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2.3. Geotechnical Engineering (GTE)
This knowledge area covers the engineering behavior of earth materials, subsurface investigation, foundation design, earth retention systems, slope stability, and ground improvement techniques essential for safe and economical infrastructure development.
2.3.1. GTE/Phase Relationships and Seepage (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Phase relationships, index properties, classification systems, and compaction of soils; permeability, water flow through soils, the effective stress principle, and capillary phenomena.
Topics:
Core
- Phase relationships and index properties of soils
- Soil classification systems including USCS and AASHTO
- Particle size distribution and Atterberg limits
- Compaction theory and field control methods
- Permeability and Darcy's law
- Seepage analysis and flow nets
- Effective stress principle and pore water pressure
- Capillarity and soil suction
- Frost action and thermal properties of soils
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Calculate phase relationships and derive index properties from laboratory data [Usage]
- Classify soils according to USCS and AASHTO classification systems [Assessment]
- Interpret particle size distribution curves and plasticity charts [Assessment]
- Apply compaction theory to field construction control [Usage]
- Determine soil permeability using laboratory and field methods [Assessment]
- Construct flow nets and calculate seepage quantities [Usage]
- Explain the effective stress principle and its engineering significance [Familiarity]
- Analyze capillary rise and soil suction effects in partially saturated soils [Assessment]
- Evaluate frost susceptibility and design frost protection measures [Familiarity]
2.3.2. GTE/Shear Strength and Consolidation (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Soil shear strength, the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion, direct shear and triaxial testing, and critical-state and residual behavior; consolidation theory, settlement prediction, stress distribution in soil masses, secondary compression, and anisotropy.
Topics:
Core
- Shear strength of soils and Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion
- Direct shear and triaxial testing methods
- Drained and undrained shear strength behavior
- Consolidation theory and settlement analysis
- Time-rate of consolidation and degree of consolidation
- Stress distribution in soil masses using elastic theory
- Critical state soil mechanics concepts
- Residual shear strength and sensitivity of clays
- Secondary compression and creep behavior
- Anisotropy and stress path effects on soil behavior
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Apply Mohr-Coulomb criterion to determine shear strength parameters [Familiarity]
- Interpret direct shear and triaxial test results [Assessment]
- Distinguish between drained and undrained loading conditions [Usage]
- Calculate consolidation settlement using one-dimensional theory [Assessment]
- Predict time-rate of settlement for consolidating soils [Usage]
- Compute stress distribution beneath loaded areas using Boussinesq theory [Assessment]
- Explain critical state concepts and their application to soil behavior [Familiarity]
- Evaluate residual strength and sensitivity for slope stability problems [Assessment]
- Estimate secondary compression for highly plastic soils [Usage]
- Analyze the effects of stress paths and anisotropy on soil response [Familiarity]
2.3.3. GTE/Site Investigation and In-Situ Testing (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Subsurface investigation planning, drilling and sampling methods, laboratory testing programs, and geotechnical report preparation; in-situ testing -SPT, CPT, vane, and pressuremeter-, geophysical methods, groundwater monitoring, and borrow area investigation.
Topics:
Core
- Investigation planning and scope determination
- Boring methods and subsurface exploration techniques
- Sampling methods for disturbed and undisturbed samples
- Standard Penetration Test and correlations
- Laboratory testing program and test selection
- Cone Penetration Test and piezocone testing
- Vane shear test and pressuremeter testing
- Geophysical methods including seismic and resistivity surveys
- Groundwater monitoring and piezometer installation
- Report preparation and geotechnical data presentation
- In-situ permeability (Lugeon/packer) testing for foundation grouting and seepage assessment
- Borrow area investigation for embankment fill material quantity and quality
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Develop appropriate site investigation programs based on project requirements [Assessment]
- Select appropriate boring and exploration methods for different soil conditions [Familiarity]
- Specify sampling techniques to obtain quality samples for testing [Usage]
- Interpret SPT data and apply empirical correlations for design parameters [Assessment]
- Design laboratory testing programs for geotechnical projects [Usage]
- Analyze CPT and piezocone data for soil profiling and parameter evaluation [Assessment]
- Apply vane shear and pressuremeter tests for soft clay characterization [Usage]
- Utilize geophysical methods to complement traditional investigation techniques [Assessment]
- Monitor groundwater conditions and interpret piezometric data [Usage]
- Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation reports [Assessment]
- Perform packer (Lugeon) testing and interpret results for foundation grouting curtain design [Usage]
- Characterize borrow areas for embankment fill material quantity and quality [Assessment]
2.3.4. GTE/Bearing Capacity and Design (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Bearing capacity theory, ultimate bearing capacity equations, settlement analysis, and allowable differential settlement; design of isolated footings, combined footings, mat foundations, and continuous footings, including eccentric loading and soil-structure interaction.
