Module Details

Module Code: ENGR C2502
Module Title: Geotechnical Engineering II
Title: Geotechnical Engineering II
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 to assist in an appropriate and efficient design
LO2 Analyse and evaluate stresses in soil with an appreciation of the difference between drained and undrained/short-term vs long term conditions
LO3 Analyse the stability of simple slopes/excavations, earth retaining structures, including the responsibilities and roles of relevant parties
LO4 Explain Eurocode 7 and its application
LO5 Interpret the requirements for temporary works design including the time duration vs ground conditions and the H&S implications
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 - evaluation of undrained and drained design conditions
(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) Settlement
(a) Immediate settlement based on elastic theory (b) Consolidation settlement (c) One dimensional consolidation test
(4) Shear Strength
(a) Review of Coulomb theory and undrained shear test (b) Consolidated undrained triaxial test with porewater pressure measurement
(5) Foundations
(a) Ultimate & serviceability limit state design (b) Introduction to piles and piling (c) Ultimate & serviceability limit state design of shallow foundations (d) Understanding the difference between undrained and drained analysis
(6) Retaining Walls
(a) Types of retaining walls (b) Wall types – permanent vs. temporary, gravity, cantilever, basement, buttress/counterfort walls, propped, anchored (c) Selection criteria for retaining wall types (d) Retaining wall construction/installation (e) Drainage of walls (f) Modes of Failure (g) Lateral earth pressures and forces (i) Stability–overturning, sliding (h) Application of software packages
(8) Stability of Slopes
(a) Stability of cuttings and embankments (b) Bio-engineering solutions (c) Groundwater control
(9) Sustainability and Ground Improvement
(a) Compaction (b) Chemical stabilization and grouting (c) Geotextiles and geomembranes
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment10.00%
Project20.00%
Practical20.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Examination % of Total Mark 10
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
In-class and home assessments
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 20
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Analysis and design projects
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Written Lab Report
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
No Description
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 8.00 96
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Smith. (2014), Smith’s Elements of Soil Mechanics, Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
  • Michael John Tomlinson,R. Boorman. (2001), Foundation Design and Construction, Pearson Education, p.569, [ISBN: 9780130311801].
  • 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: