Use this resource as a compact study outline for geotechnical formulas that commonly appear in PE Civil and FE Civil preparation. It pairs equations with the assumptions that tell you when they apply.
What The File Contains
- Nine topic-organized pages
- Equations paired with method checks
- Current exam-specification notice and official source links
File Preview
Formula and method sheet
Phase relationships
identify inputs -> select method -> check units
Effective stress and seepage
draw condition -> calculate -> interpret
Strength and stability
identify inputs -> select method -> check units
Retaining systems and foundations
draw condition -> calculate -> interpret
Formula Groups
- Phase relationships: water content, void ratio, porosity, saturation, dry unit weight, and moist unit weight
- Effective stress and seepage: sigma prime equals sigma minus u, hydraulic gradient, Darcy flow, and quick condition checks
- Strength and stability: Mohr-Coulomb strength, bearing capacity terms, active pressure, surcharge pressure, and simple slope FS
- Earthwork: relative compaction, Proctor maximum dry density, optimum moisture content, and field density checks
Study Method
- Write units beside every variable before substituting numbers
- Sketch the soil profile, water table, pressure diagram, or failure surface
- Identify drained versus undrained behavior before choosing parameters
- Practice interpreting answers, not only solving arithmetic
Engineering Notes
- Formula memorization is weaker than method recognition.
- Many exam mistakes are unit mistakes or water table mistakes.
- Use calculator outputs to check your setup, then solve practice problems by hand.