Topics:
Core
- Bearing capacity theory and failure mechanisms
- Ultimate bearing capacity equations for various conditions
- Settlement analysis using elastic and consolidation methods
- Isolated spread footing design
- Combined footings and strap footings
- Allowable bearing pressure and factor of safety selection
- Mat foundation analysis and design
- Eccentric and inclined loading effects
- Soil-structure interaction effects
- Differential settlement and tolerable limits
- Continuous (strip) footing design for basement and foundation walls
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Explain bearing capacity failure mechanisms in shallow foundations [Familiarity]
- Calculate ultimate bearing capacity using Terzaghi and Meyerhof equations [Assessment]
- Predict total and differential settlements for shallow foundations [Usage]
- Design isolated spread footings for gravity loads [Assessment]
- Proportion combined and strap footings for column arrangements [Usage]
- Determine allowable bearing pressures based on strength and settlement criteria [Assessment]
- Analyze mat foundations using conventional and finite element methods [Assessment]
- Evaluate bearing capacity under eccentric and inclined loading [Usage]
- Consider soil-structure interaction in foundation design [Familiarity]
- Assess differential settlement and apply tolerable settlement criteria [Assessment]
- Design continuous strip footings for basement and foundation walls [Usage]
2.3.5. GTE/Deep Foundations (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Design of pile foundations and drilled shafts including axial and lateral capacity, group effects, and load testing.
Topics:
Core
- Pile types and installation methods
- Axial capacity of single piles in cohesive and cohesionless soils
- Lateral load capacity and p-y method
- Pile group behavior and group efficiency
- Drilled shaft design and construction considerations
- Negative skin friction and downdrag forces
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Select appropriate pile types based on soil conditions and loading [Familiarity]
- Calculate axial capacity of piles using static methods [Assessment]
- Analyze laterally loaded piles using p-y curves [Usage]
- Evaluate pile group capacity and settlement [Assessment]
- Design drilled shaft foundations including shaft diameter and reinforcement [Usage]
- Interpret pile load test results and verify design assumptions [Assessment]
2.3.6. GTE/Earth Retaining Systems (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Earth pressure theory and design of retaining walls, anchored walls, and mechanically stabilized earth systems.
Topics:
Core
- Earth pressure theory including active and passive pressures
- Retaining wall types and selection criteria
- Load testing methods including static and dynamic tests
- Anchored walls and tied-back systems
- Mechanically stabilized earth walls and reinforced soil systems
- Basement and foundation wall design considering top-of-wall restraint conditions
- Counterfort and buttressed retaining wall design
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Apply lateral earth pressure theories for retaining wall design [Assessment]
- Design gravity and cantilever retaining walls [Usage]
- Design anchored wall systems including ground anchor capacity [Assessment]
- Proportion mechanically stabilized earth walls and select reinforcement [Usage]
- Design basement and foundation walls considering top restraint, surcharge, and hydrostatic loads [Assessment]
- Design counterfort retaining walls including stem, heel, toe, and counterfort elements [Usage]
2.3.7. GTE/Slope Stability Analysis and Stabilization (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Infinite slope analysis, the method of slices, failure surfaces, factor of safety, and stability charts; landslide types, seismic slope stability, stabilization methods, monitoring, and probabilistic analysis.
