (Philippine Edition)
References:
● McCarthy, David, Essentials of Soil Mechanics and Foundations (5th Edition), 1998
● Liu, Cheng. Soils and Foundations, 2000
● Das, Braja M., Principles of Geotechnical Engineering (4th Ed.), 1998
● Bowles, Engineering Properties of Soils and their Measurement (3rd Edition), 1986
● Peck, Hanson and Thornburn, Foundation Engineering (2nd Ed.), 1974
● Terzaghi, Karl et al. Soil Mechanics for Engineering Practice. 1995

Note: Numerous books on Geotechnical Engineering can be found at the Learning Resource Center (LRC). You can ask the help from our
Engineering Librarian in locating these books.
6
Prepared by:

Engr. Opalyn F. Seno

Faculty, Department of Civil Engineering

Engr. Jasmine V. Nasara

Faculty, Department of Civil Engineering

Engr. Diosfer L. Ledesma

Faculty, Department of Civil Engineering

Date Submitted for Approval: August 29, 2023

Approved by: Date of Approval:

Engr. Janice B. Jamora, MEng

Chair, Department of Civil Engineering

7
 ANNEX 1. Assessment & Evaluation Rubrics
CE 3105L Geotechnical Laboratory
1st Semester, AY 2023-2024

Table 1. [CE 3105L-1] Assessing and Grading Worded Application Problems

1.0-1.2 1.3-1.7 1.8-2.5 2.6-3.0 5.0
Excellent Meets Expectations Good Fair
A correct solution is An appropriate strategy to An appropriate strategy to Some parts of an Some work beyond
obtained using a valid and solve the problem is shown solve the problem is shown appropriate strategy to re-copying the given data
appropriate mathematical but an incorrect solution is but incorrect solution is solve the problem are is done but the solution
strategy shown in sufficient obtained due to minor obtained due to major shown but some key strategy shown is
detail. computational or other computational or other elements are missing; or inappropriate.
errors. error appropriate strategy is
shown but implemented
incorrectly.