Module Catalogue 2013/14

CEG8204 : Ground Improvement Techniques

  • Offered for Year: 2013/14
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Paul Hughes
  • Owning School: Civil Engineering & Geosciences
Semesters
Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
Pre Requisites
Code Title
CEG2201Geotechnics
CEG3201Geotechnical Design
Pre Requisite Comment

CEG3201 (or equivalents from previous undergraduate regulations) or suitable undergraduate degree qualification in an engineering, geosciences or geological field.

Co Requisites
Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

To introduce students to the concepts underpinning a range of ground improvement techniques and an appreciation of how these techniques are applied in practice.

Summary:
The module will provide an introduction to a range of ground improvement techniques; the principles behind how the techniques 'work', for which soils they are appropriate and how they are installed or constructed. Where relevant, the principles of design are introduced.

Outline Of Syllabus

Mechanical methods (compaction, explosives, vibroflotation, vibroreplacement). Hydraulic methods (groundwater lowering, preloading, electro-osmosis). Physical/chemical methods (admixtures, grouting, freezing). Inclusions (geosynthetics, reinforcements).

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

To gain an understanding of the concepts behind a range of Ground Improvement Techniques.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Ability to identify appropriate techniques for a range of ground and site conditions.

Graduate Skills Framework

Graduate Skills Framework Applicable: Yes
  • Cognitive/Intellectual Skills
    • Critical Thinking : Present
    • Data Synthesis : Assessed
    • Active Learning : Present
    • Numeracy : Assessed
    • Literacy : Present
    • Information Literacy
      • Synthesise And Present Materials : Assessed
  • Self Management
    • Planning and Organisation
      • Decision Making : Present
  • Interaction
    • Communication
      • Oral : Present
      • Written Other : Assessed
  • Application
    • Commercial Acumen
      • Financial Awareness : Present

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion220:3011:00Revision for exam
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion12:002:00Exam
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture221:0022:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical22:004:00Laboratory classes
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesFieldwork14:004:00Field visit - occurs only if there is suitable site close by and therefore varies year on year.
Guided Independent StudyStudent-led group activity12:002:00Group learning
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study155:0055:00Includes background reading and reading lecture notes for a full understanding of material
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Underpinning concepts are explained in lectures. Examples of applications of the techniques provided by industry speakers augmented by videos. Presentations and worked examples help students identify appropriate techniques for different situations. Visiting speakers from industry will provide practical relevance and case study examples of a selection of the techniques; laboratory classes and/or field visit(s) will reinforce principles of operation and/or design and installation methods.

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 Examination1201A100Unseen written examination
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The exam covers the complete syllabus in section 1, which is compulsory and is intended to assess the understanding of the principles behind all the methods covered in the syllabus. A choice is offered in section 2 and includes open ended questions in which the student has to identify the problems and select suitable ground engineering techniques to provide a rational solution thus demonstrating ability to select appropriate method(s) for a select soil type(s).

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.