Module Details

Module Code: MECH
Module Title: Soil Mechanics
Title: Soil Mechanics
Module Level:: 6
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Eoin Homan
Module Author:: Brian Byrne
Domains:  
Module Description: The aims of the module are:
(1) to provide students with a sound knowledge of the fundamentals of soil mechanics laboratory testing, as a basis for further studies in the area of geotechnical engineering;
(2) to provide students with the technical ability to participate in quality control in earthworks and other associated areas.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Examine and relate the significance of moisture content in a soil and describe the soil property changes as moisture content varies
LO2 Evaluate exacvated soil to improve project sustainability in accordance with the BS/Eurocode 7 Classification Systems, having a basic knowledge of technical report writing and appreciation of the the importance of moisture content
LO3 have a basic knowledge of site investigation stages and techniques;
LO4 undertake Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for the laboratory tests undertaken in this module and demonstrate competence in undertaking these tests
LO5 demonstrate a knowledge of the requirements, duties, responsibilities and competencies associated with SAFE PASS and also for a variety of design and construction activities so as comply with the competencies required by the QQI Manual Handling and Ergonomic Certificate.
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
(1) Introduction To Soils Technology
(a) Geological formation of soil and rock - Rock cycle. (b) Clay and silt minerals.
(2) Site Investigation
(a) Aims and objectives (b) Desk study (c) Site reconnaissance (d) Ground investigation
(3) Classification Of Soils
(a) Moisture content (b) Atterberg limits (c) Particle size analysis - wet sieve analysis (d) Particle size analysis - sedimentation (e) Particle density
(4) Strength Of Soil
(a) Shear strength theory (b) Direct shear test - shear box (c) Quick undrained triaxial test (d) Field testing - vane test (e) California Bearing Ratio
(5) Sustainability and Re-use of Soil
(a) Optimum Moisture Content (b) Dry density / moisture content test (c) Measurement of in-situ density (D) Converting waste soil and rock into engineered material to increase project sustainability
Typical Laboratory Experiments
(a) Soil sampling & sub-sampling (b) Classification of a soil (c) Measurement of Optimum Moisture Content (d) Measurement of California Bearing Ratio (e) Measurement of shear strength parameters using shear box (f) Measurement of shear strength parameters using triaxial apparatus
Self-Assessment
Students assess own H&S assessments
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment60.00%
End of Module Formal Examination40.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 60
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
In-class exams, practicals
No Project
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 40
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
n/a
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.
Reassessment Description
Repeat Exam &/or CA reassessment, as appropriate. Students must have attained a minimum of 35% in their CA work in this module throughout the year to be deemed to have met the requirements for a repeat opportunity.

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 No Description 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00 36
Practicals Contact No Description 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00 36
Estimated Learner Hours Non Contact No Description 12 Weeks per Stage 6.00 72
Total Weekly Contact Hours 6.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • David Norbury. (2016), Soil and Rock Description in Engineering Practice, 1. Gomer Press, UK, [ISBN: 978-1844995].
  • Ian Smith. (2009), Smith's Elements of Soil Mechanics, 7. Blackwell, UK, [ISBN: 9781405133701].
  • Peter L. Berry and David Reid. An Introduction to Soil Mechanics, London ; McGraw-Hill, c1987., [ISBN: 0070841640].
  • BSI. (2015), BS 5930. Code of Practice for Ground Investigation.
  • BSI. (1990), BS 1377. Parts 1-9.
  • EN, IS. Eurocode 7 Parts 1 & 2.
  • National Roads Authority, Ireland. (2013), Design Manual for Roads and Bridges.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: