Principles of Soil Science and Engineering - AI25301

 

AI25301:

Principles of Soil Science and Engineering

 

Course Objective:

To develop understanding of soil science and engineering properties for analyzing soil behavior in agricultural and foundation applications.

 

Soil Fundamentals: Soil formation, profile, components, and physical properties including texture, structure, density, and plasticity; Soil water, air, temperature, colloids, pH, and nutrient interactions with emphasis on measurement techniques.

Practical:

1. Determination of soil pH and Electrical Conductivity (EC) using digital meters

Phase Relationships and Soil Compaction: Soil phase relationships and index properties. Gradation analysis and particle size distribution. Atterberg limits and indices. Engineering classification of soils (IS/Unified systems). Principles of soil compaction, factors affecting compaction, laboratory and field compaction methods.

Practical:

1. Grain size distribution analysis of soil using mechanical sieve shaker.

2. Determination of field density by Core Cutter and Sand Replacement method.

3. Determination of specific gravity of soil solids using Pycnometer.

4. Textural analysis of soil by International Pipette method.

 

Survey and Land Evaluation: Principles of soil survey and mapping - Land capability classification, suitability evaluation, and reclamation of problemetic soils.

Practical:

1. Determination of organic carbon content and estimation of gypsum requirement for reclamation of alkali soils.

Engineering Applications: Shear strength, permeability of soils with laboratory determination methods - Terzaghi’s bearing capacity theory and BIS provisions - Slope stability analysis of infinite and finite slopes, friction circle method and slope protection measures.

Activity: Case study relevant to slope protection measures

Tasks:

1. Characterize and classify soils using laboratory and field tests, and interpret the results for agricultural and geotechnical applications.

2. Evaluate soil suitability and land capability for different engineering and agricultural purposes, including the assessment and reclamation of problematic soils.

3. Analyze the compaction, permeability, shear strength, and bearing capacity characteristics of soils and apply relevant BIS/IS provisions for engineering design.

4. Assess slope stability and recommend appropriate slope protection measures through

case studies and engineering analyses for safe and sustainable infrastructure development.

Weightage: Continuous Assessment: 50%, End Semester Examinations: 50%

Methodology for Continuous Assessment: Quiz (5%), Project (15%), Assignment Programs (25%), Practical (25%), Internal Examinations (30%)

 

References:

1. Venkatarama Reddy. G and Hema Gopala Reddy, Principles of Soil Science, Kalyani Publishers, New Delhi, 2024.

2. Gupta.M. P, Soil Engineering in Theory and Practice, Khanna Publishers, Delhi,2012.

3. Murthy.V.N. S, Soil Mechanics and Foundations, UBS Publishers, New Delhi, 2020.

4. Das.S.K., Principles of Soil Mechanics, Cengage Learning India, New Delhi, 2014.

5. Punmia.B.C, Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, Laxmi Publications, New Delhi, 2023.

6. IS 14656 (1999): Guidelines for Slope Stability Analysis.

7. IS 8237 (1985): Code of practice for protection of slope for reservoir embankments.

8. IS 2720 (Part 26): Determination of pH Value.

9. IS 2720 (Part 21): Determination of total soluble solids (used for Electrical Conductivity logic).

10. IS 6081 (1971): Specification for Gypsum for agricultural use (relevant for alkali soil reclamation).