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Unit Summary

Unit type

UG Coursework Unit

Credit points

12

AQF level

7

Level of learning

Advanced

Former School/College

Former School of Environment, Science and Engineering

Pre-requisites

ENG30002 - Soil Mechanics and Geology

Unit aim

Expands on knowledge gained in the unit Soil Mechanics and Geology and applies this knowledge to geotechnical design. Students will learn to investigate, prepare and design geotechnical structures. They will also learn how to conduct geotechnical site investigations, design foundations and assess geotechnical safety and stability.

Unit content

  • Methods of site investigation
  • Design of shallow foundations
  • Design of deep footings and pile foundations
  • Slope stability of soils and rock slopes
  • Design of earth retaining structures
  • Design of excavations using techniques such as passive soil nailing or rock anchors

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: Intellectual rigour, GA2: Creativity, GA3: Ethical practice, GA4: Knowledge of a discipline, GA5: Lifelong learning, GA6: Communication and social skills, GA7: Cultural competence
On completion of this unit, students should be able to: GA1 GA2 GA3 GA4 GA5 GA6 GA7
1 Describe the different approaches to geotechnical design and the issues associated with the interaction with other disciplines such as structural engineering Knowledge of a discipline
2 Apply knowledge of soil mechanics and geology to design a range of different geotechnical components including shallow and deep foundations, excavations, dams and analyse the stability of soil and rock slopes Knowledge of a discipline Lifelong learning
3 Specify a site testing regime to adequately develop an understanding of the soil/rock properties on a site in order to develop suitable engineering designs Knowledge of a discipline Lifelong learning
4 Assess site specific contextual factors and constraints to select appropriate geotechnical solutions to complex problems Creativity Knowledge of a discipline
5 Model typical geotechnical problems using suitable computer modelling techniques Knowledge of a discipline Lifelong learning

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. Describe the different approaches to geotechnical design and the issues associated with the interaction with other disciplines such as structural engineering
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  2. Apply knowledge of soil mechanics and geology to design a range of different geotechnical components including shallow and deep foundations, excavations, dams and analyse the stability of soil and rock slopes
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA5: Lifelong learning
  3. Specify a site testing regime to adequately develop an understanding of the soil/rock properties on a site in order to develop suitable engineering designs
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA5: Lifelong learning
  4. Assess site specific contextual factors and constraints to select appropriate geotechnical solutions to complex problems
    • GA2: Creativity
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  5. Model typical geotechnical problems using suitable computer modelling techniques
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA5: Lifelong learning