Module Details

Module Code: ENGR C4501
Module Title: Geotechnical Engineering III
Title: Geotechnical Engineering III
Module Level:: 8
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Eoin Homan
Module Author:: Brian Byrne
Domains:  
Module Description: (a) To understand the physical and mechanical properties of soils;
(b) To develop a general appreciation of environmental issues and their vulnerability to engineering development projects; (c) To develop a general appreciation of sustainable construction principles as it relates to Civil & Geotechnical Engineering;
(d) To be able to determine parameters from soil testing to characterize soil properties,
(d) soil strength and soil deformations,
(e) to be able to apply the principles of soil mechanics to analyze and design simple geotechnical systems;
(f) To increase the understanding of the effects of construction on groundwater and the effects of groundwater on construction;
(g) To develop the skills required to evaluate factual Geotechnical Engineering reports;
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Assess the information contained in factual geotechnical reports including laboratory test results
LO2 Assess ground conditions to evaluate SI requirements for field work, sampling and testing so as to produce sustainable designs
LO3 Relate and defend the value of desk study information and its role in preparation of factual and interpretative reports
LO4 Undertake geotechnical designs to Eurocode 7 and BS/US methods
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
6566 ENGR H3503 Geotechnical Engineering I
6801 ENGR H3504 Earthworks Analysis
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Site Investigation
(a) Contents of GI report, (b) Determination of appropriate site investigation techniques, (c) Sample selection,in-situ testing,(d) laboratory testing on a site specific basis,
Stresses, Strains and Elastic Deformation of Soils
(a) Stress-strain, (b) Stresses from surface loads, (c) Settlements,
Shear strength of Soils
(a) Undrained and drained shear strength, (b) Laboratory determination of shear strength using shear box, Triaxial (drained and undrained), (b) In-situ determination, (c) Introduction to Piezocone and pressure meter
Bearing capacity of soils and settlement of shallow foundations
(a) Collapse and failure loads - Ultimate and service loads, (b) Settlement, (c) In-situ testing (d) Design to EC 7, (e) Comparison of European vs other International Design Principles
Soil stabilization
(a) Lime,cement, pfa, stabilization on mineral soils and peat - chemical reactions within soil mass
Sustainability
(a) Reuse of waste materials, CBM's, LEED Design and Construction principles
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 50
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
n/a
No Project
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
End of term exam
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00 36
Estimated Learner Hours Non Contact Estimate Learner Hours 12 Weeks per Stage 8.00 96
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • British Standards Institution. (2015), Code of Practice for Site Investigations BS 5930, London.
  • British Standards Institution.. (1990), British Standard Methods of testing for Soils for Engineering Civil Purposes, BS 1377, London.
  • Department of Communities and Local Government. (1997), A designers Simple Guide to BS EN, January 200,London.
  • EN 1997– Eurocode 7. (1997), Part 1, Geotechnical Design – General Rules.
  • EN 1997– Eurocode 7. (1997), Part 2, Geotechnical investigation and testing.
  • EN 1990. Basis of structural design.
  • EN 1991. Eurocode 1 - Actions on structures.
  • Ian Smith. (2006), Smith's Elements of Soil Mechanics, Wiley-Blackwell, p.552, [ISBN: 978-1-4051-3370-8].
  • British Standards Institution. (2015), Code of Practice for Earth Retaining Structures, BS 8002, London.
  • British Standards Institution. (1999), Code of Practice for Ground Anchorages, BS 8081, London.
  • Muni Budhu. (2011), Soil Mechanics and Foundations, John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, N.J., [ISBN: 978-0-471-43117-6].
  • Muni Budhu. (2008), Foundations and Earth Retaining Structures, John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, NJ, [ISBN: 978-0471-47012-0].
  • Construction Industry Research and Information Association. (1986), Control of Groundwater for Temporary Works, C515.
  • M. Preene... [et al.]. (2000), Groundwater Control, CIRIA, London, [ISBN: 0-860-175154].
  • R. F. Craig and J. Knappett. Craig's soil mechanics, London ; Spon Press, 2004., [ISBN: 0-203-494105].
  • T. William Lambe and Robert V. Whitman. Soil mechanics, New York, Wiley, 1969., [ISBN: 0-471-51192-7].
  • National Roads Authority. (2013), Design Manual for Roads and Bridges.
  • Engineers Ireland. (2016), Specification for Ground Investigation in Ireland.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: