NICET Geotech study plan

Define soil phase relationships (void ratio, porosity, degree of saturation, water content, unit weight) and derive the relationships among them from first principles.

Compute dry, saturated, and submerged unit weights from given water content, specific gravity, and void ratio values without reference notes.

Distinguish Atterberg limits (LL, PL, SL) from in-situ moisture content and state what each limit physically represents.

Classify at least 10 soils by USCS and AASHTO systems using grain-size distribution and plasticity data.

Interpret a grain-size distribution curve to extract D10, D30, D60, Cu, and Cc and state what each implies about gradation.

Explain the standard procedures for sieve analysis, hydrometer analysis, and specific gravity testing and identify which test applies to which soil fraction.

Calculate compaction parameters (maximum dry density, optimum moisture content) from a Proctor curve and compare Standard vs Modified effort.

Relate relative density and relative compaction to field density test results.

Apply Terzaghi's effective stress principle to compute total, pore, and effective stress profiles with depth for layered profiles including a water table.

Compute the coefficient of lateral earth pressure at rest and explain how stress history (OCR) changes it.

Explain consolidation theory: how cv, Cc, and Cr are obtained from an oedometer curve and what each controls.

Calculate primary consolidation settlement for a normally consolidated clay layer given compression index, initial void ratio, and stress increment.

Derive and apply Mohr-Coulomb shear strength parameters (c, phi) from triaxial and direct shear test data.

Distinguish UU, CU, and CD triaxial tests and predict which strength parameters each yields.

Compute factors of safety against bearing capacity failure for shallow foundations using bearing capacity theory with shape and depth corrections.

Identify the failure mode (general vs local shear) appropriate to a given soil density and explain the consequence for parameter selection.

Explain the standard penetration test (SPT) procedure, corrections (overburden, energy, hammer efficiency), and how to convert N-values to friction angle and relative density.

Interpret cone penetration test (CPT) output and correlate tip resistance and friction ratio to soil behavior type.

Describe how to obtain design parameters from a subsurface investigation report and flag data that is insufficient or inconsistent.

Select appropriate sampling methods (SPT split spoon, Shelby tube, undisturbed block) for a stated soil and purpose.

Compute lateral earth pressures for at-rest, active, and passive conditions for both clean sand and cohesive backfill.

Analyze slope stability using the infinite slope method and describe how the method of slices is used for finite slopes.

Explain the mechanics of piping, heave, and liquefaction and state the soil and groundwater conditions that trigger each.

Evaluate the effect of seepage on effective stress using a flow net or a simple upward-seepage column analysis.

Specify field density and moisture testing methods (sand cone, nuclear gauge, rubber balloon) and state when each is acceptable.

Describe compaction quality control: how to set a target relative compaction, how many tests to take, and what constitutes a failing result.

Outline the procedure for a plate load test and interpret the resulting load-settlement curve.

Explain how soil stabilization choices (mechanical, cement, lime, geosynthetic reinforcement) are matched to a soil problem.

Reconstruct the full formula sheet from memory and verify each entry against source material.

Complete a timed full-length practice set under exam conditions and record time per item and error type.

Categorize every error as conceptual, computational, unit, or misread and rank the categories by frequency.

Resolve the top three error categories with targeted re-study and re-testing on those specific topics.