The Department of Civil Engineering recently organized a two-day workshop on “Geotechnical field testing”, aimed at enhancing students’ practical knowledge and skills. The workshop focused on three essential tests: Soil Sampling, Plate Load Test (PLT), and Standard Penetration Test (SPT). These tests are critical for understanding subsurface conditions and informing foundation design.
On the first day, students learned about the Plate Load Test and soil sampling techniques, including disturbed and undisturbed methods, which are vital for obtaining representative samples for laboratory analysis. They gained hands-on experience in extracting soil samples and understanding their properties, such as grain size distribution, moisture content, and shear strength.
The second day highlighted Standard Penetration Test, with a special focus on the PLT, which spanned both days. Students observed the PLT process, where a steel plate is incrementally loaded to determine soil bearing capacity and settlement over an extended period. They also participated in the SPT, learning how to record and interpret N-values to estimate soil density and strength. This comprehensive workshop provided students with valuable insights and practical skills essential for their future careers in geotechnical engineering.
