Task

As a geotechnical engineer your involvement will begin during the subsurface investigation and continue through the design of foundations.  As your final project you will work in groups of 3; groups will be chosen by the Professor.

As a group decide on a proposed construction project and pick an arbitrary site in one of the 5 boroughs.  Research the site using websites such as google maps and oasis to determine the site area and any nearby subways or waterways.  Develop a subsurface investigation for the site.

Each group member will be responsible for testing a different soil sample.  Develop an imaginary soil profile consisting of your members soil samples.   Design an adequate foundation for your proposed construction. 

Learning Outcome

• Work with teams of diverse composition;
• Demonstrate an ability to recognize and interpret multiple forms of evidence;
• Attain competency in the gathering and critical analysis of information by researching primary and secondary sources.
• Make observations, understand the fundamental elements of experiment design, generate and analyze data using appropriate quantitative tools.

General Education Competencies

• Show curiosity and the desire to learn;
• Acquire tools for lifelong learning;
• Communicate in diverse settings using written, oral, and visual means;
• Derive meaning from experience, as well as gather information from observation;
• Employ scientific reasoning and logical thinking;
• Gather, interpret, evaluate, and apply information from a variety of sources;
• Demonstrate intellectual honesty and personal responsibility;
• Transform information into knowledge, and knowledge into judgment and action;

Format

Each group must submit the following:

• Final report
• Site History
• Proposed Construction
• Relevant Maps
• Laboratory Test Data
• Summary of Subsurface Conditions
• Recommendation for Foundations
• Powerpoint Presentation – 5 min
• Summarize Final Report

Grading Criteria

Project is 20% of Final Grade

• Report – 16 pts
• Site History (3pts)

• Proposed Construction(2pts)
• Relevant Maps(2pts)
• Laboratory Test Data(3pts)
• Summary of Subsurface Conditions(3pts)
• Recommendation for Foundations(3pts)
• Powerpoint Presentation – 4 pts
• Time (1pt)
• Quality of Slides (1pt)
• Subject knowledge (1pt)
• Group Participation (1pt)