Geotechnical Engineering II: Foundation Engineering Course | IIT Kharagpur | Prof. Dilip Baidya
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 286 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Civil Engineering |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 25 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Geotechnical Engineering II: Your Gateway to Mastering Foundation Engineering
For every aspiring and practicing civil engineer, a robust understanding of how structures interact with the earth is non-negotiable. Foundation Engineering is the critical discipline that bridges soil mechanics theory with the practical art of constructing safe, stable, and economical structures. We are excited to present a comprehensive, 12-week course designed to demystify this complex subject: Geotechnical Engineering II: Foundation Engineering, instructed by the renowned Prof. Dilip Kumar Baidya of IIT Kharagpur.
Meet Your Instructor: A Pillar of Geotechnical Expertise
Learning from an expert with both academic excellence and vast practical experience is invaluable. Prof. Dilip Kumar Baidya brings precisely that to this course.
- Academic Pedigree: B.E. (Bengal Engineering College), M.E. and Ph.D. from the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore.
- Teaching & Research Legacy: Over 25 years of experience at IIT Kharagpur, guiding more than 25 M.Tech. dissertations and 7 Ph.D. theses.
- Published Authority: Author of more than 100 national and international papers, with multiple best paper awards.
- Global & Industry Perspective: International teaching experience (University of West Indies) and extensive consultancy for industrial geotechnical problems.
- Leadership Roles: Held key administrative positions including Vice Chairman/Chairman of JEE for IIT Kharagpur zone.
- Professional Recognition: Fellow of the Indian Geotechnical Society and member of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering.
Course Overview: What is Geotechnical Engineering II?
This course focuses on the second crucial segment of geotechnics: Foundation Engineering. While Soil Mechanics (Geotech I) teaches you the properties of soil, this course teaches you how to apply that knowledge to real-world construction.
The primary objectives are to enable you to:
- Select the appropriate foundation type based on site conditions and constraints.
- Determine the precise size and reinforcement required for the foundation.
- Understand the practical aspects of foundation construction.
The course is meticulously designed to connect theoretical concepts with practical application, emphasizing that there is no single "correct" design but a spectrum of safe and economical solutions.
Who Should Enroll?
- Intended Audience: Undergraduate and postgraduate students of Civil Engineering.
- Prerequisites: A basic understanding of Soil Mechanics/Geotechnical Engineering I is recommended.
- Industry Support: This course is highly relevant for professionals across most civil engineering companies, consultancies, and construction firms.
- Exam Preparation: An ideal resource for competitive exams like GATE, Engineering Services (IES), and other public service commissions, as it covers every aspect in detail.
Detailed 12-Week Course Curriculum
| Week | Topic | Key Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction & Quick Review of Soil Mechanics | Refresh core soil properties and principles essential for foundation design. |
| 2 | Shallow Foundation & Bearing Capacity | Understand types of shallow foundations and the concept of bearing capacity. |
| 3 | Bearing Capacity Theories & Application | Learn Terzaghi, Meyerhof, and other theories for calculating safe bearing pressure. |
| 4 | Settlement of Footing | Analyze immediate and consolidation settlement to ensure serviceability. |
| 5 | Soil Exploration & Geotechnical Investigation | Master site investigation techniques, sampling, and report preparation. |
| 6 | Earth Pressure Theories | Study Rankine and Coulomb theories for designing retaining structures. |
| 7 | Stability Analysis of Retaining Wall | Check for overturning, sliding, and bearing capacity failure of walls. |
| 8 | Deep Foundations: Type, Selection & Load Transfer | Explore piles, piers, and caissons; understand how loads are transferred to soil. |
| 9 | Pile Capacity, Load Test & Settlement | Calculate pile capacity using static/dynamic methods and interpret load test results. |
| 10 | Sheet Pile Wall | Design cantilever and anchored sheet piles for excavations and waterfronts. |
| 11 | Deep Excavation | Learn techniques and support systems for deep excavations in urban areas. |
| 12 | Introduction to Machine Foundation | Understand special considerations for foundations under dynamic loads. |
Essential Reference Books
To complement the lectures, the course references several cornerstone textbooks in geotechnical engineering:
- Soils and Foundations by Cheng Liu and Jack Evett
- Basic and Applied Soil Mechanics by Ranjan and Rao
- Principles of Foundation Engineering by Braja M. Das
- Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering by V.N.S. Murthy
Build Your Career on a Solid Foundation
Whether you are a student aiming to ace your exams and build a strong conceptual base, or a young engineer looking to solidify your practical knowledge, this course on Geotechnical Engineering II: Foundation Engineering is an unparalleled resource. Under the expert guidance of Prof. Dilip Kumar Baidya, you will gain the confidence to tackle complex foundation challenges and lay the groundwork for a successful career in civil engineering. Enroll today and take the first step towards mastering the art and science of building on earth.
Enroll Now →