Module Details

Module Code: ENGR C2501
Module Title: Geotechnical Engineering I
Title: Geotechnical Engineering I
Module Level:: 7
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Eoin Homan
Module Author:: Brian Byrne
Domains:  
Module Description: The aims of the module are:
(1) to provide the graduate with appropriate technical skills in analysis, design and construction work in the geotechnical area;
(2) to work effectively as an individual and in teams.
(3) to provide the graduate with the opportunity to progress to honours degree level in civil engineering.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Select appropriate parameters related to soil behaviour for design purposes including the health and safety implications of design
LO2 Analyse and evaluate stresses in soil in selected areas;
LO3 Analyse the stability of shallow foundations including the responsibilities and roles of relevant parties
LO4 Integrate the relationship between the Ground Investigation and the Geotechnical design combining Earthworks Analysis learning to produce sustainable construction and design
LO5 Compare and contrast geologic history of strata to engineering performance
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
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
(1) Stresses in a Soil Mass
(a) Stresses due to overburden (b) Stresses due to applied loads, rectangular and circular
(2) Geology
(a) Rock forming minerals and crystallography (b) Elementary petrology (c) Stratigraphy and palaeontology (d) Earth building forces (e) Weathering and landscape change (f) Erosion and deposition
(3) Foundations
(a) Introduction to ultimate & serviceability limit state design (b) Introduction to piles and piling (c) Evaluation of Ground Investigation Reports and their application to design (d) Understanding the difference between undrained and drained analysis
(4) Health and safety and risk associated with geotechnical design
(a) Health and safety in geotechnical investigation, design and construction. (b) Risk assessment of geotechnical investigation. (c) Responsibilities of relevant duty holders (d) Safety file (e) Health and Safety Plan
Sustainable Design of Earthworks and Foundation Design
(a) Implications of re-using existing foundations and waste material as engineering material
Health and safety and risk associated with geotechnical design
a) Health and safety in geotechnical investigation, design and construction. (b) Risk assessment of geotechnical investigation. (c) Responsibilities of duty holders (d) Safety file (e) Health and Safety Plan
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 100
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Analysis and design projects, written lab reports and exams
No Project
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
Contact Hours Contact lectures, laboratory and field testing 12 Weeks per Stage 4.00 48
Estimated Learner Hours Non Contact No Description 12 Weeks per Stage 6.50 78
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • David Norbury. (2016), Soil and Rock Description in Engineering Practice, 2. Gomer Press, UK.
  • Smith. (2014), Smith’s Elements of Soil Mechanics, Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
  • Michael John Tomlinson,R. Boorman. (2001), Foundation Design and Construction, 7. Pearson Education, p.569, [ISBN: 0130311804].
  • R.F. Craig. Soil Mechanics, 8th. J.A. Knappett and R.F. Craig.
  • Peter L. Berry and David Reid. An introduction to soil mechanics, London ; McGraw-Hill, c1987., [ISBN: 0-07-084164-0].
  • Roy Whitlow. Basic Soil Mechanics, Harlow, England ; Prentice Hall, 2001., [ISBN: 0-582-38109-6].
  • British Standards. BS 1377: Parts 1-9: 1990. Testing of Soils for Engineering Purposes.
  • BSI. BS 5930: 2015. Site Investigation.
  • IS/EN. Eurocode EC7 Parts 1 & 2.
  • 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: