ENG08007 2019 Geotechnical Engineering 402H

Determine the forces, moments and pressure distributions on gravity and cantilever retaining structures

Design shallow and deep foundation systems

Determine the stability of slopes using translational and rotational analysis techniques

Design ground improvement techniques for embankments on soft soil

Determine the stress distribution in a soil mass

Evaluate and synthesise data from laboratory and field testing to determine parameters for use in geotechnical design

Apply the principles of Eurocode 7 (EN 1997) to the design of geotechnical engineering problems

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

This module will be delivered to part-time online learners through a mix of live online lectures and online tutorials. The lectures and tutorials will be recorded and made available to the learners through Moodle.

This modules is 40% continuous assessment and 60% final examination at the end of the semester. The continuous assessment is by both group and individual project work. Some of the project work is interdisciplinary projects and linked with Structures 402H.

The sizing the slice method of group assessment (Clelford & Hopkins, 2014) will be used to allocate marks to the individual members of the project group. A copy of this method of allocating marks will be given to the students at the start of the module. 

Clelford, T. & Hopkins, A., 2014. Sizing the Slice: Assessing Individual Performance in Group Projects, CEBE Funded Case Study retrieved on 5/12/2014 from http://www‑new1.heacademy.ac.uk/cebe/themes/alldisplay? type=resources&newid=casestudies/cebe/sizing_the_slice&site=cebe

The learners must pass both the continuous assessment and final examination.

Where a learner or group of learners fail the project element of the module they will be required to resubmit the project 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. Introduction; Determination of design parameters from standard laboratory tests, interpretation of characteristic values, Introduction to design codes, Eurocode and British Standards.
2. Stresses within a soil mass; stress distribution due to foundation loads, bearing capacity, calculation of bearing capacity by semi-empirical and prescriptive methods, settlements of foundation.
3. Lateral earth pressure; design of earth retaining structures, gravity and cantilever walls, secant and contiguous piled walls, cantilever sheet pile walls, anchored or propped sheet pile wall.
4. Foundations; Design of strip and pad foundation. Eccentrically loaded and unsymmetric spread foundations. Settlement of foundations on fine and course soil.
5. Piles; classification of piles, design of single piles and pile groups in fine and course soils; negative skin friction
6. Slope stability; basic concepts; general methods of analysis and method of slices; the effect of water. Analysis of a plane translation slip, end of construction and long-term stability.
7. Ground improvement; design of vertical drains, surface and deep lime/cement stabilisation; compactive techniques; sand and stone columns.
8. Introduction to numerical analysis in geotechnical engineering; Cam Clay and modified Cam Clay models, sand models. Advanced laboratory testing, small strain stiffness, nonlinear analysis.

Indicative Practicals/Projects

1. Consolidation settlement calculations
2. Design of system of vertical drains
3. Design of earth-retaining structure
4. Design of strip, pad and piled foundations
5. Method of sections for slope stability analysis
6. Slope stability using proprietary software
7. Two dimensional and axi-symmetric modelling of foundations problems using proprietary software
8. Case studies