Module Details

Module Code: ENGR C3502
Module Title: Engineering Geology II
Title: Engineering Geology II
Module Level:: 8
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Eoin Homan
Module Author:: Peter Kelly
Domains:  
Module Description: The aims of this module are to a) extend the learner’s engineering knowledge base associated with surfical and bedrock geology, groundwater and surface water, b) build on the knowledge introduced in Geotechnical Engineering 1 and 2. c) To enable the learner to appreciate the interaction between ground and human activity in civil engineering projects and to d) incorporate this understanding into design and construction. e) To appreciate and have a general understanding of groundwater, f) to appreciate the formation of topography by water and ice agents.
g) to understand the technologies available to investigate and understand geohazards,
to gain an appreciation of the interaction of the physical environment on development and how impacts can be recognised, eliminated or mitigated.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Appreciate the depositional characteristics of various soil and bedrock deposits and how they influence development
LO2 Assess the requirements of a development as they relate to ground and groundwater and select the appropriate investigative techniques
LO3 Interpret general geomorphological and subsurface conditions based on the use of desk study mapping, site reconnaissance, invasive and non-invasive techniques.
LO4 Develop competence in the organisational, communicative and team-working skills required of civil engineers in practice - through group design project.
LO5 Apply engineering geology principles to design of substructures/embankments/tunnels and landslide assessment and remediation.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Glacial Geomorphology
Introduction to glaciers and glaciation; Landforms; Transportation of sediment; Formations; Deposits; Engineering uses
Geophysics
Introduction to Geophysics, Geophysics contracts, Seismic, Electrical resistivity, Gravity and magnetic surveys, Geophysical borehole logging and electromagnetic methods.
Groundwater Control
Application of groundwater hydrology to groundwater control and dewatering in construction.
Applications of Engineering Geology
Design and construction of highways and tunnels. Landslide assessment and remediation.
Design Team Project
Cross Disciplinary Group design project promoting inclusion and understanding of other discipline drivers. Collaboration with construction/architectural technology students required who will design the structure and engineering geology students the substructure. Students design the substructure of a multi-story building with basement. The brief requires design/assessment of a temporary retaining structure, groundwater control via pumping and bearing capacity/ settlement considerations for the foundation of the structure. Student self-assessment required.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment50.00%
Project50.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 20
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Glacial Geomorphology Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 15
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Geophysics Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 15
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Groundwater Control
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 20
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Application of engineering geology to design and construction of embankments and tunnels and landslide assessment and remediation.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 30
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Cross Disciplinary Group design project promoting inclusion and understanding of other discipline drivers. Collaboration with construction/architectural technology students required who will design the structure and engineering geology students the substructure. Students design the substructure of a multi-story building with basement. The brief requires design/assessment of a temporary retaining structure, groundwater control via pumping and bearing capacity/ settlement considerations for the foundation of the structure. Student self-assessment required.
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination
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 2.00 24
Practicals Contact Practical 12 Weeks per Stage 1.00 12
Estimated Learner Hours Non Contact Estimate Learner Hours 12 Weeks per Stage 7.50 90
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Brian J. Skinner, Stephen C. Porter. (2004), The Dynamic Earth- An Introduction to Physical Geology, Wiley, New York, [ISBN: 0-471-15228-5].
  • P. G. Fookes, E. M. Lee and G. Milligan (eds). (2005), Geomorphology for engineers, Whittles, Caithness, [ISBN: 1-870-325-03-6].
  • Alan E. Mussett, M. Aftab Khan; illustrations by Sue Button. (2000), Looking into the Earth– An Introduction to Geological Geophysics, Cambridge University Press, 2000., Cambridge, UK, [ISBN: 0-521-780-853].
  • George H. Davis. (1984), Structural geology of rocks and regions, Wiley, New York, [ISBN: 0-471-09267-3].
  • ISRM. (2014), The Suggested Methods for Rock Characterization, Testing and Monitoring, 2007 - 2014.
  • National Roads Authority. (2013), Design Manual for Roads and Bridges.
  • Engineers Ireland. (2016), Specification for Ground Investigation in Ireland.
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Guidebook of Applied Fluvial Geomorphotogy, R&D Technical Report.
Other Resources
Discussion Note: