Topic outline

  • FHWA Subsurface Investigations: Lab Testing for Soils and Rocks

    Credits: 4 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    Laboratory testing of soils is a fundamental element of geotechnical engineering. The complexity of testing required for a particular project may range from a simple moisture content determination to specialized strength and stiffness testing. Since testing can be expensive and time consuming, the geotechnical engineer should recognize the project’s issues ahead of time so as to optimize the testing program, particularly strength and consolidation testing.

    Topics:

    • Weight-Volume Concepts
    • Load-Deformation Process in Soils
    • Principles of Soil Stress
    • Selection and Assignment of Tests
    • AASHTO and ASTM Standardized Tests
    • Visual Identification of Soils
    • Index Properties, Atterberg Limits
    • Classification of Soils
    • Strength Tests
    • Total and Effective Stress Analysis
    • Mohr-Coulomb Criteria
    • Consolidation Tests
    • Quality Control and Assurance for Lab Tests
    • Sample Handling and Specimen Selection
    • Rock Testing Procedures
    • Guidelines for Testing of Rock and Soil

    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.



    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 laboratory testing methods and procedures for soil and rock.
    Publication Source: USDOT (Federal Highway Administration)

    Donald Parnell, PE
    • Topic 1