Topics:
Core
- Infinite slope analysis for simple geometries
- Method of slices and limit equilibrium analysis
- Circular and non-circular failure surfaces
- Factor of safety determination and acceptance criteria
- Stability charts and simplified methods
- Landslide types and failure mechanisms
- Seismic slope stability and pseudo-static analysis
- Stabilization methods including drainage and reinforcement
- Monitoring systems and early warning for unstable slopes
- Probabilistic slope stability analysis
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Perform infinite slope stability analysis for uniform slopes [Assessment]
- Apply method of slices to analyze slope stability [Usage]
- Analyze slopes with circular and non-circular failure surfaces [Assessment]
- Calculate factors of safety and interpret results [Usage]
- Use stability charts for rapid slope evaluation [Assessment]
- Identify landslide types and their characteristic features [Familiarity]
- Evaluate seismic stability using pseudo-static methods [Usage]
- Design slope stabilization measures for specific failure modes [Assessment]
- Implement monitoring systems for potentially unstable slopes [Usage]
- Conduct probabilistic stability analysis considering parameter uncertainty [Assessment]
2.3.8. GTE/Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Single-degree-of-freedom dynamic systems, wave propagation in soil deposits, and site response to seismic ground motion; liquefaction susceptibility and potential evaluation, its effects on structures and infrastructure, and dynamic soil properties from laboratory and field testing; ground improvement for liquefaction mitigation, lateral spreading, seismic settlement, performance-based design, and machine foundation design under dynamic loads.
Topics:
Core
- Single-degree-of-freedom dynamic systems and one-dimensional wave propagation through soil deposits
- Site response and ground motion amplification
- Seismic hazard analysis and design ground motions
- Liquefaction susceptibility and triggering mechanisms
- Cyclic stress ratio and liquefaction evaluation procedures
- Effects of liquefaction on structures and infrastructure
- Dynamic soil properties and laboratory testing
- Design of foundations for vibrating machinery under dynamic loading
- Ground improvement methods for liquefaction mitigation
- Lateral spreading and flow failures
- Seismically induced settlement and bearing capacity
- Performance-based design for geotechnical earthquake engineering
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Formulate single-degree-of-freedom models and one-dimensional wave-propagation equations to characterize seismic wave transmission through soil deposits [Usage]
- Explain site response effects and ground motion characteristics [Familiarity]
- Determine design ground motions for geotechnical seismic analysis [Assessment]
- Evaluate liquefaction susceptibility using field investigation data [Usage]
- Calculate cyclic stress ratios and assess liquefaction potential [Assessment]
- Assess the consequences of liquefaction on foundations and structures [Familiarity]
- Characterize dynamic soil properties from laboratory and field tests [Usage]
- Proportion machine foundations considering dynamic soil-foundation stiffness, resonance avoidance, and permissible vibration amplitudes [Assessment]
- Select and design ground improvement methods to mitigate liquefaction [Assessment]
- Predict lateral spreading displacements and flow failure potential [Usage]
- Analyze seismically induced settlement and reduced bearing capacity [Assessment]
- Implement performance-based approaches for seismic geotechnical design [Assessment]
2.3.9. GTE/Ground Improvement Techniques (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Compaction methods, stone columns, preloading with vertical drains, deep mixing and jet grouting, and chemical stabilization.
Topics:
Core
- Compaction methods including dynamic and vibratory techniques
- Stone columns and vibro-replacement methods
- Preloading and vertical drains for soft ground treatment
- Deep mixing and jet grouting techniques
- Chemical stabilization and grouting methods
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Select appropriate ground improvement methods for specific soil conditions [Familiarity]
- Design stone column systems for settlement reduction [Assessment]
- Calculate consolidation time reduction using vertical drains [Usage]
- Identify geosynthetic types and their engineering applications [Familiarity]
- Proportion reinforcement for mechanically stabilized earth structures [Assessment]
2.3.10. GTE/Problematic Soils and Foundation-Soil Classification (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Identification, engineering behavior, and foundation design implications of soils that pose special hazards -expansive, collapsible, and dispersive soils, and engineered fills- together with the foundation-soil classification and investigation criteria used under Peru's RNE Norma E.050.
