Document Type : Translation Book
Author
Damghan University
Abstract
This book employs a more engaging project-based approach to learning, which partially simulates what practitioners do in real life. The project-based method, which has proven to be a valid alternative to the traditional one, not only provides students with opportunities to better understand the fundamentals of soil mechanics, but also allows them to gain experience that is more practical and learn how to apply theory to practice. Our teaching experience indicates that working on a practical project makes the learning process more relevant and engaging. This book will appeal to the new generations of students who would like to have a better idea of what to expect in their employment future. In this book, readers are presented with a real-world challenge (in the form of a project-based assignment) similar to that which they would encounter in engineering practice and they need to work-out solutions using the relevant theoretical concepts that are briefly summarized in the book chapters. To complete this project-based assignment, readers are required to undertake a series of major geotechnical tasks including: a) interpretation of field and laboratory data, b) analysis of soil conditions, c) identification of geotechnical problems at a construction site and d) assessment of their effect on construction.
This book covers all significant topics in soil mechanics and slope stability analysis. Each section is followed by several review questions that will reinforce the reader’s knowledge and make the learning process more engaging. A few typical problems are discussed at the end of chapters to help the reader develop problem-solving skills. Once the reader has sufficient knowledge of soil properties and mechanics, they will be able to undertake a project-based assignment to scaffold their learning. The assignment is based on real field and laboratory data including boreholes and test results so that the reader can experience what geotechnical engineering practice is like, identify with it personally and integrate it into their own knowledge base. In addition, some problems will include open-ended questions, which will encourage the reader to exercise their judgment and develop practical skills. To foster the learning process, solutions to all questions will be provided and discussed.
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