Module Catalogue 2024/25

CEG2201 : Geotechnics

CEG2201 : Geotechnics

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Sadegh Nadimi
  • Lecturer: Dr Mohamed Rouainia
  • Owning School: Engineering
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

English Language to IELTS 6.0 or Pearsons 54 or equivalent. Satisfy progression or admission requirement for entry to Stage 2 on engineering degree programme by satisfactory completion of Stage 1 or equivalent at Level 4 normally with one year of prior study related to this topic

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

This module aims to introduce:
The fundamental concepts and principles of soil mechanics
The engineering properties of soil and their relationship with Geotechnical design.
Techniques for the identification and classification of soils
The role of Geotechnical Engineering in Civil Engineering and Construction.

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 description.

Outline Of Syllabus

The origin of soils and the relationship to their basic properties. 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; Laboratory testing of soils.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

-Describe and classify soils in context of their relationship to their basic engineering properties (c1, c12, c13).
-discuss the fundamentals of Geotechnical Engineering theory with particular reference to water flow and its relation to changes in pore-water pressures in soils, shear strength behaviour and calculation of settlements of compressible soils due to external loading (c1);
-describe and practice laboratory testing of soils (c12, c13).

Intended Skill Outcomes

This module provides opportunities for students to become proficient in:

1. identify and describe soils to BS standards (c13).
2. Use laboratory equipment to generate data (c12)..
3. Appropriate selection and use of design parameters for engineering soils (c3).
4. Geotechnical characterisation and calculations (c1).
5. Develop problem solving skills.


In line with the requirements of the accrediting body students are expected to develop a professional attitude.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion118:3018:30Revision for exam
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture111:0011:00Lectures
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion12:002:00examination
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical71:007:00Practicals
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching101:3015:00Tutorials
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesFieldwork16:006:00Fieldwork
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study113:0033:00Includes background reading and reading lecture notes for a full understanding of material
Guided Independent StudyDistance Learning Advance Preparation51:307:30open book canvas quizzes
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Students undertake lectures and tutorials, 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. Practical skills will be developed through laboratory (practical) and field classes which 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 Examination1201A50N/A
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Computer assessment1M12Open Book Canvas Quiz 2
Computer assessment1M13Open Book Canvas Quiz 3
Computer assessment1M12Open Book Canvas Quiz 4
Computer assessment1M13Open Book Canvas Quiz 5
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Computer assessment1MOpen Book Canvas Quiz 1 (Formative)
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The exam covers the knowledge outcomes relating to the fundamental concept of engineering soil properties. 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 CANVAS-based
assessment is based on the results of laboratory exercises and field practical class to allow students to demonstrate their ability to select important geotechnical design parameters.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.