Topics:
Core
- Types of foundation soils and site characterization from geologic maps and subsurface data
- Foundation-soil classification and investigation requirements under Peru's RNE Norma E.050
- Identification and mineralogy of expansive (swelling) soils
- Swell potential testing and foundation design measures for expansive soils
- Identification and behavior of collapsible (metastable) soils
- Identification and treatment of dispersive soils
- Specification and quality control of engineered fill for foundation support
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Classify foundation soils using geologic maps and subsurface investigation data [Familiarity]
- Apply Peru's RNE Norma E.050 criteria to classify foundation soils and define investigation requirements [Assessment]
- Identify expansive soils from mineralogy and index test data [Usage]
- Design foundations for expansive soils based on swell potential test results [Assessment]
- Recognize collapsible and dispersive soil behavior from field and laboratory indicators [Familiarity]
- Specify engineered fill requirements for foundation support [Usage]
2.3.11. GTE/Geotechnical Numerical Modeling and Applications (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Boundary conditions, staged construction, soil-structure interaction, and one-dimensional numerical models; two-dimensional numerical models, dynamic analysis, and soil constitutive models for nonlinear geotechnical analysis.
Topics:
Core
- Boundary conditions, initial stress state, and staged construction (excavation and fill sequencing) in geotechnical finite element models
- Soil-structure interaction modeling: interface elements and contact behavior between soil and structural elements
- One-dimensional numerical models for consolidation and axially loaded pile-soil interaction
- Two-dimensional plane-strain numerical models for excavations, embankments, and retaining structures
- Dynamic numerical analysis of seismic site response and soil-structure dynamic interaction
- Constitutive soil models: Mohr-Coulomb, Cam-Clay, and Hardening Soil Model for nonlinear geotechnical analysis
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Explain the boundary conditions, initial stress state, and staged construction sequencing required for geotechnical finite element models [Familiarity]
- Model soil-structure interaction using interface elements in a finite element mesh [Usage]
- Formulate one-dimensional finite element models for consolidation and pile-soil interaction problems [Usage]
- Develop two-dimensional plane-strain finite element models for excavation, embankment, and retaining-structure problems [Usage]
- Analyze the dynamic response of geotechnical systems using numerical dynamic analysis [Assessment]
- Select and apply appropriate constitutive soil models (Mohr-Coulomb, Cam-Clay, Hardening Soil Model) in nonlinear finite element analysis [Usage]
2.3.12. GTE/Earth Dams (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Fundamental concepts, function, typology, and zoning of earth and rockfill (embankment) dams within water resources infrastructure.
Topics:
Core
- Definition, function, and role of earth dams within water resources infrastructure
- Typology of embankment dams: homogeneous and zoned earthfill/rockfill dams, and selection criteria
- Dam zoning: core, shell, filters, drains, and transition zones
- Site selection factors and reservoir/dam-site feasibility considerations
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Explain the function of earth dams and their role within water resources infrastructure [Familiarity]
- Classify embankment dams by type and select an appropriate typology for given site and material conditions [Assessment]
- Describe the zoning of an earth dam and the function of each zone (core, shell, filters, drains) [Familiarity]
- Evaluate site selection factors governing dam type and location choice [Usage]
2.3.13. GTE/Geotechnical Characterization for Earth Dams (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Geotechnical characterization of foundation conditions and construction materials specific to embankment dam design, including borrow material suitability and dispersivity assessment.
Topics:
Core
- Foundation geotechnical characterization: rock and soil foundation conditions for embankment dams
- Characterization of borrow materials for core, shell, and filter zones
- Compaction and shear strength properties of compacted fill materials
- Permeability characterization of foundation and embankment materials
- Dispersive soil identification and erodibility assessment for core materials
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Characterize foundation soil and rock conditions relevant to embankment dam design [Assessment]
- Evaluate borrow material sources for suitability as core, shell, or filter material [Usage]
- Determine compaction and shear strength properties of compacted embankment materials [Assessment]
- Assess dispersive soil potential and erodibility of candidate core materials [Usage]
2.3.14. GTE/Geotechnical Design of Embankment Dams (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Geotechnical design of embankment dams, including seepage analysis and control, filter and drain design, slope stability of dam faces, seismic considerations, and freeboard/settlement allowances.
