Module Catalogue 2026/27

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The aims of the module are:-

1. to introduce students to the design and assessment of slopes (e.g. cuttings, embankments,
and excavations) according to the current international standards (Eurocode 7 and guidelines
from ISRM) using physics-based numerical models, analytical methods and data-centric tools.
2. to introduce the theoretical concepts and engineering principles underpinning the assessment of
the stability of slopes excavated in rocks and soils.
3. to introduce conceptual ground models and the data and knowledge requirements for both these
conceptual models as well as the physics-based and data-centric models introduced above; then
introduce the methods available to fulfil these requirements

Outline Of Syllabus

The module will cover the key concept areas of:
Ground Investigation Philosophy and Design, Exploratory Hole techniques, Sampling and testing in
the field, Soil Behaviour and its relation to soil testing; Reporting the results and the development of
the Conceptual Ground Model.
Data science approaches in ground engineering including sources of geotechnical data, statistical
modelling, and machine learning. Students will perform computer programming to implement the
methodologies.
Analytical and numerical methods employed in industry to carry out slope stability assessment with
particular emphasis on Limit Equilibrium Methods and Finite Element analyses; the use of stability
charts to design and assess slopes in rocks and cohesive soils; and how to efficiently design slopes.
The course will teach students how to assess the safety a wide range of slopes and unsupported
excavations in soils and rock in compliance with Eurocode 7 via the use of stability charts, analytical
and numerical methods. The main type of failure mechanisms responsible for slope instabilities will
be considered including the onset of tension cracks and seismic action.
The theoretical concepts will be applied to several example cases during tutorials which will offer
opportunities to clarify any questions.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module, students will know:
* select appropriate data types, acquisition techniques, in the context of their implication for
subsequent use in the context of ground engineering (M1)
* ability to interpret Ground investigation data to be able to propose a conceptual ground model and
identify site-relevant engineering ground hazards and risks for a geotechnical project.(M6)
* apply statistical modelling and inference for data-centric ground engineering (M1)
* select and apply analytical methods (e.g. for wedges and infinite slopes) and numerical
methods (e.g. Limit Equilibrium Methods, Finite Element Method) for the assessment of slope
stability (M1; M2; M3)
* select and apply appropriate components of Eurocode 7 for the assessment of slopes and their design (M4).
* evaluate the effect of tension cracks, hydraulic conditions and seismic action on slope stability (M1)
* assess the role of material properties (soil and rock unit weight and strength parameters),
and geometric parameters (slope height and inclination) for slope stability (M1; M2)

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students will be able to:
* account for ground profile and associated engineering and geological interactions in the
development 3D conceptual ground models and appraise the engineering ground risk.(M2,M6,M17)
* implement analytical methods (e.g. wedge analysis, infinite slope assumption, Newmark’s method)
for slope stability assessment (M2)
* apply numerical methods (e.g. Limit Equilibrium Method, Finite Element Method) for slope stability
assessment (M3)
* design solutions for complex problems applying appropriate analytical and numerical techniques for
the design of slopes (M5)
* apply Eurocode 7 to assess the stability of slopes and design slopes and retaining structures (M4)
* apply slope stability charts for slope stability assessment (M2)
* ability to perform and visualise basic univariate and multivariate techniques such as linear
regression, clustering, and logistic regression in a high-level programming language (M1; M2)
* develop visualisations of multi-dimensional data (M2)

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The module is taught as an intensive block in order to provide an immersive learning experience with a flexible
integration of lectures, practicals, tutorials and problem-solving sessions. The module includes lectures to explain the theory, small group teaching activities in the form of tutorials and set problems to be solved to teach the practical application of the theory for slope stability assessment and the design of excavations. Computer exercises employ state of the art commercial software teaching students how to use both industry standard software for slope stability assessment and cutting-edge statistical and machine learning approaches. Drop in surgeries are offered to support the students in the preparation of the coursework assignment (module assessment is 100% based on the coursework).

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Each student will undertake an individual coursework comprising 1. The assessment of the stability of a slope subject to static and earthquake action and tension cracks by hand calculation using Limit Equilibrium Method in accordance with EC7 and pre-Eurocode (global Factor of Safety) legacy standards (M1, M2, M4); 2. Use of limit equilibrium and Finite element software for the assessment of slope stability using both deterministic and probabilistic approaches (M2; M3; M5); 3. an evaluation of the relative strengths and weaknesses of a data-centric approach to a ground engineering problem (M2; M5).

General Notes

N/A