Module Details

Module Code: ENGR C3501
Module Title: Engineering Geology I
Title: Engineering Geology I
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 Assist in risk assessment and design in relation to geohazards
LO3 Interpret general geomorphological and subsurface conditions based on the use of desk study mapping, site reconnaissance, invasive and non-invasive techniques.
LO4 Apply the principles of engineering geology to dam design and construction
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
Geohazards
Risk assessment and management of geohazards Desk studies
Geomorphology
Introduction to concepts of landform genesis including formation, identification and engineering application
Fluvial Geomorphology
Applications of fluvial geomorphology, fundamentals of fluvial geomorphological assessment
Sedimentology and stratigraphy
Introduction to principles of sediment and sedimentary rock formation, transport, classification, and depositional environments
Hard Rock Geology
Excavability; Stability analysis; Use and reuse
Ground Investigation
Nature, cost and design of Ground Investigation. Pitting, boring, probing, in-situ testing, in situ monitoring. Construction of in-place monitoring instrumentation - GW and Gas
Evaluation of rock cores
Laboratory testing UCS, PLT, Core logging - TCR, SCR, RQD
Applications of Engineering Geology
Dam design and construction
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 15
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
GeoHazards Project.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 10
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Fluvioglacial Geomorphology Project
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 15
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Rock Core Evaluation and Ground Investigation Design
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 10
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Dam Design Task
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
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 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: