Module ENGI4161: GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING

Department: Engineering

ENGI4161: GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING

Prerequisites

• (ENGI3341 Environmental Engineering; ENGI3311 Soil Engineering; ENGI3301 Structures and Surveying; ENGI3411 Applied Mechanics; ENGI3381 Design and Management for Civil Engineering; ENGI3401 Civil Design) OR (MEng(Overseas))

Corequisites

Excluded Combination of Modules

Aims

• This module is for students intending to fulfil the requirements of the M.Eng. stream in Civil Engineering (H200).
• The module will provide graduates with advanced knowledge of geotechnical site investigations, the design and analysis of embankment and concrete dams, road design and foundation design for offshore structures.
• This module is complemented by the 60 credit M.Eng Research and Development project module or by the 40 credit Technical Project where the final year MEng student has the opportunity to apply the material taught in this module in a large scale project.
• The module provides a firm foundation for a broad range of careers in Civil and General Engineering through an appropriate combination of core and optional courses

Content

• SITE INVESTIGATION:
• Geo-hazards and contaminated land investigations;
• Geotechnical desk study;
• Boreholes, trial pits, drilling, sampling and logging;
• Groundwater observations;
• Engineering description of soil and rock;
• In-situ tests (permeability, SPT, vane, cone and pressuremeter).
• DAM ENGINEERING:
• Dam Classification (earth and rockfill, roller compacted, gravity, buttress and arch);
• Stability, settlement and internal seepage in embankment dams;
• Concrete dam stability and analysis of arch gravity structures.
• ROADS:
• Mass haul, excavation, transport and compaction;
• Construction plant and machinery;
• Traffic assessment;
• Road pavement design (concrete and flexible);
• Drainage and frost susceptibility;
• Aggregate testing and specifications.
• OFFSHORE STRUCTURES:
• Classification of foundation types
• Bearing capacity of shallow foundations
• Displacement of shallow foundations
• Anchors

Learning Outcomes

• Appreciation and technical understanding of the characterisation and testing of soils to enable the design and analysis of a variety of geotechnical structures.
• Understanding of the capabilities and limitations of advanced simulation methods when applied to geotechnical engineering problems.
• Knowledge of simple analysis tools and modelling techniques for the prediction of the performance of geotechnical structures.
• Understanding of the different types of dam structures and their suitability for different geological/topological conditions.
• Knowledge of how to identify toxic materials in the sub-surface together with a knowledge of the various treatment options.
• An understanding of road pavement design and construction.

• The awareness of current design codes of practice and engineering approaches to geotechnical design.
• The use of the Finite Element method in the analysis of foundation deformation and dam stress distribution.
• The ability to carry out assessments of the stability of geotechnical structures.
• The ability to devise a preliminary site investigation programme for a variety of engineering structures.
• The ability to perform critical assessment and review and to communicate technical findings effectively.

• Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
• Highly specialised analytical and numerical skills appropriate to an engineer.
• Highly specialised use of information technology (IT) relevant to the engineering profession.
• Mathematics relevant to the application of advanced engineering concepts.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The courses are covered in lectures and are reinforced by seminars leading to the required problem solving capability
• Students are able to make use of staff 'Tutorial Hours' to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one-to-one basis
• Written timed examinations are appropriate for all module components because of the largely quantitative methods covered in the courses. The examination will enable students to demonstrate their ability to solve advanced problems independently
• Coursework assignments are appropriate for geotechnical engineering because of the practical nature of the material covered in this course and to assess the student's ability to perform independent data analysis and professional reporting.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

None

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University