Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Soils and Foundations Design and Construction (Face-to-Face)

CE 4150-01

Course: CE 4150-01
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: ET
CRN: 10668

Course Description

This course is designed to introduce the basic concepts of geotechnical engineering and the correlation between soil mechanics and foundations design and construction. Geotechnical engineering will focus on geological formations of natural soils, the basics of soils through hands-on experience in the geotechnical laboratory, soil sampling, soil structure, grain size, classification, water influence, and the estimation of settlement or expansion. Soil mechanics deals with soil properties, groundwater, compaction, consolidation, permeability, seepage, shear strength, deformation behavior, and bearing capacity of soils. Whereas foundations cover the concepts of earth pressure and slope stability, structural design and construction of shallow and deep foundations, design of foundation for seismic forces. (Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): (CM 3270 and ENGR 2000) or CE 3100 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: D- Equivalent Course(s): CM 4150

Required Texts

No textbook is required. Students will use instructor-generated and Web-based materials and their experience in heavy civil construction projects.

Required Software:
  • SkyCiv and RisaFoundations 11.0.
  • DeepFND (Pile Design)

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
Foundational Knowledge and Technical Competence
  • Select and apply knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to analyze soils and design foundation systems for buildings, bridges, highways, tunnels, and other structures.
  • Explain the behavior of soils under various loading conditions and apply geotechnical principles to shallow and deep foundation design.
  • Interpret geotechnical reports, soil profiles, subsurface investigations, and foundation design criteria.
Experimental Analysis and Engineering Judgment
  • Design and conduct soil-related experiments and field investigations, analyze laboratory and site data, and interpret results to support foundation selection and design decisions.
  • Evaluate soil properties, settlement characteristics, bearing capacity, and load-transfer mechanisms using engineering judgment grounded in experimental evidence.
Problem Solving in Soils and Foundations
  • Identify, formulate, and solve broadly defined soils and foundation engineering problems using applied procedures, professional methods, and accepted design standards.
  • Select appropriate foundation systems—such as footings, piles, piers, mats, and caissons—based on soil conditions, structural loads, constraints, and constructability factors.
Use of Modern Tools and Technologies
  • Use RISAFoundation 11.0 software to model, analyze, and design foundation systems through computer labs that simulate real-world engineering workflows.
  • Apply modern engineering and construction tools—including digital analysis platforms, modeling techniques, and design aids—to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and constructability.
Professionalism, Ethics, and Responsibility
  • Demonstrate an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities in geotechnical and foundation engineering practice, including safety, public welfare, and compliance with standards.
  • Incorporate ethical decision-making when evaluating soil data, selecting design methods, estimating uncertainties, and communicating limitations.
Applied Design and Construction Integration
  • Develop complete foundation design packages as part of the term project, including load evaluation, soil-structure interaction, system selection, constructability analysis, and detailing.
  • Integrate shallow and deep foundation design considerations into construction planning, addressing excavation, dewatering, temporary works, inspection requirements, and quality control.
  • Collaborate in teams to construct prototypes or model foundation systems and evaluate performance under simulated site conditions.
Advanced Mathematical Application
  • Apply knowledge of differential equations to model and solve boundary value problems relevant to soils and foundations engineering, such as consolidation, seepage, settlement, and elastic system behavior.

