Module Catalogue 2024/25

CEG8204 : Ground Improvement Techniques

CEG8204 : Ground Improvement Techniques

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr David Milledge
  • Owning School: Engineering
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

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

Semester 2 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
CEG8210Advanced Geomechanics
Pre Requisite Comment

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

To introduce students to a wide range of ground improvement techniques available to geotechnical engineers and provide the theoretical and technical basis to enable them to identify and design appropriate ground improvement solutions. This is important to geotechnical engineers because it significantly enhances the options available to solve ground related problems before during and after construction, expanding the range of usable sites and reducing costs.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module introduces the concept of ground improvement, motivates its use and provides the theoretical and practical basis for a suite of ground improvement tools, which are commonly used in ground engineering. Ground improvement techniques will be introduced covering a broad range of ground conditions and ground related problems and involving physical, chemical and hydraulic modification (e.g. shallow and deep compaction, grouting, chemical soil alteration, consolidation by surcharge and drainage, dewatering, geosynthetics, and electrokinetics). A lab session will illustrate key concepts (e.g. compaction) and introduce some common methods of quantifying improvement.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

The mapping of certain AHEPv4 learning outcomes to each intended knowledge outcome is indicated in each point. By the end of the module a student will be able to:      
1)       Define what ground improvement is and explain why it is necessary both in general and in relation to specific ground conditions and engineering demands. (M1)
2)       Describe the physical and chemical processes that enable ground improvement for a range of techniques such as: shallow and deep compaction; grouting; chemical soil alteration; consolidation by surcharge and drainage; dewatering; geosynthetics and electrokinetics. (M1)
3)       Identify ground related problems and propose appropriate solutions for remediation and improvement (M1 and M2)
4)       Evaluate which type(s) of ground improvement interventions are most appropriate, for a case study given its specific ground conditions and engineering demands. (M1 and M2)
5)       Design ground improvement interventions for a case study site (M2 and M5)

Intended Skill Outcomes

N/A

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion152:0052:00Includes background reading and reading lecture notes for a full understanding of material
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture83:0024:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion114:0014:00Revision for and completion of the examination
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical13:003:00Practical demonstration of soil improvement techniques such as: soil compaction, lime stabilization and/or electrokinetic dewatering
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching41:004:00Tutorials
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery13:003:00N/A
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures provide the core material and give students the opportunity to engage with and query material covered in the lecture. Problem solving is introduced through case study examples and in class design exercises, which help students to apply the theory associated with each improvement method as well as illustrating practical constraints. Laboratory sessions provide an opportunity to gain practical experience with a variety of techniques and illustrate/test the theory introduced in lectures. A three-hour drop-in session is scheduled should students wish further support from the lecturer.

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 Examination1202M1002-hour in person closed book exam. Comprises 2 parts. Part A, short questions; Part B, essay format.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The examination allows students to demonstrate their ability to address knowledge questions and solve engineering problems focused on ground improvement, assessing knowledge outcomes 1 – 5.

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.