Introduction

Welcome to the first course in our “Geotechnical Engineering – From Theory to Practice Series”. We are starting with the most common topic in geotechnical engineering “Module (1) Bearing Capacity (Resistance) from Theory to Practice.” In the field of geotechnical engineering, understanding and accurately determining the bearing capacity of soils and foundations is paramount. Bearing capacity is the ability of soil to support the loads applied to the ground, and it is a critical factor in the design and safety of any structure. The proper evaluation of bearing capacity ensures that foundations are both safe and efficient.

Despite its importance, many engineers often overlook crucial aspects of bearing capacity calculations. This negligence can lead to significant problems in real-life projects, including structural failures and increased project costs. Bearing capacity is not a single, uniform value for all footings on a site; it varies depending on the specific location, footing size, shape, depth, soil conditions, and the applied loads. However, a common mistake is to provide a single, generic bearing capacity value for an entire site, disregarding these critical variations.

In this course, you will explore the comprehensive process of determining bearing capacity from both theoretical and practical perspectives. We will cover essential topics such as different failure modes, the impact of groundwater tables, and the effects of eccentric forces and slopes. You’ll learn how to use data from standard penetration tests (SPT) and cone penetration tests (CPT) to make more accurate assessments. Additionally, we’ll discuss special cases like footings on slopes, two-layer soil systems, and closely spaced footings, and how to account for them in your calculations.

Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and skills to perform thorough and precise bearing capacity evaluations, ensuring the safety and success of your projects. By the end of this course, you’ll be able to confidently tackle real-world challenges in foundation design and contribute to the integrity and reliability of the structures you work on.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:

• Understand the fundamental concepts of bearing capacity and the three primary failure modes.
• Apply general bearing capacity equations to various soil conditions and foundation types.
• Differentiate between drained and undrained conditions and their impact on bearing capacity.
• Assess the influence of groundwater tables (GWT) and eccentric forces on foundation stability.
• Analyze special cases such as footings on slopes, two-layer systems, and closely spaced footings.
• Utilize standard penetration tests (SPT) and cone penetration tests (CPT) data for bearing capacity evaluation.
• Determine allowable and factored bearing capacities for safe and efficient foundation design.
• Evaluate horizontal resistance and bearing capacity on rock.
• Reference typical bearing capacity values for different soil types.
• Integrate the bearing capacity principles into the geotechnical structure design cycle.

Limited places.

Week 1

• – Introduction
• – Case History
• – Three Failure Modes

Week 2

• – General Bearing Capacity Equation
• – Drained Vs Undrained
• – Influence of GWT

Week 3

• – Eccentric Forces
• – Footings on Slope
• – Punching Failure

Week 4

• – Two Layer System
• – Closely Spaced Footings
• – BC from SPT and CPT

Week 5

• – Allowable BC
• – Factored BC
• – Horizontal Resistance

Week 6

• – BC on Rock
• – Typical Values
• – Geotechnical Structure Design Cycle

Dr. Ahmed ElMouchi

Dr. Elmouchi is a senior geotechnical engineer at WSP Canada Inc. in Canada, with a decade of experience in the geotechnical engineering field. His expertise spans industry work, research, and teaching, making him uniquely qualified to lead this course.

Dr. Elmouchi is a sessional instructor at the University of British Columbia, where he has taught numerous courses related to geotechnical engineering. His extensive teaching experience, combined with his practical industry knowledge, ensures that course participants will gain a deep and comprehensive understanding of bearing capacity and its critical role in geotechnical engineering.

Dr. Elmouchi has coordinated and conducted numerous site investigations, analyzed geotechnical laboratory data, assessed slope stability, and prepared comprehensive geotechnical recommendations reports. His international project experience includes high-profile undertakings such as the Kudai Tunnels in Saudi Arabia, Cairo Metro in Egypt, and the Hodgson Slide in Williams Lake, BC, Canada.

He is proficient in numerical modeling for various geotechnical applications, including static and seismic slope stability analysis, deep foundation analysis, piled raft analysis, settlement analysis, shallow and deep foundation analysis, and tunnel analysis using both TBM and NATM methods. Currently, he manages two significant landslide projects with the Ministry of Transportation in British Columbia.

In addition to his industry experience, Dr. Elmouchi is an accomplished researcher, having published nine papers on tunnel engineering and soil stabilization during his Masters and PhD studies. He is adept in a wide array of design software, including PLAXIS 2D and 3D, CPeT-IT, LiqSVs, CLiq, SeismoSignal, SeismoMatch, Settle 3D, L-Pile, RS Pile, Wallapp, GeoStudio, Slide, AutoCAD, SAP2000, SPSS, and MS Office.

The course is delivered online through our easy-to-use Virtual Campus platform. For this course, a variety of content is provided including:

– eLearning materials
– Videos
– Interactive multimedia content
– Live webinar classes
– Texts and technical articles
– Case studies
– Assignments and evaluation exercises

Students can download the materials and work through the course at their own pace.
We regularly update this course to ensure the latest news and state-of-the-art developments are covered, and your knowledge of the subject is current.

Live webinars form part of our course delivery. These allow students and tutors to go through the course materials, exchange ideas and knowledge, and solve problems together in a virtual classroom setting. Students can also make use of the platform’s forum, a meeting point to interact with tutors and other students.

The tutoring system is managed by email. Students can email the tutor with any questions about the course and the tutor will be happy to help.

•  – Civil engineers looking to specialize in geotechnical aspects of construction projects.
• – Engineering students aspiring to build a career in geotechnical engineering.
• – Geotechnical engineers seeking to deepen their knowledge and practical skills in foundation design.
• – Site geotechnical engineers who are willing to move and expand their horizons in geotechnical engineering design.
• – Practicing professionals aiming to stay updated with the latest industry standards and methodologies.
• – Consultants and contractors involved in foundation design and construction.

Once a student finishes the course and successfully completes the assignments and evaluation tests, they are sent an accreditation certificate. The certificate is issued by Ingeoexpert to verify that the student has passed the course. It is a digital certificate that is unique and tamper-proof – it is protected by Blockchain technology. This means it is possible for anyone to check that it is an authentic, original document.

You will be able to download the certificate in an electronic format from the Virtual Campus platform. The certificate can be forwarded by email, shared on social networks, and embedded on websites. To see an example, click here.

Completing this course will significantly enhance your career prospects by equipping you with a thorough understanding of bearing capacity concepts and their practical applications. With this knowledge, you can:

• – Design safer and more efficient foundations, reducing project risks and costs.
• – Take on more complex geotechnical engineering projects, thereby expanding your professional portfolio.
• – Enhance your problem-solving skills, making you a valuable asset to engineering firms, construction companies, and consultancy agencies.
• – Improve your qualifications for advanced roles such as senior geotechnical engineer, project manager, or consultant.
• – Stay competitive in the job market by demonstrating your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.