Laboratory testing of soils is a fundamental element of geotechnical engineering. The complexity of testing required for a particular project may range from a simple moisture content determination to specialized strength and stiffness testing. Since testing can be expensive and time consuming, the geotechnical engineer should recognize the project’s issues ahead of time so as to optimize the testing program, particularly strength and consolidation testing.

Topics: • Weight-Volume Concepts • Load-Deformation Process in Soils • Principles of Soil Stress • Selection and Assignment of Tests • AASHTO and ASTM Standardized Tests • Visual Identification of Soils • Index Properties, Atterberg Limits • Classification of Soils • Strength Tests • Total and Effective Stress Analysis • Mohr-Coulomb Criteria • Consolidation Tests • Quality Control and Assurance for Lab Tests • Sample Handling and Specimen Selection • Rock Testing Procedures • Guidelines for Testing of Rock and Soil.

Intended Audience: This course is intended for Geotechnical, Civil, Construction, Hydraulic Structural, Foundations, and other engineers whose job description may require an intermediate knowledge of laboratory testing methods and procedures for soil and rock. 

Publication Source: USDOT (Federal Highway Administration)