Topics:
Core
- Seepage analysis through the embankment and foundation using flow nets and numerical methods
- Seepage control measures: core design, cutoff walls, and grout curtains
- Filter and drain design criteria to prevent internal erosion and piping
- Slope stability analysis of upstream and downstream dam faces under static and rapid drawdown conditions
- Seismic design considerations and deformation analysis for embankment dams
- Freeboard determination and settlement/camber allowance in embankment design
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Analyze seepage through the embankment and foundation using flow nets or numerical seepage models [Assessment]
- Design seepage control measures including impervious cores, cutoff walls, and grout curtains [Usage]
- Design filter and drain zones according to piping and internal erosion criteria [Assessment]
- Evaluate slope stability of dam faces under steady-state seepage, rapid drawdown, and end-of-construction conditions [Usage]
- Incorporate seismic loading and deformation analysis into embankment dam design [Assessment]
- Determine freeboard and settlement allowances for embankment design [Usage]
2.3.15. GTE/Dam Instrumentation and Monitoring (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Instrumentation systems and performance monitoring programs for embankment dams throughout construction and operation.
Topics:
Core
- Instrumentation planning: objectives, parameters to monitor, and instrument selection
- Piezometers and pore pressure measurement systems
- Settlement and deformation monitoring: surface markers, inclinometers, and extensometers
- Seepage flow monitoring using weirs and flow measurement devices
- Data acquisition, automation, and interpretation of monitoring records
- Threshold (alert/alarm) values and performance evaluation criteria
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Plan an instrumentation program defining monitoring objectives and parameters [Usage]
- Select and locate piezometers to monitor pore pressure within the embankment and foundation [Assessment]
- Specify deformation monitoring instruments (markers, inclinometers, extensometers) for an embankment dam [Usage]
- Monitor seepage flow and interpret trends against baseline conditions [Assessment]
- Interpret monitoring data and establish threshold values for dam safety alerts [Usage]
2.3.16. GTE/Construction of Earth Dams (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Construction methods, quality control, and foundation treatment for embankment dam construction.
Topics:
Core
- Foundation preparation and treatment: stripping, grouting, and cutoff trench excavation
- Placement and compaction of core, filter, and shell fill materials
- Field compaction quality control and acceptance testing
- Construction sequencing, staged construction, and river diversion during construction
- Construction-phase monitoring and as-built verification
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Specify foundation treatment methods including cutoff trench excavation and grouting [Usage]
- Control fill placement and compaction to meet design specifications [Assessment]
- Verify compaction quality through field acceptance testing [Usage]
- Sequence embankment construction considering staged construction and river diversion [Assessment]
2.3.17. GTE/Operation and Safety Management of Dams (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Operational surveillance, risk assessment, and emergency planning for dam safety management throughout the dam's service life.
Topics:
Core
- Dam surveillance programs: visual inspection and periodic evaluation procedures
- Risk assessment and hazard classification of dams
- Emergency action plans and downstream hazard/inundation mapping
- Regulatory framework and dam safety programs (e.g., Peru's ANA dam safety regulations)
- Dam rehabilitation, decommissioning, and aging infrastructure management
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Conduct dam surveillance inspections and evaluate performance indicators [Usage]
- Classify dam hazard potential and assess associated risks [Assessment]
- Develop an emergency action plan including downstream inundation mapping [Usage]
- Apply regulatory dam safety requirements to an operating dam [Assessment]
- Propose rehabilitation measures for aging or deficient dam infrastructure [Usage]
2.3.18. GTE/Geosynthetics for Geotechnical Engineering ↑ Back to top
Geosynthetic types, reinforced soil structure design, filtration and drainage systems, basal reinforcement, and long-term performance.
Topics:
Core
- Geosynthetic types and material properties
- Reinforcement functions and design of reinforced soil structures
- Geosynthetic design for filtration, drainage, and separation
- Basal reinforcement and geogrid design
- Long-term performance and durability of geosynthetics
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Apply deep mixing and jet grouting for soil stabilization [Usage]
- Specify chemical stabilization methods and grouting parameters [Assessment]
- Design geosynthetic filtration and drainage systems [Usage]
- Analyze basal reinforced embankments using limit equilibrium methods [Assessment]
- Evaluate long-term durability and reduction factors for geosynthetics [Familiarity]