University of New Hampshire

Spring Semester, 2015

Department of Civil Engineering

CiE 665
SOIL MECHANICS
Instructor: Jean Benot
COURSE ORGANIZATION

1.

Course Description: This course provides an introduction to the principles of soil mechanics
necessary for geotechnical and foundations engineering design. Topics to be covered include an
introduction to geological principles, soil-phase relationships, clay structure and mineralogy, physical
properties, and soil classification. Those basic principles are applied to compactibility, permeability,
seepage, groundwater flow, and compressibility of soils. Strength and behavior of soils are evaluated
under various loading conditions. The various principles of classification, physical properties, water
flow, compressibility and shearing resistance of soils as well as site characterization are reinforced
through a series of laboratory and field experiments.

2.

Textbook:

An Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering, Holtz, R.D., Kovacs, W.D. and

Sheahan, T.C., Second Edition, Pearson, 2011.

3.

Lectures:

T Th 9:40-11:00, Kingsbury Hall, Room N101

4.

Laboratories: M T W Th: 2:10-5:00, T: 5:10-8:00, Kingsbury Hall, S123

Seven experiments (six in the laboratory and one in the field) are scheduled to take
place during the semester. For each session, group or individual reports are required
and must be returned to the teaching assistants according to schedule.

5.

Ground rules: Please arrive punctually to class and labs and refrain from leaving the
classroom during lecture.
Please turn cell phones OFF: no texting/e-mail use during class.
Exams are at the posted dates please schedule accordingly.

6.

Assignments:

Assignments will be given on a weekly basis.

7.

Grading:

Exam 1: 20% (closed book) Thursday February 26th 6:30-8:30 pm

Exam 2: 20% (closed book) Thursday April 2nd 6:30-8:30 pm
Final: 25% (closed book) Tuesday May 11th 8:00-10:00 am
Review sessions will be scheduled prior to each exam.
Laboratories: 25% Assignments: 10%

8.

Recitation:

F 8:10-9:00, Kingsbury Hall, Room N101

9.

Office Hours:

Instructor: MWF 10:00-11:00, Kingsbury Hall, W 177, jean.benoit@unh.edu

(other times by appointment only)
Teaching Assistants:
Artur Apostolov, Kingsbury Hall, N142, aa11@wildcats.unh.edu, T 1:00-2:00
Pegah Jarast, Kingsbury Hall, N142, pj1@wildcats.unh.edu, W 11:00-12:00
Khoa Le, Kingsbury Hall, N 142, knf8@wildcats.unh.edu, M 1:00-2:00
Ganna Suprunenko, Kingsbury Hall, N142, gs2@wildcats.unh.edu, R 11:00-12:00

10.

References: There are several good basic introductory soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering
books available at the Kingsbury Engineering Library as well as tutorial and various help documents
online. Please consult these sources when in doubt. If you are still puzzled, then seek your teaching
assistants for help.