Module ENGI3311: Geotechnics 3

Department: Engineering

ENGI3311: Geotechnics 3

Prerequisites

• ENGI 2221

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• As specified in the Programme Regulations

Aims

• This module is designed solely for students studying Department of Engineering degree programmes.
• To introduce fundamental geological concepts relevant to engineering.
• To provide practical skills of how to recognise geological features and how to interpret geological maps.
• To develop qualitative and quantitative descriptions of soil behaviour in terms of phase models, seepage, strength and deformation properties.
• To introduce methods of analysis applicable to soil engineering problems such as foundations, retaining walls and slopes.

Content

• Soils and Foundations, Soil Mechanics and Geology.

Learning Outcomes

• Understanding of relationship between minerals, rocks and soils;
• Understanding of the importance of geological features on engineering design;
• Understanding of soils, their structure and classification;
• Understanding of soil strength and critical state approach to soils;
• Understanding of short and long term deformations under load.
• AHEP4 Learning Outcomes: In order to satisfy Professional Engineering Institution (PEI) accreditation requirements the following Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes are assessed within this module:
• M1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems (exam and coursework assessed).
• M3. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed (coursework assessed).
• M12. Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems (coursework assessed).

• Ability to interpret geological maps so that the underlying type of rock can be related to topography;
• Ability to recognise main types of rocks and minerals in the field;
• Ability to calculate seepage and its consequences;
• Ability to process data from standard soil tests;
• Ability to estimate settlement;
• Ability to design spread and piled foundations;
• Ability to check the stability of retaining walls and soil slopes.

• Numerical skills appropriate to an engineer.
• General problem solving skills that can be applied in a novel context.
• Capacity for self-learning in familar and unfamiliar situations.

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

• The main concepts will be presented within a lecture programme. Part of the lecture programme is devoted to the practical interpretation of geological maps. Handouts are provided for the students in paper format. Additional lecture notes are provided on DUO. Web-based materials covering the lectures on slopes are available via DUO to support student learning.
• The lectures relating to geology are supported by 4 half-day field trips which the students will write up a field trip report which will be summatively assessed.
• The Workshop comprises a Geology Mapping Exercise.
• Students are encouraged to make use of staff 'Surgeries' (otherwise "Office Hours") to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one-to-one basis. These are sign-up sessions available for up to one hour per week.
• The lecture course is assessed by written examination which enables each student to demonstrate their knowledge and an ability to analyse and solve new problems.
• A formative laboratory program develops practical laboratory skills and supports the module's lecture material.
• The following Laboratory Classes relate to content taught in this module: GE31 Atterberg Limits/Shear Box Tests; GE34 Soils Triaxial Test.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Laboratories

■ 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