The Geotechnical Foundation Design specialization provides a structured learning path to master essential concepts in foundation engineering, covering site investigation, shallow foundation analysis, and pile foundation design. You will gain expertise in field and laboratory testing methods, including SPT, SCPT, DCPT, and Plate Load Tests, along with key code provisions to interpret site investigation reports and assess liquefaction susceptibility. The specialization explores the selection, analysis, and design of shallow foundations based on soil and rock conditions, including bearing capacity and settlement calculations using field test data. Hands-on experience with PLAXIS 2D software enables practical foundation analysis, while additional topics such as raft foundations, special foundation considerations, and grade slab design under varying loads provide a comprehensive understanding. Pile foundation design is covered in depth, including different pile types like bored cast-in-situ, precast driven, and under-reamed piles, their behavior in diverse geotechnical conditions, and essential testing methods for validating foundation performance. By the end of this specialization, you will be proficient in geotechnical foundation design, equipped with theoretical knowledge and practical skills to tackle real-world engineering challenges.
What you'll learn
understanding foundation engineering principles
conducting site investigations
analyzing shallow and pile foundations
calculating bearing capacity and settlement
using PLAXIS 2D for foundation analysis
interpreting site investigation reports
Course objectives
to equip students with knowledge in geotechnical foundation design
to provide practical experience with geotechnical testing methods
to prepare students to analyze and design foundations based on varying soil conditions