Soil Investigations
Examining a soil profile in Tennessee.Copyright Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA http://www.tn.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/soils/pictures/gabe%20in%20christian-pit.jpg
Students learn the basics about soil, including its formation through the cycling of the Earth's materials, as well as its characteristics and importance. They are also introduced to soil profiles and how engineers conduct site investigations to learn about soil quality for development, contamination transport, and assessing the general environmental health of an area.
Geotechnical engineers apply their expertise about soil and rocks to the development of foundations for a variety of structures. In advance of any design or construction, they conduct environmental site assessments in areas proposed for development and make suggestions based on soil properties. They learn about the composition and condition of soil in an area and predict the long-term effects of that soil on walls, foundations, septic systems and countless other structures that are integral to our daily lives. For example, some clay soils have a tendency to shrink and swell as their water content changes, often triggered by changes in seasons and precipitation. This expansive property can put pressure on the walls of structures and damage them.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Describe several physical properties of soil.
- Describe how soil is formed through the cycling of Earth's materials.
- Explain what a soil profile is and how engineers use it to determine an area's soil quality.