Course Requirements

To successfully complete CE/CM 4150, students are expected to engage in lectures, hands-on assignments, software-based labs, design projects, and exams. The total course grade is based on 1,000 points, distributed across the following components:
1. Class Participation – 100 points
  • Students are expected to actively participate in lectures, case studies, and in-class technical discussions. Engagement is essential for mastering geotechnical principles, foundation behavior, design considerations, and construction practices. Regular attendance and professional contribution to class activities are required.
2. Hands-On Assignments (Individual Evaluation) – 100 points
  • Assignments reinforce lecture content by giving students opportunities to apply soil mechanics and foundation engineering principles to real-world problems. These tasks include background readings, problem-solving exercises, sample designs, and workshop-style activities focused on the application of theory to practice. Assignments help strengthen individual competency in foundation evaluation and design.
3. Quizzes (Individual Evaluation) – 100 points
  • Short quizzes measure student understanding of soil properties, foundation design, geotechnical analysis, bearing capacity, settlement, deep-foundation behavior, and related engineering concepts. Quizzes ensure consistent engagement with course material and help reinforce key design procedures.
4. Computer Labs (Individual Evaluation) – 100 points
Students will complete structured labs using RISAFoundation 11.0 to model, analyze, and design foundation systems. Lab activities simulate real engineering workflows and focus on:
  • Shallow and deep foundation modeling
  • Load application and soil parameters
  • Mat foundation behavior
  • Settlement and bearing capacity evaluation
 Computer labs are essential for developing proficiency with modern engineering software tools.
5. Term Project (Group Evaluation) – 160 points
Students will work in groups to design a complete foundation system based on the provided geotechnical and structural data. The project includes:
  • Interpretation of soil conditions and site investigation data
  • Selection of appropriate deep and shallow foundation systems
  • Structural and geotechnical design calculations
  • Development of construction methods and sequencing
  • Integration of design, constructability, and safety considerations
The project simulates real-world foundation engineering practice and emphasizes teamwork, technical accuracy, and professional documentation.
6. Mid-Term Exams – 240 points
  • The mid-term exams assess students’ understanding of geotechnical engineering principles, foundation design methodology, soil behavior analysis, and problem-solving skills. Exams may include conceptual questions, numerical calculations, design scenarios, and interpretation of soil data.
7. Final Exam – 200 points
The final exam evaluates cumulative mastery of soils and foundations design. It may include:
  • Bearing capacity and settlement analysis
  • Shallow and deep foundation design
  • Ground improvement and construction considerations
  • Interpretation of geotechnical reports and design outputs
The exam requires students to demonstrate an integrated understanding of foundation engineering concepts.

Total: 1,000 Points
  • Successful completion of CE/CM 4150 requires active participation in lectures, timely and accurate completion of assignments, engagement in software-based labs, effective collaboration on the term project, and strong performance on quizzes and exams.

