civ4gtb geotechnology b

GEOTECHNOLOGY B

CIV4GTB

2015

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

This is the second of two earth mechanics and foundation engineering subjects. The focus of this subject is to extend the student's understanding of earth mechanical properties and enable them to design various types of geotechnical structures. The topics covered include field investigation of soils and rocks, an introduction to rock mechanics, lateral earth pressure and design of retaining structures, design of shallow and deep foundations for strength and serviceability, analysis of slope stability and an introduction to specific software for the design of geotechnical structures.

SchoolSchool Engineering&Mathematical Sciences

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorDaniela Ionescu

Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 4 - UG/Hons/1st Yr PG

Exchange StudentsYes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites CIV3GTA

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjectsN/A

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsPrinciples of Foundation EngineeringPrescribedB Das7TH ED, CENAGE LEARNING.

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Examine the compressibility characteristics of soils based on laboratory consolidation tests and critically interpret the results in relation to field practice.

Activities:
Students are introduced to these in lectures and reinforced and practiced in the tutorials and laboratory classes. Students are required to demonstrate in the assessment and exam questions the correct use of terminology, be able to identify the compressibility characteristic and evaluate the deformation extent of different types of soils for varied in-service drainage and loading conditions, research the literature and identify potential problems.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)

02. Evaluate the strength of soils or rocks by selecting and undertaking correct laboratory tests, then critically interpret the results with reference to field practice.

Activities:
Shear strength characteristics of varied soil/rock types and the limitations and errors associated with laboratory measurement of shear strength will be taught in lectures and further discussed and reinforced in tutorial and practical classes. Students must be able to correctly calculate the shear strength of different soils or rocks from varied laboratory tests, critically analyse the results, research the prescribe material and estimate the in service behaviour of soils/rocks based on these results.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)

03. Recognise the value of site investigation and field-testing and assess the level of uncertainty of procedures.

Activities:
Discussion on field investigation principles and practice will take place in lectures and concepts will be further developed in tutorials and the field trip. Students are required to demonstrate competency in performing field tests, collect data and soil samples, properly classify soils based on laboratory and field estimates, then critically assess the collected information to formulate recommendations in a written report and correctly answer exam questions.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)

04. Interpret the laboratory and field data and estimate the parameters required to compute the bearing capacity and settlement of shallow and deep foundations, assess the slopes stability, evaluate lateral earth pressure and check on the stability of retaining structures.

Activities:
The fundamental principles are introduced in lectures and are reinforced and practiced in tutorials and research of prescribed literature. Students must be able to assign correct parameters for the design of bearing capacity and settlement of varied foundations types, check of stability of natural slopes and embankments, size and design lateral earth structures.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)

05. Recognise the behaviour of soil or rock and analyse their interaction with the foundation system and/or the supported structure to enable their design.

Activities:
These are introduced in lectures and are further discussed and practiced in tutorials. Students are required to demonstrate competency in completing set assignments and examination questions.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)

06. Accurately undertake and analyse a series of tests on soils and rocks to present a coherent report to professional standards.

Activities:
Students are required to attend and perform laboratory work and demonstrate competency in collecting and analysing the test data, research the prescribed literature, report writing and solving practice problems. The proper acknowledgement of individual contribution to the group work forms a part of marking criteria for report writing.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Writing(Writing)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Teamwork(Teamwork)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)

Subject options

Select to view your study options…

Start date between: and    Key dates

Bendigo, 2015, Semester 1, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorDaniela Ionescu

Class requirements

TutorialWeek: 10 - 22
Nine 2.0 hours tutorial per study period on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

LectureWeek: 10 - 22
Three 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

Laboratory ClassWeek: 10 - 22
Three 2.0 hours laboratory class per study period on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

Field Trip
One 2.0 hours field trip per study period and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
2 numerical group assignments (each equivalent to 250 words per student)1001, 02, 04, 05
3 practical group reports (each equivalent to 500 words per student)2002, 03, 04, 06
one 3-hour examination7001, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06