An Intro to Earthwork for Foundations

Course Description:

This course provides an introduction to earthwork for foundations. In general, excavation for subsurface structures will consist of open excavation and shaft and tunnel excavation. Where excavation to great depths is required, a variety of soils and rock may be encountered at a single site. Soils may range through a wide spectrum of textures and water contents. Rock encountered may vary from soft rock, very similar to a firm soil in its excavation requirements, to extremely hard rock requiring extensive blasting operations for removal. Groundwater may or may not be present. The ground water conditions and the adequacy of ground water control measures are important factors in excavation, in maintaining a stable foundation, and in backfilling operations. The extent to which groundwater can be controlled also influences the slopes to which the open excavation can be cut, the bracing required to support shaft and tunnel excavation, and the handling of the excavated material.

Learning Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the importance of protection of exposed earthwork materials
• Know the importance of checking exposed rock by a slaking test
• Understand the open-zone compaction of coarse grained soils that exhibit slight plasticity