Course Outline

WEEK 1
PART (1): GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
Instructor: Prof. Baker
1. Introduction
  • Historical development of geotechnical engineering
  • Relationship between geologic engineering, soil mechanics & geotechnical engineering
  • Understanding geologic profiles
2. Geotechnical Planning
  • Purpose, scope, and responsibility
  • Geotechnical requests and use of geologic maps
  • Reviewing existing borings and hydraulics reports
  • Determining boring and in-situ test frequency
  • Subsurface investigation planning
WEEK 2
PART (1): GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
Instructor: Prof. Baker
3. Field Investigations
  • Utility clearance, property access, roadway safety, and traffic control
  • Location surveys and subsurface exploration procedures
  • Boring vs. trenching: purposes and procedures
  • SPT, Modified SPT, CPT, DMT, PMT, and test pits
  • Preparing field logs
  • Geophysical methods
  • Groundwater investigations
  • Transporting and storing samples; in-situ measurement protocols
4. Geotechnical Report
  • Types of reports
  • Essential contents and current reporting practice
  • Presenting subsurface investigation information
  • Project background and site information
  • Subsurface investigation results
  • Geotechnical analysis
  • Foundation recommendations
Exam (1): Geotechnical Engineering Exam
WEEKS 3–4
PART (2): SOIL MECHANICS
Instructor: Prof. Malekzadeh
1. Soil Properties
  • Weight–volume relationships
  • Void ratio, porosity, and degree of saturation
  • Water content, total and dry unit weight
  • Specific gravity
  • Shear strength and sensitivity
  • Engineering properties of soils
  • Atterberg limits
  • Grain-size analysis
  • Organic content tests
  • Unconfined compression tests for rock
WEEK 5
PART (2): SOIL MECHANICS
Instructor: Prof. Malekzadeh
2. Soil Composition and Soil Structure
  • Soil formation
  • Soil structure
3. Permeability and Seepage
  • Soil permeability
  • Seepage forces
  • Effective stress during seepage
WEEK 6
PART (2): SOIL MECHANICS
Instructor: Prof. Malekzadeh
4. Compressibility and Consolidation
  • Stress distribution in soil from surface loading
  • Terzaghi’s consolidation theory
  • Determining the coefficient of consolidation
  • Radial consolidation behavior
Exam (2): Soil Mechanics Exam
WEEK 7
PART (3): FOUNDATIONS DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
Instructor: Prof. Askar
1. Introduction to Foundation Design & Construction
  • Importance of foundations
  • Types and classifications of foundations
  • Role of the foundation engineer
  • Codes, standards, and technical literature
2. Shallow Foundations Analysis
  • Spread footings: isolated, combined, and strip
  • Mat/raft foundations
  • Bearing pressure concepts
  • Allowable bearing pressures
WEEK 8
PART (3): FOUNDATIONS DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
Instructor: Prof. Askar
3. Spread Footings – Geotechnical Ultimate Limit States
  • Bearing capacity failure modes
  • Bearing capacity analysis (general shear)
  • Effects of groundwater
  • Designing footings against bearing capacity failure
4. Spread Footings – Structural Design
  • Materials selection
  • Structural design methodology
  • Individual footing design approach
  • Minimum cover and dimensional requirements
  • Structural design considerations
WEEK 9
PART (3): FOUNDATIONS DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
Instructor: Prof. Askar
4. Spread Footings – Structural Design (continued)
  • Design of square footings
  • Design of continuous (strip) footings
Computer Lab 1: SkyCiv Foundation – Spread Footing Design
WEEK 10
PART (3): FOUNDATIONS DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
Instructor: Prof. Askar
4. Spread Footings – Structural Design (continued)
  • Design of rectangular footings
  • Design of combined footings
Computer Lab 2: SkyCiv Foundation – Combined Footing Design
WEEK 11
PART (3): FOUNDATIONS DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
Instructor: Prof. Askar
4. Spread Footings – Structural Design (continued)
  • Combined footings (continued)
  • Connection design between the footing and the superstructure
Computer Lab 3: SkyCiv Foundation – Structural Connections
WEEK 12
PART (3): FOUNDATIONS DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
Instructor: Prof. Askar
5. Mat Foundations – Structural Design
  • Mat configurations and applications
  • Compensated mats
  • Rigid method
  • Non-rigid method
  • Structural analysis and design procedures
WEEK 13
PART (3): FOUNDATIONS DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
Instructor: Prof. Askar
6. Pile Foundations – Structural Design
  • Overview of pile foundations
  • Types of concrete piles
  • Load-carrying capacity of single piles
  • Design of concentric pile groups
  • ACI 318-14 & 318-19 design considerations
Computer Lab 4: DeepFND – Pile Design
WEEK 14
PART (3): FOUNDATIONS DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
Instructor: Prof. Askar
7. Pile Foundations – Structural Design (continued)
  • Design of pile caps
Computer Lab 5: DeepFND – Pile Cap Design
Exam (3): Foundations Design and Construction Exam
WEEK 15
Final Exam Review
Instructor: Prof. Askar
  • Comprehensive review covering:
  • Geotechnical engineering
  • Soil mechanics
  • Shallow and deep foundation design
  • Construction methods and code requirements

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

  1. Missed Lectures: Students are responsible for all material covered in class during an absence. Students who are absent from a lecture should ask a classmate or the instructor for lecture notes. The PowerPoint slides do not cover everything discussed in class. 
  2. Missed/Late Assignments: Contact the instructor to check about missed assignments. Students are responsible for completing assignments made on time during their absence. Assignments handed in late will be penalized 15% of the total point value for each class day late.
  3. Missed Quizzes: Quizzes are usually given during the first 10 minutes of class. There will be no makeups for missed quizzes. 
  4. Missed Labs: In-class portions of the labs cannot be made up. An absence will result in a 0 for that day’s lab activity, and the lowest lab grade will be dropped. When students are asked to finish a lab at home, labs handed in late will be penalized 15% of the total point value for each class day late.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is required for Face-to-Face, Synchronous Remote, or Hybrid courses. If you are ill, you may request that a faculty member record the class and share it with you or request other reasonable accommodations. Your instructor will work with you to develop a plan for completing coursework. To receive academic accommodations and ensure that your request is communicated to faculty, you must submit this self-report form.

Course Fees

N/A

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.