Introduction

Welcome to the second course in our “Geotechnical Engineering – From Theory to Practice Series”. This is the second most common topic in geotechnical engineering “Module (2) Settlement Analysis from Theory to Practice.” This course is the most comprehensive program available in settlement analysis, designed to equip you with in-depth knowledge and practical skills necessary for accurate soil settlement assessment.

Settlement analysis is a crucial aspect of geotechnical engineering, involving the prediction and evaluation of soil settlement under imposed loads. Accurate settlement analysis ensures the long-term stability and functionality of structures, preventing potential issues such as differential settlement, which can lead to structural damage or failure.

To add more practicality to the course, we have included around 22 examples demonstrating how to use Settle3 software, covering most of its features. These examples will provide hands-on experience and practical insights, enabling you to confidently apply the software to your projects.

This comprehensive course will take you through the fundamental concepts and advanced techniques of settlement analysis over six weeks. You’ll explore the theoretical foundations, learn to use state-of-the-art software tools, and understand various methods for calculating and mitigating settlement. Our focus will be on both cohesive and cohesionless soils, examining immediate, consolidation, and creep settlements. We will also cover practical aspects like ground improvement techniques, modulus of subgrade reaction and the determination of allowable settlement limits.

A significant part of this course will address the common problem of assessing the modulus of subgrade reaction through the design cycle with the structural engineer. It is a prevalent issue that some geotechnical engineers assume the modulus of subgrade reaction is constant for the entire footing footprint, which can lead to significant problems in design and construction. We will demonstrate how to avoid this pitfall and ensure more accurate and reliable evaluations.

The knowledge and skills you gain from this course will be directly applicable to real-world projects, enabling you to perform precise and reliable settlement assessments and contribute to the safety and success of geotechnical engineering endeavors.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:

• Utilize Settle3 software for various settlement analysis scenarios, including embankment and excavation.
• Understand the influence zones and stress distribution methods, including Boussinesq and other empirical methods.
• Differentiate between immediate, consolidation, and creep settlements for cohesive and cohesionless soils.
• Apply the Elastic Displacement Method and use data from SPT and CPT for settlement calculations.
• Determine settlement parameters for both cohesive and cohesionless soils.
• Evaluate and apply ground improvement techniques such as soil replacement, stone columns, vibro-compaction, and preloading with wick drains.
• Establish allowable settlement limits and understand the modulus of subgrade reaction (k).
• Integrate settlement analysis into the broader geotechnical-structure design cycle and understand factored geotechnical resistance (SLS).

Limited places.

Week 1

• – Introduction
• – Influence Zones
• – Estimating Stress Distribution (Boussinesq)
• – Settle3 – Other Stress Distribution Methods

Week 2

• – Immediate, Consolidation, Creep Settlements
• – Cohesive Soil Vs Cohesionless soil settlement
• – Elastic Displacement Method

Week 3

• – Settlement of cohesionless Soils from SPT and CPT
• – Settle3 – Two More Empirical Methods for Settlement Calculations of Cohesionless Soil
• – Notes on Obtaining Settlement Parameters
• – Settlement Parameters of Cohesionless Soils (Drained E’)

Week 4

• – Consolidation Settlement
• – Settlement Parameters of cohesive soils
• – Settle3 – Embankment
• – Settle3 – Excavation and Dewatering
• – Allowable Settlement

Week 5

• – Ground Improvement -Soil Replacement
• – Ground Improvement – Stone Columns
• – Ground Improvement – Vibro-Compaction
• – Ground Improvement – Preloading with Wick Drains

Week 6

• – Modulus of Subgrade Reaction k
• – Factored Geotechnical Resistance – SLS
• – Geotechnical – Structure Cycle

Dr. Ahmed ElMouchi

Dr. Elmouchi is a senior geotechnical engineer at WSP Canada Inc. in Canada, with more than 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.
• – Geology graduates who are involved in geotechnical engineering work and would like to learn about geotechnical engineering.

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 boost your career prospects by providing you with a thorough understanding of settlement analysis and its practical applications. With this knowledge, you can:

• – Perform detailed and accurate settlement evaluations, enhancing the safety and reliability of your projects.
• – Undertake complex geotechnical engineering assignments, thereby expanding your professional capabilities and portfolio.
• – Improve your problem-solving skills, making you a valuable asset to engineering firms, construction companies, and consultancy agencies.
• – Qualify for advanced roles such as senior geotechnical engineer, project manager, or consultant with specialized skills in settlement analysis.
• – Stay competitive in the job market by demonstrating your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.