Elementary Soil Engineering
Credits: 5 PDH
PDH Course Description:
All structural measures and many land treatment measures involve the use of soil as a building material or a supporting medium. Soil engineering is the application of physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of soil to its use as a construction material
and as a foundation for structures.
This course is about elementary soil engineering; and includes the following major sections:
(I) an explanation of basic soil concepts that relate to engineering;
(2) an engineering classification and description system for soil;
(3) guides for estimating soil strength, permeability, erosion resistance, and other performance characteristics.
It also discusses site investigation and presents a procedure for the preliminary embankment design of earth dams..
Topics:
- Basic Concepts in Soil Engineering
- The Unified Soil Classification System
- Field Identification and Description of Soils
- Estimation of Soil Performance and Performance Requirements
- Preliminary Embankment Design for Earth Dams
To take this course:
1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
(must be logged into your user account)
Download the Study Guide
3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.
Take the final exam
4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.
Print the Certificate of Completion
Intended Audience: This course is intended for Geotechnical, Civil, Environmental, Water Resources, and other engineers whose job description requires a general knowledge of soil engineering principles.
Publication Source: USDA NRCS
Donald Parnell, PE