Topic outline

  • Subsurface Investigations: In-Situ Geotechnical Tests

    Credits : 4 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This course, based on a FHWA technical publication, covers various In-situ soil tests and procedures including standard penetration (SPT), cone penetration test (CPT), piezocone (CPTu), flat dilatometer (DMT), pressuremeter (PMT), and vane shear (VST). Also discussed are pressuremeter tests such as the Prebored (Menard) type, Self-boring pressuremeter (SBP), Push-in pressuremeter (PIP), Full-displacement type (FDP).
    Also, several kinds of geophysical tests that can be used for stratigraphic profiling and delineation of subsurface geometries. These include the measurement of mechanical waves (seismic refraction surveys, crosshole, downhole, and spectral analysis of surface wave tests), as well as electromagnetic techniques (resistivity, EM, magnetometer, and radar).

    Topics:

    • Standard Penetration Test
    • Cone Penetration Test
    • Piezocone Pentration Test
    • Vane Shear Test
    • Flat Plate Dilatometer Test
    • Pressuremeter Test
    • Specialized Probes and In-Situ Tests
    • Geophysical Methods
    • Geophysical Mechanical Wave Techniques
    • Seismic Refraction
    • Crosshole Tests
    • Downhole Tests
    • Spectral Analysis of Surface Waves
    • Electromagnetic Wave Methods
    • Ground Penetrating Radar

    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: This course is intended for Geotechnical, Civil, Construction, Hydraulic, Structural, Foundations, and other engineers whose job description may require an intermediate knowledge of in-situ soil testing methods and procedures.
    Publication Source: USDOT (Federal Highway Administration)

    Donald Parnell, PE

    • Topic 1