Topic outline

  • Engineering Classification of Earth Materials

    Credits: 2 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    The adequacy of a geologic investigation depends on accuracy in describing and classifying earth materials at the site and interpretations for their engineering uses. Earth materials (soil and rock) are described and classified according to their engineering or behavior properties, and their geologic and physical properties. 

    Earth materials must be classified consistently to establish correlation and stratigraphy of the site and to develop the design of the structure and construction methods to fit the site conditions. This course outlines some of the more important properties of earth materials and their description and classification.

    Topics:

    • Introduction and Terminology
    • Physical and Mineralogical Characteristics of Earth Materials
    • Particle characteristics
    • Mass characteristics
    • Rock characteristics related to engineering properties
    • Permeability, Consolidation, Shearing Resistance
    • Geologic Properties of Materials
    • Fossils and Artifacts
    • Field Testing
    • Unified Soil Classification System
    • Soil components, Gradation, Consistency
    • Field Classification Procedures

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course:
    Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    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: primarily for geotechnical, civil, construction, environmental, transportation, hydraulic and other engineering professionals whose job description may require a general knowledge of earth materials classification..
    Publication Source: USDA NRCS

    Donald Parnell, PE

    • Topic 1