Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Pre-requisite modules from Newcastle are CEG2201 and CEG8201 or suitable undergraduate degree qualifications in an engineering, geosciences of geotechnical field.

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

This module aims:
1. To demonstrate through examples, the applications of concepts, principles and theories of the design of geotechnical structures.
2. To develop the design skills of a geotechnical engineer.
3. To introduce examples of geotechnical construction techniques.
4. To introduce the role of numerical software in geotechnical design.

Summary:
This module will build upon basic soil mechanics principles and demonstrate how they are used for the design and analysis of slopes, retaining walls and foundations. Reference will be made to codes of practice currently used in industry.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module will provide an introduction to detailed design of key geotechnical structures. It will introduce numerical software and its role in the design process. Students will perform a detailed design exercise using numerical software to produce an element of the design solution. Principles of design of foundations, slopes and retaining walls: failure mechanisms, forces, partial factors. Shallow foundations: methods of construction design based on presumed values, theory, and in situ tests. Piled foundations: methods of construction, design of compressive, tension and lateral piles. Slopes: failure mechanisms, stability analyses, stabilisation and asset management. Structural walls: actual and theoretical behaviour, groundwater and earth pressure on rigid structures, design of gravity and sheet pile walls. Computer design and analysis.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

1. Students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories of the principle of the design of geotechnical studies.
2. Students will be able to solve problems that require a geotechnical solution based on an assessment of the key issues, a synthesis of possible solutions and use of appropriate tools.
3. Students will be able to demonstrate their understanding of computer based design and analytical methods through their use in a design exercise.

Intended Skill Outcomes

1. Students will be able to demonstrate creative and innovative ability through application of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of geotechnics to produce optimum solutions to geotechnical problems.
2. Students will be able to understand the design process.
3. Students will have an appreciation of computer design and analytical methods.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The principles of design and analysis are taught in lectures with several problem-solving small group teaching activities in order to gain an understanding of the design procedures. Computer-based design is taught in practical classes which introduce students to the relevant numerical software. Both methodologies will be used in the design exercise set as the assessment for the module.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The coursework is designed to allow students to demonstrate their understanding of detailed design calculations using relevant equations and soil parameters derived from literature. The coursework assesses the ability to undertake an extended design exercise, using numerical software where appropriate.

General Notes

N/A