Module Catalogue 2013/14

CEG2201 : Geotechnics

  • Offered for Year: 2013/14
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Mohamed Rouainia
  • Owning School: Civil Engineering & Geosciences
Semesters
Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
Pre Requisites
Code Title
CEG1201Geotechnical Properties of Soils and Rocks
Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisites
Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

This modules aims to introduce:
1. The role of Geotechnical Engineering in Civil Engineering Construction.
2. The engineering properties of soil and their relationship with Geotechnical design.
3. The awareness of the different methods of analysis in Geotechnical Engineering.

Summary:
This module will provide an introduction to the engineering properties of soils and their relevance to geotechnical design. Students will perform laboratory practicals in soil testing and undertake a desk study exercise.

Outline Of Syllabus

The role of geotechnical engineering and relevance of engineering soil parameters to geotechnical design; total and effective stress; pore pressure; geostatic stresses; stress-strain characteristics; shear strength; seepage; flow nets; primary consolidation. Teaching of Geotechnics is supported by laboratory testing of soils.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

This module provides opportunities for students to be able to:

1. Understand the fundamentals of Geotechnical Engineering theory with particular relevance to water flow and its relation with changes in pre-water pressures in soils, shear strength behaviour and calculation of settlement of compressible soils due to external loading.

2. Describe and practice laboratory testing of soils.

Intended Skill Outcomes

This module provides opportunities for students to become proficient in:
1.       Simple geotechnical design calculations.
2.       Appropriate selection and use of design parameters for engineering soils.
3.       Develop problem solving skills.

Graduate Skills Framework

Graduate Skills Framework Applicable: Yes
  • Cognitive/Intellectual Skills
    • Critical Thinking : Assessed
    • Data Synthesis : Present
    • Active Learning : Present
    • Numeracy : Assessed
    • Literacy : Present
  • Self Management
    • Planning and Organisation
      • Goal Setting And Action Planning : Assessed
      • Decision Making : Assessed
    • Personal Enterprise
      • Initiative : Present
      • Problem Solving : Assessed
      • Adaptability : Present
  • Interaction
    • Communication
      • Interpersonal : Present
      • Written Other : Assessed
    • Team Working
      • Collaboration : Present
      • Relationship Building : Present
      • Leadership : Present
      • Negotiation : Present
      • Peer Assessment Review : Present

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion15:005:00Laboratory Report
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion12:002:00Exam
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture122:0024:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion120:306:00Revision for exam
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical73:0021:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching101:0010:00Tutorials
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study132:0032:00Includes background reading and reading lecture notes for a full understanding of material
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Students undertake lectures in Semester 1, with several problem-solving small group teaching activities in order to gain an understanding of the basic soil properties and their behaviour and use in construction. Laboratory (practical) classes will be held to allow students to gain practice in the determination of engineering properties of soils.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination1201A70Unseen
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Practical/lab report1M30Group exercise to introduce a range of laboratory tests used to determine the physical and mechanical characteristics of soil.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The exam is designed to allow students to demonstrate their understanding of soil behaviour and use in construction, and the use of geotechnical design parameters in simple geotechnical design calculations. The laboratory report assesses the interpretation of geotechnical design parameters and their appropriate selection for use in design. The coursework requires the students to work in teams.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Note: The Module Catalogue now reflects module information relating to academic year 13/14. Please contact your School Office if you require module information for a previous academic year.

Disclaimer: The University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver modules in accordance with the descriptions set out in this catalogue. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, however, the University reserves the right to introduce changes to the information given including the addition, withdrawal or restructuring of modules if it considers such action to be necessary.