Geotechnical Engineering is a critical subject in civil engineering, dealing with soil mechanics, foundation design, and earth structures. The Geotechnical Engineering course at Satish Science Academy is structured to meet the requirements of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) and other university syllabi. It provides theoretical understanding, practical applications, and preparation for exams.
I. Course Structure
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Topics Covered (As per SPPU and University Syllabus):
- Soil Mechanics
- Foundation Engineering
- Earth Pressure and Retaining Structures
- Slope Stability and Soil Exploration
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Delivery Modes:
- Live Interactive Classes: In-depth coverage of concepts and numerical problems.
- Recorded Lectures: For revision and flexible learning.
- Practical Application Sessions: Case studies and real-world problem-solving.
- Doubt-Solving: Dedicated sessions for query resolution.
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Duration:
- Full semester (4-5 months), with mid-term revision and end-term crash course.
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Language Options:
II. Curriculum Design (As per SPPU Guidelines)
Unit 1: Introduction to Soil Mechanics
- Soil Formation:
- Residual and transported soils.
- Soil Properties:
- Index properties: Specific gravity, water content, unit weights, void ratio, porosity, degree of saturation.
- Consistency limits (Liquid, Plastic, Shrinkage).
- Classification of Soils:
- Indian Standard (IS) Soil Classification System.
Unit 2: Permeability and Seepage
- Permeability:
- Darcy’s Law, determination of permeability (lab and field methods).
- Seepage:
- Seepage velocity, flow nets, applications in earthen dams and retaining walls.
- Laplace Equation:
- 2D flow and its application.
Unit 3: Compaction and Consolidation
- Soil Compaction:
- Compaction tests (Standard Proctor and Modified Proctor).
- Factors affecting compaction.
- Soil Consolidation:
- Terzaghi’s theory, time rate of consolidation.
- Oedometer test and determination of consolidation parameters.
Unit 4: Shear Strength of Soils
- Shear Strength Parameters:
- Testing Methods:
- Direct shear test, triaxial test, unconfined compression test, vane shear test.
- Stress-Strain Behavior:
- Effect of water content, confining pressure.
Unit 5: Earth Pressure and Retaining Structures
- Earth Pressure Theories:
- Rankine’s and Coulomb’s theories.
- Active, Passive, and Earth Pressure at Rest.
- Retaining Walls:
- Types, stability analysis, and design considerations.
Unit 6: Bearing Capacity and Foundation Design
- Bearing Capacity:
- Terzaghi’s and IS Code methods.
- Effect of water table, settlement analysis.
- Shallow and Deep Foundations:
- Types, design of strip, isolated, and raft foundations.
- Pile foundations: Types, load-carrying capacity, and group action.
Unit 7: Slope Stability
- Types of Slope Failures:
- Plane failure, wedge failure, rotational slips.
- Stability Analysis:
- Methods: Taylor’s Stability Number, Swedish Slip Circle.
Unit 8: Soil Exploration
- Methods of Exploration:
- Direct and indirect methods.
- Sampling:
- Disturbed and undisturbed samples.
- Field Tests:
- Standard Penetration Test (SPT), Cone Penetration Test (CPT), Plate Load Test.
III. Weekly Study Plan
Monday to Friday:
Saturday:
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Revision:
- Recap of topics covered during the week.
- Solving past university exam questions.
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Unit Test:
- Weekly assessment to evaluate understanding.
Sunday:
- Mock Tests:
- Full-length tests after every two units.
- Performance analysis with detailed solutions.
IV. Features of the Course
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Study Materials:
- Concise notes aligned with SPPU syllabus.
- Formula sheets, flowcharts, and step-by-step numerical guides.
- Reference to IS codes for practical understanding.
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Practical Applications:
- Real-life case studies of soil failures, foundation designs, and earthworks.
- Projects on slope stability and soil improvement techniques.
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Comprehensive Test Series:
- Unit-wise tests for gradual learning.
- Mid-term and end-term mock tests based on SPPU patterns.
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Performance Analytics:
- Detailed analysis of tests.
- Recommendations for improvement in weak areas.
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Doubt-Solving Mechanism:
- Dedicated doubt-clearing sessions twice a week.
- 24/7 support via chat.
Advanced Features
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Crash Course:
- A 4-week intensive module for end-term revision.
- Focus on high-weightage topics and past papers.
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Workshops:
- Special sessions on practical design problems.
- IS Code interpretation for foundation design and soil testing.
Key Benefits
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University-Specific Curriculum:
- Complete alignment with SPPU syllabus and exam pattern.
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Flexible Learning:
- Live and recorded sessions allow for convenient learning.
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Result-Oriented Approach:
- Regular tests ensure consistent performance improvement.
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Expert Faculty:
- Experienced teachers with expertise in geotechnical engineering.
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Practical Insights:
- Case studies and field applications enhance real-world understanding.
Conclusion
The Geotechnical Engineering Course by Satish Science Academy equips students with theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and exam readiness, ensuring they excel in their university exams and beyond. The course is tailored to meet the academic and professional needs of students, making them industry-ready.