Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

None.

Aims

The aims of this module are:-

1. to introduce students to geological hazards and the description of geological materials in relation to the extractive and construction industries.
2. to enable students to apply their knowledge to a practical problem.
3. to introduce the concepts and principles underlying the stability of rock structures
4. to introduce the techniques for analysis, design and stabilisation of rock structures

Module Summary:

This module develops a student's knowledge of geomaterials, their form and existence in the context of engineering applications in the extractive and construction industries. The focus is on geological hazards, geological maps, characteristic properties of geological materials as a resource and as a construction material and the role of groundwater in construction. Particular attention is assessment paid to the analysis and design of engineered rock structures.

Outline Of Syllabus

* lectures and practicals on aggregates (hard rock and unconsolidated), supported by site visits.
* lectures and tutorials on engineering properties of rock; stability of rock slopes and remedial measures; rock support; support of underground openings.
* lectures on excavation techniques, reserve estimation and geohazards in excavation.
* Field mapping and description of rocks, soils and groundwater features, relating to past industrial activity.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

* fluency in description of rocks and soils in the field, in the context of investigation for engineering purposes - geological hazards.
* knowledge of geological controls on and variability in characteristics of mineral construction raw materials.
* awareness of the interplay of groundwater and artificial/natural surface features from the point of view of predicting and managing the water table.
* the role of groundwater in construction.
* hard and soft ground excavation techniques.
* understanding and interpretation of types of failures of rock structures, techniques for stabilising rock structures and the evaluation and analysis of some types of failures in rock structure (before and after remediation)

Intended Skill Outcomes

* fluency in identifying geological materials and hazards in relation to the extractive and construction industry.
* fluency in the impact geological materials and hazards and groundwater have upon extractive and construction industries.
* fluency in problem solving and application of appropriate analytical techniques.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The module is taught as a block to allow part time and full time students and CPD delegates to attend. This is a module which focuses on practical applications. The module includes lectures to explain the theory, small group teaching activities to explain the practice and practicals. Fieldwork is included to help prepare for the assessment and to practice skills.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The exam addresses the learning outcomes relating to understanding the engineering properties and behaviour of rock, understanding and interpreting types of failures of rock structures, understanding techniques for stabilising rock structures, evaluating and analysing some types of failures in rock structure (before and after remediation).

The laboratory practical assesses the engineering properties of geomaterials and the applicability of rock testing to engineering and the constructive/extractive industries.

The case study assessment is intended to give students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of geomaterials and hazards and the impact they have upon the construction and extractive industries.

Each group of students will undertake a field mapping exercise and desk study to ascertain the geological and topographical features that will have impact on major excavation. This will lead to an approximate twenty page report including maps, cross-sections and figures. A typical group will comprise 4 students.

General Notes

N/A