Newcastle University

Pre Requisite Comment

For GE and EG Courses - CEG1201, CEG2201, CEG3201 (or equivalents from previous undergraduate regulations) or suitable undergraduate degree qualification in an engineering, geosciences or geological field.

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

The aim of this module is to introduce the basic skills and knowledge required by an engineering geologist or geotechnical engineer. Specifically, the module aims:

To (a) make students aware of the range of Earth materials and structures that may be encountered in engineering geology and geotechnical engineering, and (b) enhance their knowledge and understanding of the engineering behaviour and properties of these materials and structures.
To introduce key numerical concepts and develop students' skills in mechanics of soils that will allow them to proceed at a later stage to geotechnical design.
To provide students with an understanding of the principles governing the design of geotechnical structures (eg: earth-retaining structures).

Summary:
This module will provide an introduction to the engineering properties of soils and their relevance to geotechnical design. Students will be introduced to the principles of geotechnical design. Students will also perform standard laboratory practicals in soil and rock description and classification.

Outline Of Syllabus

*Basic characteristics of soils and rocks.
*The concepts of effective and total stress.
*Consolidation and shear strength.
*Seepage of water and flow nets.
*Students will also undertake standard soil testing procedures, including determination of Atterberg Limits, granulometry, permeability, shear strength parameters, compaction and consolidation properties.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of this module, students will be able to:
(i) Understand the basic engineering properties of soils and describe the procedures for standard testing of soils to determine the stiffness, strength, and compressibility.
(ii) Perform calculations involving the physical descriptors of soils (e.g. density, water content, void ratio, degree of saturation, etc).
(iii) Understand the principles of effective stress and calculate in-situ stresses for soil profiles.
(iv) Perform calculations involving one and two-dimensional steady-state flow, including drawing of flow nets and estimation of rate of flow, pore water pressures.
(v) Predict the settlements, and rates of settlement of a structure.
(vi) Understand the shear strength of soils.
(vii) Apply the concepts of design to geotechnical structures.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of this module, students will have had opportunities to develop skills in:
(i) The selection and use of design parameters for engineering soils.
(ii) Carrying out simple geotechnical design calculations.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Mechanical and mathematical knowledge is delivered through formal lecture classes supported by practical exercises. Practical skills such as soil description are developed through practical classes. Students are expected to acquire knowledge and understanding through reflection on taught material and through undertaking independent learning. Students acquire practical skills through active participation in the practical class exercises.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Each student will submit a 25 page report summarising the results of the laboratory tests and the methods used to obtain the data. The data will be interpreted to produce a conclusion.
Students’ acquisition of knowledge and understanding are assessed through a written examination. Students’ geoscience skills are assessed through practical and their mechanics skills are assessed by means of a soil mechanics report.

General Notes

N/A