Subject Code & Name: AI25301 – Principles of Soil Science and Engineering
Regulation: R-2025
Semester: III (Third Semester)
Branch: B.Tech. Agricultural Engineering (Agri)
Credits / L-T-P: 4 Credits | L-T-P: 3-0-2
Course Objectives
- To develop understanding of soil science and engineering properties for analyzing soil behavior in agricultural and foundation applications.
Full Unit-wise Syllabus
Unit I – Soil Fundamentals
Soil formation, profile, components, and physical properties including texture, structure, density, and plasticity; Soil water, air, temperature, colloids, pH, and nutrient interactions with emphasis on measurement techniques.
Practical: 1. Determination of soil pH and Electrical Conductivity (EC) using digital meters
Unit II – Phase Relationships and Soil Compaction
Soil phase relationships and index properties. Gradation analysis and particle size distribution. Atterberg limits and indices. Engineering classification of soils (IS/Unified systems). Principles of soil compaction, factors affecting compaction, laboratory and field compaction methods.
Practical: 1. Grain size distribution analysis of soil using mechanical sieve shaker. 2. Determination of field density by Core Cutter and Sand Replacement method. 3. Determination of specific gravity of soil solids using Pycnometer. 4. Textural analysis of soil by International Pipette method.
Unit III – Survey and Land Evaluation
Principles of soil survey and mapping - Land capability classification, suitability evaluation, and reclamation of problemetic soils.
Practical: 1. Determination of organic carbon content and estimation of gypsum requirement for reclamation of alkali soils.
Unit IV – Engineering Applications
Shear strength, permeability of soils with laboratory determination methods - Terzaghi’s bearing capacity theory and BIS provisions - Slope stability analysis of infinite and finite slopes, friction circle method and slope protection measures.
Activities: Case study relevant to slope protection measures 1. Characterize and classify soils using laboratory and field tests, and interpret the results for agricultural and geotechnical applications. 2. Evaluate soil suitability and land capability for different engineering and agricultural purposes, including the assessment and reclamation of problematic soils. 3. Analyze the compaction, permeability, shear strength, and bearing capacity characteristics of soils and apply relevant BIS/IS provisions for engineering design. 4. Assess slope stability and recommend appropriate slope protection measures through case studies and engineering analyses for safe and sustainable infrastructure development.
Course Outcomes (COs)
- CO1: Explain soil formation, properties, and physical behaviour.
- CO2: Classify soils and evaluate land suitability using survey methods.
- CO3: Determine soil index properties, compaction characteristics, and engineering classification through laboratory and field methods.
- CO4: Analyze shear strength, permeability, bearing capacity, and slope stability of soils.
Assessment Pattern (Quick Note)
- Weightage: Continuous Assessment 50% | End Semester Examinations 50%
- Internal methodology: Quiz (5%), Project (15%), Assignment Programs (25%), Practical (25%), Internal Examinations (30%)
Source: Official Anna University – B.Tech. Agricultural Engineering R-2025 Curriculum
Last Updated: September 2026
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