UNIQUE SERIES AKTU Syllabus
BCE073

Geosynthetics & Ground Improvement Techniques

L-T-P3-0-0 Credits3 Session2025-26 TypeTheory
Appears in 1 semester

B.Tech Civil Engineering · Sem 7 (Departmental Elective-IV)

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Syllabus

5 units · 40 lecture hours
Unit1

Unit 1: Basics of Geosynthetics

8 hrs
  • Types: Geotextiles, Geogrids, GGomembranes, Geocells (simple identification)
  • Basic functions: Separation, Filtration, Drainage, Reinforcement, Protection
  • Simple testing standards (IS, ASTM basics)
  • Durability and simple examples (roads, canals, slopes)
Unit2

Unit 2: Applications of Geosynthetics

8 hrs
  • Geosynthetics in roads (subgrade stabilization, drainage layers)
  • Retaining walls and embankments (basic reinforced earth walls)
  • Landfill liners and leachate collection systems
  • Simple introduction to Indian standards: IS 15284, IS 2720
Unit3

Unit 3: Simple Mechanical Ground Improvement Methods

8 hrs
  • Basic soil compaction methods (field and lab)
  • Preloading and Surcharge (simple explanations)
  • Vertical drains: Sand drains and Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVDs)
  • Simple field instrumentation (settlement plates, piezometers)
Unit4

Unit 4: Reinforcement and Grouting Techniques

8 hrs
  • Soil Nailing and Simple Reinforced Foundations (concepts only)
  • Grouting methods (permeation, compaction, jet—only working principles)
  • Stone columns and lime columns (simple design idea, when to use them)
  • Overview of ground anchors and GRS-IBS (conceptual level only)
Unit5

Unit 5: Case Studies and Design Considerations

8 hrs
  • Simple Design of Reinforced Slopes and Walls (charts/tables from IS codes)
  • Practical Case Studies: Road projects, embankments, landfills in India
  • Smart geosynthetics (conceptual introduction only)
  • Use of monitoring and instrumentation in simple projects /
Course Objectives3 points
  • To understand geosynthetics and their engineering applications.
  • Toexplore mechanical and chemical soil improvement methods.
  • To integrate advanced techniques in civil design like soil reinforcement.
Course Outcomes (COs)5 outcomes

After completion of the course student will be able to:

  1. CO1_ Identify types of disasters and national frameworks.K1, K2
  2. CO2Apply tools for climate-resilient infrastructure.K2, K3
  3. CO3Design basic air pollution control systems.K3, K4
  4. CO4Analyze waste and sludge treatment systems.K4
  5. CO5_ Interpret EIA process and emergency planning steps in projects.K3, K4

Suggested Reading

  1. R.M. Koerner — Designing with Geosynthetics (Simple, easy explanations, widely cited)
  2. G.V. Rao & G.V.S.S. Raju — Engineering with Geosynthetics (Indian perspective, Tata McGraw Hill)
  3. B.M. Das —Principles of Foundation Engineering (Includes Ground Improvement Methods)
  4. IS Codes: IS 15284 (Reinforced Soil Walls), IS 2720 (Soil Testing), IS 8408 (Geotextile Testing)

Official AKTU syllabus

This subject is on page 8 of the original AKTU PDF.

Official AKTU syllabus PDF ↗