2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Geotechnical site characterization and the design and interpretation of idealized soil-profiles is a critical part of geotechnical engineering practice. In this classroom experience, students complete every aspect of a geotechnical site characterization except for soils testing (typically well covered by a geotechnical lab course). Each student group is given a project site: layers of colored PlayDoh in a clear airtight box. Students then walk through the stages of site characterization: background and web soil survey, field reconnaissance, boring layout, field explorations, fence diagrams and an idealized soil profile. The instructor introduces each step using traditional PowerPoint slides to provide real life context while instructing students in stylized scale information gathering on their project site. The final investigation method uses clear straws to perform model Shelby tube sampling. Students can then prepare a 2D fence diagram of their site based on a selection of "borings" with various colors associated with different soil types. Finally, students use their engineering judgement to develop a one-dimensional idealized soil profile completing the site characterization process. The actual class activity can be completed in 30 to 45 minutes yet provides a comprehensive overview suitable for a freshman introduction to engineering course. For upper-level geotechnical courses, the classroom experience can springboard a more traditional site characterization activity at full scale but with an engaging overview of the complete process. Faculty perspectives and assignment documentation outline the usefulness of the activity particularly in freshman introductory courses.