Construction Management - Construction Soil Systems: Foundations, Testing, and Classification Permits, Plans Digital Badge

Course Description

This digital badge introduces learners to the fundamental practices and regulations related to geotechnical principles and foundation systems on construction sites. Designed for those new to construction project management, the badge covers key classification methods from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Unified Soil Classification System (USCS), and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). This badge is ideal for individuals seeking foundational knowledge in construction site planning, engineering compliance, and best practices for managing soil compaction and foundation selection

 

1 Hour | 0.1 CEUs

The Construction Management Soils and Foundations Module provides a brief soil overview which includes types of soils, fine and coarse (cohesive and granular). Soil types which may be encountered during excavations; organic, clays, silts, sands and gravels, and the purpose of remediation will be explored. Foundation types are introduced which include shallow spread footings, belled piers or caissons, straight shaft piers, and piles. Proprietary foundation types are also explored.

 

1 Hour | 0.1 CEUs

The Construction Management Soils Grain Size Analysis and Compaction Curve Module builds on previous soils modules and a basic knowledge of soils fines, sands, and gravels, and provides a detailed and focused discussion on Grain Size Distribution and Analysis and associated sieves. Semi-log graphing techniques are demonstrated using spreadsheet software. A semi-log graph example is used to understand grain size analysis and distribution. The Compaction Curve is discussed from a laboratory test perspective. An example is performed illustrating of how to graph and interpret the curve. Relative density and relative compaction are explored, as is the relationship between their characteristics. A discussion of the compaction curve and its relationship to relative density and relative compaction is provided.

 

1 Hour | 0.1 CEUs

The Construction Management Soils Volumetrics and Classifications Module builds on previous soils modules and a basic knowledge of soils. Using existing knowledge of soils, volumetrics will be applied. Volumetrics is a graphical method to describe how gas, liquid and solids occur in soil. Different classification systems for soils are explored. An example is performed using the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) system. A set of examples are performed with the same dataset using 1) the United Soils Classification System (USCS) to classify soils and 2) the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) soil classification system.

 

 

Learning Goals and Objectives

- Interpret basic soil data reports.

- Classify soils using USDA, USCS, and AASHTO systems.

- Evaluate soil compaction characteristics and curves.

- Analyze grain size distribution using semi-log graphing techniques.

- Apply volumetric relationships to soil phases (gas, liquid, solid).

- Identify appropriate shallow and deep foundation systems.

- Understand soil remediation purposes and techniques.

- Utilize geotechnical information for field operations planning.

 

 

Skills Developed

- Geotechnical Data Interpretation: Reading and understanding laboratory soil test results.

- Soil Classification: Categorizing soil types using multiple industry-standard engineering frameworks.

- Data Visualization: Creating and interpreting semi-log graphs and compaction curves via spreadsheet software.

- Volumetric Analysis: Using graphical methods to calculate the weight-volume relationships of soil phases.

- Foundation Selection: Engineering decision-making to match foundation types with specific site conditions.

- Construction Planning: Incorporating subsurface soil properties into project risk management and scheduling.

 

 

Who Should Attend

- Construction Managers looking to improve field decision-making and project planning.

- Project Superintendents responsible for overseeing excavation, grading, and foundation installation.

- Civil Engineering Technicians needing a refresher on soil classification and laboratory curve analysis.

- Estimators and Project Engineers who review geotechnical reports to determine site preparation costs.

- Field Inspectors tasked with verifying soil compaction compliance and foundation specifications on-site.

 

 

Instructor Information

Rachel Mosier, Ph.D., PE rachel.mosier@okstate.edu

 

 

Course Materials and Equipment

To successfully complete this course, you are expected to already have a basic level of computer skills. A computer with a modern browser and a reliable internet connection will be required to complete this course.

 

 

Expectations and Requirements

Each section with required actions will be labeled; e.g., Viewing a Document or Taking a Quiz. Completing these actions are required to complete the course.

 

 

Registration Information

For online offerings, refunds will only be issued if the registrant is unable to access the course due to technical issues that cannot be resolved by the registrant, Canvas Support Team, or CEAT Professional Development's technical support team.

 

 

FERPA

In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), learner education records are not released to third parties without the learner’s prior written consent, except as permitted by law.

 

 

Anti-Discrimination Policy

Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information visit the university's equal opportunity webpage, https://hr.okstate.edu/equal-opportunity.

 

 

Grading Policy

This is a pass or fail course. A minimum of 70% is needed on all quizzes to pass the course. Two attempts on each quiz are given.