Introduction to

Geotechnical
Engineering

Created by
ER.SANJIVA KUMAR
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LEA GROUP.
 SCOPE

Scope and Significance

This PRESENTATION explores the vital role of geotechnical

engineering in civil engineering. It introduces key concepts
and methods, addressing both theoretical foundations and
practical applications.

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Civil Engineering
Branches
Geotechnical
Engineering's Role Traditional Branches

Geotechnical engineering Civil engineering consists of

focuses on soil and rock several branches, including
mechanics. It plays a crucial role structural, water resources,
in designing foundations and transportation, and geotechnical
ensuring stability and safety in engineering. Each focuses on
construction. different aspects of
infrastructure creation.

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 Importance of
Geotechnical
Engineering
Critical Functionality

Geotechnical engineering is essential for analyzing soil

properties and foundation design. Its studies are vital for
minimizing risks and ensuring the stability of structures
built on natural ground.

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 Soil mechanics

Geotechnical engineering education includes two main

courses: Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering.
These subjects equip Engineers with necessary skills for
effective design and construction practices.

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Geotechnical Engineering
Development

Historical Background Comparative Growth Modern Contributions

Initially, geotechnical Geotechnical advances have Today, geotechnical engineering

engineering lagged behind paralleled developments in is recognized for its innovative
structural engineering. Its other engineering disciplines. solutions in power plant, dam,
techniques have developed Although slower initially, it has and bridge design. Its
significantly, especially post- considerably evolved, enhancing importance is seen in sustainable
1960s, contributing heavily to investment in geotechnical architecture and construction
modern infrastructure. research. practices.

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 Foundation Design

Role of Soil Mechanics Types of Foundations

Soil mechanics provides the From shallow footings to deep

technical foundation for pile systems, foundation types
designing safe and efficient vary based on soil characteristics
foundations. It helps engineers and building requirements. Each
evaluate ground conditions and type addresses specific
select appropriate foundation construction challenges.
techniques.

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 Soil Mechanics
Basics

Fundamental Principles

Soil mechanics examines soil's mechanical behavior under

different conditions. It covers concepts such as stress,
strain, permeability, and consolidation, which are crucial
for construction.

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Soil Properties and Challenges

Construction
Inherent Properties Challenges

Soils possess unique properties Challenges include dealing with

like texture, composition, and soil variability, ensuring soil
moisture content. These aspects stabilization, and overcoming
directly influence their load- poor bearing capacity.
bearing capacity and behavior Addressing these acknowledges
under stress, impacting the complexity of soil as a
construction techniques. construction material.

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 Soil Classification

Classification Systems

Soil classification systems like Unified Soil Classification

System (USCS) ,IS and AASHTO are used to categorize soils
based on properties. Proper classification predicts soil
behavior effectively.

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Agriculture vs. Engineering Soil
Agricultural soils emphasize fertility and organic content, vital for crop
growth. In contrast, engineering soils focus on strength and load
capacity, crucial for construction and infrastructure.

A sp ect A g riculture Eng ineering

Main Focus Soil Productivity Structural Stability

Primary Concern Nutrient Content Strength Properties

Additional Factors Organic Matter Load-Bearing Capacity

Analysis Methods Chemical Testing Mechanical Testing

Soil Layer Importance Topsoil Subsoil

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 Rock Cycle Overview

Geological Processes

The rock cycle describes transitions between rocks:

igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. It encompasses
processes like cooling, compaction, and metamorphism
that influence Earth's crust dynamics.

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Types of Rocks

Sedimentary and
Igneous Rocks Metamorphic

Formed from cooled molten Sedimentary rocks, made from

magma, igneous rocks include sediment layers, and
granite and basalt. Their metamorphic rocks, altered by
classification depends on cooling pressure and heat, show Earth's
history and mineral content, dynamic processes. Examples:
affecting their physical limestone (sedimentary) and
properties. slate (metamorphic).

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Igneous Rocks Characterization

Formation Process Types of Igneous Rocks Characteristics

Igneous rocks form from Common igneous rocks include These rocks have mineral-rich
solidified molten magma. The granite, known for durability and compositions, including feldspar
cooling rate affects their texture: light color, basalt with dark fine and quartz. Properties like
rapid cooling yields fine grains, grains, and gabbro, similar to hardness and density make them
while slow cooling results in basalt but with coarser grains. suitable for construction,
coarse-grained textures. especially granite and basalt.

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Sedimentary Rocks
Features
Formation and
Common Varieties Composition

Examples include limestone, Sedimentary rocks form from

formed mainly from calcium accumulated sediments,
carbonate, and shale, a fine- compressed over time. They
grained rock with clay minerals. include clastic types like
These rocks are generally porous sandstone, and chemical types
and vary in color. like limestone, each with unique
textures and minerals.

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 Metamorphic Rocks
Analysis
Transformation Properties and
Processes Examples

Metamorphic rocks undergo Known examples include slate,

transformation through heat and derived from shale, and marble,
pressure. Original rocks' from limestone. These rocks are
characteristics change, resulting often dense, durable, and used
in foliated or non-foliated in decorative applications due to
textures, indicating mineral their aesthetic appeal.
alignments.

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 Soil Formation
Processes

Rock to Soil Transformation

Soil forms through the weathering of rocks, involving

physical disintegration and chemical alteration. This
process yields various soil types, each important for
ecosystem productivity and construction.

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Engineering Soil Properties
Engineering properties of soil like permeability and cohesion are
critical in design and construction. Proper understanding ensures safe,
stable, and successful civil engineering projects.

Pro p erty D escrip tio n Im p act

Permeability Ease of water flow through soil Affects drainage

Cohesion Ability of particles to stick together Influences stability

Plasticity Soil's deformation without cracking Important in design

Density Mass per unit volume Linked to strength

Shear Strength Resistance to shearing forces Critical for safety

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 Advanced topics

Advanced topics like ground improvement techniques and

soil behavior analysis. This knowledge builds on
fundamentals for complex geotechnical applications.
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 Conclusion

Key Takeaways

Today's presentation outlined geotechnical engineering's

role in civil infrastructure. Understanding soil properties
and classification is crucial for safe foundation design and
construction efficiency.

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