Soil Mechanics - 2023 entry

As civil engineers, almost everything we design and build at some point comes in contact with the earth. So, it is essential that you understand the fundamental mechanics that govern soil behaviour. This module introduces the basic concepts of soil classification, soil compaction, site investigation, seepage and shear strength of soil, and their practical applications in geotechnical engineering. It also covers a range of experiments that are routinely carried out in geotechnical investigation. The knowledge you will acquire in this module will provide a good grounding in the topic and stand you in good stead for your further study of geotechnical engineering later in your studies. You will also get the chance to interpret geological features in the field and gain experience of field observation and measurement techniques, site investigation and preliminary design of a civil engineering structure. You will also get introduced to the use of geotechnical software commonly used in the professional practice.

This module introduces the main concepts for the introduction to Geotechnical Engineering. It will provide the fundamental knowledge required for the characterisation and classification of geomaterials that are encountered in professional practice, and for the understanding of soil physical and mechanical behaviour when subjected to loads, excavations, changes in the groundwater regime or in its internal structure. Laboratory experiments that are typically run for geotechnical investigation will be described and carried out in the practical sessions. The module will provide a strong background for geotechnics modules carried out in 3rd year and in 4th year (MEng).

Discipline and Module Intended Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

ILO.1 - Identify and describe geological materials and geological structures, and demonstrate understanding of their origin

ILO.2 - Demonstrate a familiarity with the methods of site investigation and the most common laboratory and in-situ tests used in ground investigation

ILO.3 - Comprehend physical and mechanical properties of soils, methods of determination of these properties

ILO.4 - Grasp the effect of ground conditions on civil engineering structures

ILO.5 - Understand that the value of certain theoretical treatments lies in the background they give for sharpening engineering judgement when it is necessary to use an empirical approach

ILO.6 - Appreciate that empirical approaches should not be contemplated unless the underlying theory is understood

ILO.7 - Show an awareness of engineering design procedures through being able to estimate the reliability of soil parameters

ILO.8 - Take notes and make sketches in the field

ILO.9 - Exhibit awareness of health and safety aspects of work on site

ILO.10 - Exemplify improved analytical and writing skills

ILO.11 - Exemplify observational skills in field work

ILO.12 - Understand the different roles within an engineering team

ILO.13 - Apply your skills in problem solving, communication, teamwork, information retrieval and IT facilities use

ILO.14 - Show initiative and personal responsibility as a team member or leader, fostering self-learning and peer evaluation

ILO.15 - Cope with a long work day (daytime in the field followed up by exercises in the evening essential for the following day)
 

• Basic concepts on Engineering Geology: the Earth, oceans and continents, plate tectonics, the geological time scale
• Formation of soils: erosion, deposition process and ground water
• Soil classification: including Atterberg limits, soil compaction
• Laboratory testing of soils
• Ground investigation: methods of investigation, sampling, borehole logs, geophysical methods
• Physical characteristics of soils, volume-mass relationships
• Soil compaction
• Seepage: permeability, seepage theory, governing equation and methods of solution, flow nets, anisotropic and non-homogeneous soils
• Effective stress
• Shear strength of soils: Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion, shear strength tests, shear strength of sands, shear strength of saturated clays, residual strength, pore pressure parameters
• Surveying exercise, group discussions about stages of preliminary design of an earth dam, including best location for a dam, water resources study, environmental issues associated with construction of dams, site investigation activities and design of in-situ and laboratory tests
• Site reconnaissance, surveying of the dam site, ground investigation (including drilling boreholes, carrying out in-situ tests, taking samples and carrying out laboratory tests
• Analysis of the laboratory and in-situ test results, analysis and preliminary design of an earth dam, writing a report

Software

The introduction of a professional geotechnical software will be carried out through a Problem Based Learning (PBL) approach as a self-learning activity from students during independent study hours, with the support of the teaching staff when required. When possible, a site visit (1 day) will be organised for direct observation of real infrastructure projects with strong geotechnical components.

Field Course

A field course will be run as part of the module. The field course will involve the selection and preliminary study of a dam. Field activities will allow the collection of data and information that will be processed and collected in a group presentation.
 

Reassessment will be by a single written exam only worth 100% of the module. For deferred candidates, the mark will be uncapped. For referred candidates, the mark will be capped at 40%.

Reading list for this module: