ENG07017 2019 Geotechnical Engineering 301H

Define, quantify and formulate the concept of effective stress in geotechnical engineering problem.

Use graphical and computational techniques to determine seepage quantities and pore pressures and to assess the stability of soil masses subjected to seepage forces.

Analyse the strength characteristics of saturated soil.

Formulate and apply consolidation theory to estimate settlement rates and amounts.

Describe, formulate and implement critical state theory to model the behaviour of soi.

Use standard engineering laboratory equipment to perform experiments in teams, observe and record data and experimental evidence.

Design, implement and analysis experimental methods in the soil mechanics laboratory.

This module will be delivered to full‑time learners through a mix of formal lectures and practical classes.  

This module is 30% continuous assessment, consisting of individual practical write‑ups, and 70% final examination at the end of the semester.  

Where a learner fails the continuous assessment element of the module they will be required to resubmit the practical reports for assessment at the repeat examination session.

Learners who fail the end of module terminal examination will have the opportunity to resit the examination during the repeat examination session.

Indicative Syllabus

1. Total and effective stress; porewater pressure.

2. Permeability; seepage theory, general differential equations of flow; flow nets; associated laboratory and field tests

3. Soil strength; MohrCoulomb failure criterion; shear box; conventional triaxial testing; interpretation of shear box and triaxial test results; stress path analysis; pore pressure coefficients; normal and overconsolidated soils; preconsolidation pressure

4. Consolidation theory, laboratory testing, oedometer testing, constant rate of strain/load testing, interpretation of test data, Terzaghi's theory of one dimensional consolidation, settlement of embankments on soft soil, creep soils

5. Introduction to critical state theory stress paths, Isotropic consolidation and stress paths in three dimensional space, representation of triaxial test in p'qv space, the critical state line and its equation, The Roscoe surface, The state boundary surface.

6. Lateral earth pressure: Active and passive earth pressures, design parameters for different soil types, earth pressures at rest, operative values for passive pressure.

Indicative Practicals/Projects

1. Permeability tests and flow net construction

2. Shear box testing

3. Undrained and drained stress paths triaxial test

4. Oedometer test

5. Consolidation settlement calculations

6. Case studies