CEG3203 : Foundation Design

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

Aims

This module aims:

To explain the principles and theories of the design of shallow and deep foundations

To apply the concepts of foundations design through practical examples

To develop the design skills of a geotechnical engineer

To show the different foundation construction techniques

To introduce the concepts of soil-structure interaction

Summary: This module will build upon the basic soil mechanics principles and demonstrate how they are used for the design of shallow and deep foundations.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module will provide an introduction to the design of both shallow and deep foundations, based on Eurocode 7. Different types of shallow foundations will be presented: pad footing, strip footing and raft footing. Students will learn to calculate settlements in both cohesive and granular soils. Students will get practical experience assessing computationally the settlement of shallow foundations. The bearing capacity of shallow foundations will be calculated accounting for the shape of the foundation and inclination of the loads. This module will also present deep foundations. Classification criteria and methods of installation of piles will be presented. Students will calculate settlements of deep foundations in the case of groups of piles. The bearing capacity of piles subjected to vertical actions will also be determined. This module will also cover the basic concepts of soil-structure interactions.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion13:003:00Examination
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion115:0015:00Assessment 1
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion120:0020:00Revision for exam.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture102:0020:00N/A
Guided Independent StudySkills practice120:0020:00Non-synchronous online structured guided learning (Canvas quizzes,Numbas,Worked examples, Tutorials)
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching110:0010:00Tutorials
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study112:0012:00Includes background reading and reading lecture notes for a full understanding of materials
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The principles of foundations 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. Analytical and numerical methods are taught during lectures and applied during the tutorial sessions. These methodologies will be used in Assessment 1.

Assessment Methods

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

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination1801A90N/A
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written exercise1M10Numerical Competency Assessment (or equivalent)
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Prob solv exercises1MStudents will be given the opportunity to complete problem-solving small group teaching activities as well as online Canvas quizzes.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Assessment 1 will allow students to demonstrate their knowledge of the geotechnical design process as well as their numerical skills.

Students’ acquisition of knowledge and understanding of fundamentals are assessed through a written examination. The exam will consist of 2 parts: one on shallow foundation design and one on deep foundation design. The use of Eurocode 7 concepts in the design of geotechnical structures will be tested.

Reading Lists

Timetable