ENG06023 2012 Soil Mechanics and Geology 202
This module is an introduction to Soil Mechanics & Geology, assuming no prior knowledge of the subject. The student starts with the formation and origin of rocks and the processes which result in the formation of soil before learning how these processes influence soil behaviour due to external loading or the flow of fluid through the soil.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Identify and classify soils and rocks and calculate their phase relations. Describe how rock and rock structures are formed and weathered.
Compute coefficients of permeability from standard laboratory tests and compute critical hydraulic gradients.
Calculate total stress, effective stress and porewater pressure and evaluate the shear strength parameters of the soil in drained and undrained conditions. Calculate lateral earth pressures.
Estimate one-dimensional settlements in soils.
Use standard laboratory equipment and perform as a team member in the execution, compilation, analysis and interpretation of laboratory experiments
Compile and report, in both written and oral form, using word and excel, the results and conclusions of laboratory work
Module Assessment Strategies
1. 1 hour MCQ exam mid-semester
2. 2 hour written final exam
3. Laboratory practical copy and oral presentation
Indicative Syllabus
SOIL MECHANICS
- Phase relationships, Atterberg Limits, Classification, Compaction
- Permeability, falling & constant head, flownets, filters, Critical hydraulic gradient, piping. Field measurement of permeability, water in excavations
- Effective stress, pore pressure
- Shear strength, drained, undrained, shear box, introduction to triaxial, lab and field vane
- Consolidation, Terzaghi’s one dimensional consolidation, Oedometer testing, settlement calculations
- Lateral earth pressures, active, passive and at rest
GEOLOGY
- Introduction: Composition of earth. Formation and classification of rocks. Identification of rocks
- Weathering processes and weathered rocks
- Main rock types: Engineering behaviour of main rock types.
- Geological structures: Folds. Faults. Joints
- Site Investigations: Boreholes. Geophysical surveys
INDICATIVE PRACTICALS
- Atterbery limits
- Wet & dry sieving
- Standard and heavy compaction, CBR
- Sand replacement test
- Constant head permeability
- Shear box clay
- Triaxial, UU
- Oedometer
- Rock identification and classification
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Practical Evaluation Laboratory reports and Oral Presentation | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 30 % | OnGoing | 5,6 |
2 | Multiple Choice 1 hour | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 10 % | Week 7 | 1,2 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Final Exam Written exam 2 hours | Final Exam | UNKNOWN | 60 % | End of Term | 1,2,3,4,6 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Flat Classroom | Theory | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Practical | Engineering Laboratory | Practicals | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Independent Learning | UNKNOWN | Preparation of practical reports, reviewing lecture material | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Module Resources
Essential Reading
Knappett, J., Craig, R.F. Craig's Soil Mechanics CRC Press 2012
Recommended Reading
- Powrie, W. Soil Mechanics Concepts & Applications Third Edition CRC Press 2013
- Smith, I. Elements of Soil Mechanics 6th Edition 2006
- Whitlow, R Basic Soil Mechanics Prentice Hall 2001
- Bell, F.G. Engineering Geology Butterworth-Heinemann 2007
- Matthews, M.C. & Simons, N.E. A Short Course in Geology for Engineers Thomas Telford 2008
- Waltham A.C Foundations of Engineering Geology Blackie 1995
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