Module Catalogue 2024/25

CEG8201 : Geomechanics

CEG8201 : Geomechanics

  • 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

Code Title
CEG2201Geotechnics
CEG3201Geotechnical Design
Pre Requisite Comment

A suitable undergraduate degree qualification in an engineering, geosciences or geological field.

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

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

Students should be able to understand the key concepts and principles in mechanics of soils that will allow them to proceed at a later stage to geotechnical design.

Students will be introduced to critical state theory and advanced laboratory techniques for soil characterision.

Summary

This module will provide an introduction to the engineering properties of soils and rocks. Students will learn about the range of exploration and testing techniques available to geotechnical engineers.
Students will perform standard laboratory tests in soil description and classification.

Students will be introduced to the range of earth materials and structures that may be encountered in engineering geology and geotechnical engineering; enhance their knowledge and understanding of the engineering behaviour and properties of these materials; and their impact on geotechnical structures and their design.

Outline Of Syllabus

Laboratory Testing and fundamental principles: Basic characteristics of soils and rocks, laboratory sampling, particle size and shape distribution; Permeability, consolidation and shear strength;
Students will undertake standard soil testing procedures, including determination of Atterberg Limits, PSD, permeability, shear strength parameters, compaction and consolidation properties.

Application: Effective stress; Seepage of water and flow nets; Calculation of settlement; Introduction to concept and principles underlying critical state theory.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

The mapping of certain AHEPv4 learning outcomes to each intended knowledge outcome is indicated in each point. On successful completion of this module, students will have:

(i)       Understand the basic engineering properties of soils, and describe the procedures for standard testing of soils to determine the stiffness, strength, and compressibility (M1,.M12, M13)
(ii)       Perform calculations involving the physical descriptors of soils (e.g. density, water content, void ratio, degree of saturation, etc). (M1)
(iii)       Understand the principles of effective stress and calculate in-situ stresses for soil profiles. (M1,M2)
(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. (M1)
(v)       Predict the settlements, and rates of settlement of a structure. (M3)
(vi)       Understand the shear strength of soils. (M1)

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.(M12, M13)
(ii)       Carrying out simple geotechnical design calculations. (M3).
(iii)       Understanding of the basic concepts and principles of critical sate soil mechanics

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture73:0021:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion48:0032:00Coursework preparation
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical31:304:30Lab practicals in small groups
Structured Guided LearningStructured research and reading activities52:0010:00Structured guided learning
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching32:006:00Tutorials
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study126:3026:30Includes background reading and reading lecture notes for a full understanding of the material
Total100:00
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 and field work.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

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

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written exercise1M30Group Coursework - student will be expected to produce a laboratory report including the calculation and interpretation of soil and rock (1000 words or equivalent)
Written exercise1M70Individual Coursework (2000 words or equivalent)
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Each student will submit an electronic report summarising the results of laboratory tests. The data will be interpreted to produce a discussion on site condition.

Students’ acquisition of knowledge and understanding of fundamentals are assessed through individual coursework

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.