Module Catalogue 2024/25

CEG8202 : Ground Investigation - Design, Principles and Practice (Inactive)

CEG8202 : Ground Investigation - Design, Principles and Practice (Inactive)

  • Inactive for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Jean Hall
  • 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

CEG1201 (prev CIV1201), CEG2201, CEG3201 (or equivalents from previous undergraduate regulations) or 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

None

Aims

1. Students should be able to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of ground engineering in designing a ground investigation.
2. Students should be able to demonstrate an ability to organise a desk study and site reconnaissance to assemble data to design a ground investigation.
3. Students should be able to understand risk assessment and methods in the context of ground investigations.

Summary:
This module will provide a introduction to the design and philosophy of geotechnical site investigations and a legislation element incorporating contaminated land. Students will learn about the range of exploration and testing techniques available to geotechnical engineers. Students will also learn how investigations are planned and how the results of investigations relate to the design process.

Outline Of Syllabus

Philosophy and Design, What is ground investigation, Reasons for ground investigation, The objectives, The design process, The requirements, legislation, desk study, Site reconnaissance, Design of a ground investigation; Field Operations, Philosophy, Shallow Exploration Techniques, Medium Exploration Techniques, Deep Exploration Techniques, Sampling, Other In Situ Tests, Field Permeability Tests, Geophysical Tests, Laboratory Tests, Classification Tests, Strength Tests, Lab Permeability, Deformation, Soil Behaviour and its relation to soil testing; Factual and Interpretative Reporting, Definitions, Test Schedule Method Statements, Factual Report, Interpretative Report, Bill of Quantities, Risk Assessment.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of ground engineering in designing a ground investigation which will be assessed through both a group presentation and an individual piece of coursework. Students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of risk assessment, design principles, desk studies, site reconnaissance and investigation design through formative exercises.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students will be able to compile data from various sources to produce a fully costed proposal for a ground investigation which will be assessed through a group presentation.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture92:0018:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion125:0025:00Coursework preparation – conceptual model and ground investigation design report
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture41:004:00Guest lecture context presentations
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion110:0010:00Coursework preparation – presentation and desk study
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical22:004:00Soil and Rock Description
Structured Guided LearningStructured research and reading activities131:0013:00Lecture follow-up
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops13:003:00Conceptual Model development
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesFieldwork13:003:00Rigs in Action: Site visit
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery12:002:00Drop in surgery to support CW1
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study118:0018:00Includes background reading and reading lecture notes for a full understanding of the material
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Students will aquire knowledge through lectures, small group teaching activities, directed self study (independent study) and site visits (fieldwork). Skills will be practiced through formative exercises, small group teaching activities and a short group presentation. Ground interpretation and application to investigative techniques will be assessed through an individual coursework exercise.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

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

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Prob solv exercises1M75An individual timed piece of coursework which amounts to approx 25hrs of student time in preparation
Prof skill assessmnt1M25Group presentation (15 mins) which amounts to approximately 10 hrs of student time.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Design skills, that is, creative and innovative ability through application of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of geotechnics to produce a relevant ground investigation will be developed through formative exercises, coursework and private study. They will be assessed through the production of a major exercise to design and cost an investigation. Individual performance is assessed by peer review, timesheets and continuous assessment.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

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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.