Newcastle University

Geotechnical Design

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This course will build upon basic soil mechanics principles and demonstrate how they are used for the design and analysis of slopes, retaining walls and foundations. Examples will be used to demonstrate the applications of concepts, principles and theories of the design of geotechnical structures. Geotechnical construction techniques and the role of numerical software in geotechnical design will also be covered. Reference will be made to codes of practice currently used in industry.

The course will assist delegates to develop the design skills of a geotechnical engineer, enabling them to produce optimum solutions to geotechnical problems.

Delegates will gain an understanding of the concepts behind a range of Geotechnical Design, and be able to identify appropriate techniques for a range of ground and site conditions. They will have an appreciation of computer design and analytical methods.

Upon completion of the course, delegates will be able to:

• demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories of the principle of the design of geotechnical studies
• solve problems that require a geotechnical solution based on an assessment of the key issues, a synthesis of possible solutions and use of appropriate tools
• demonstrate their understanding of computer based design and analytical methods through their use in a design exercise
• demonstrate creative and innovative ability through application of essential facts, concepts, theories and princples of geotechnics to produce optimum solutions to geotechnical problems
• understand the design process.

Course Outline

This course will provide an introduction to detailed design of key geotechnical structures. It will introduce numerical software and its role in the design process. Students will perform a detailed design exercise using numerical software to produce an element of the design solution. Principles of design of foundations, slopes and retaining walls: failure mechanisms, forces, partial factors. Shallow foundations: methods of construction design based on presumed values, theory, and in situ tests. Piled foundations: methods of construction, design to vertical compression and/or tension loads. Slopes: failure mechanisms, stability analyses, stabilisation and asset management. Structural walls: actual and theoretical behaviour, groundwater and earth pressure on rigid structures, design of gravity and sheet pile walls. Analytical methods and computer design analysis.

Presenters

School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

• Dr Gaetano Elia (Course Leader)
• Dr Colin Davie
• Dr Paul Hughes

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