ENG07018 2019 Geotechnical Engineering 302H
This module looks at geology, the formation of soils, soil classification and site investigations.
This module is designed to be delivered over 8 teaching weeks to facilitate students going on work placement.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Describe the composition of the earth, classify and identify the different types of soils and rocks and describe their formation.
Describe the engineering significance of the weathering process, folds, faults and joints in rock.
Classify soils based on phase relationships, particle size distribution and Atterberg limits.
Create a specification for, and evaluate the findings of, a site investigations.
Use standard engineering laboratory equipment to perform experiments in teams, observe and record data and experimental evidence.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
This module will be delivered to full‑time learners through a mix of formal lectures and practical classes.
Module Assessment Strategies
This module is 40% continuous assessment, consisting of individual practical write‑ups, and 60% final examination at the end of the semester.
Repeat Assessments
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
Indicative Syllabus
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Identification and classification; soil properties; phase relationships; index properties; soil compaction; associated laboratory and field tests.
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Site investigation; desk study; boreholes; geophysical methods; report preparation
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Principles and methods of site examination; soil sampling; boreholes and trial pit logs; geophysical methods.
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Rock; main types; classification; geological structures; geological maps and sections
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Behaviour of main rock types; rock strength; types of strength test; permeability; groundwater
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Rock mass strength; classification; behaviour of rock masses; discontinuity analysis
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Stability of rock slopes; types of failure; effect of water; case studies; slope stabilization
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Excavation in rock; excavation methods; tunnelling; rock tunnel support systems
Indicative Practicals/Projects
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Site investigation desk studies and specification of site investigations
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Identification and classification tests for soils
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Case studies
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
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1 | Practical Evaluation | Coursework Assessment | Practical Evaluation | 40 % | OnGoing | 3,4,5 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
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1 | Final Exam | Final Exam | Closed Book Exam | 60 % | End of Semester | 1,2,3,4 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Flat Classroom | Lecture | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Practical / Laboratory | Engineering Laboratory | Practical | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Independent Learning | UNKNOWN | Independent learning | 5 | Weekly | 5.00 |
Online Learning Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Online | Lecture | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Practical / Laboratory | Engineering Laboratory | Laboratory practical | 15 | Once Per Module | 1.00 |
Independent Learning | Not Specified | Independent learning | 5 | Weekly | 5.00 |
Module Resources
Knappett, J., Craig, R.F. Craig's Soil Mechanics CRC Press 2012
Barnes, G. Soil Mechanics Princples and practice, Palgrave, 2016
Powrie, W. Soil Mechanics Concepts & Applications Third Edition CRC Press 2013
Smith, I. Elements of Soil Mechanics 9th Edition 2014
Whitlow, R Basic Soil Mechanics Prentice Hall 2001
Bell, F.G. Engineering Geology Butterworth‑Heinemann 2007
Parriaux, A. Geology, Basics for Engineers, CRC Press, 2009
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