Unit information: Geotechnical Engineering Practice in 2018/19

Unit name	Geotechnical Engineering Practice
Unit code	CENGM0038
Credit points	10
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Vardanega
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	Applied Soil Mechanics and Engineering Geology, Design of Geotechnical Structures.
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Civil Engineering
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

To enhance students' geotechnical capabilities in analysing geo-data and practical problems. Topics may include:-

Ground investigation techniques; sampling techniques and sample disturbance; in-situ testing techniques; interpretation of borehole logs and test data; empirical correlations

Parameter selection, choice of geotechnical reduction factors, foundation serviceability criteria and the applicability of critical state concepts to design problems and selection of parameters.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, successful students will;

1. appreciate the relationships between theory and practice; design and construction – including the role of modelling in geotechnical practice and research,

2. appreciate the range of geotechnical tests and instrumentation available, and know their advantages and disadvantages; be able to interpret some geotechnical testing data,

3. understand some of the important factors which govern the choice of soil parameters for design, and have some ability in their selection.

Teaching Information

18 hours lectures 4 seminar classes.

Assessment Information

3 hour examination (100%)

Reading and References

1. Wood, D. M. (1990). Soil behaviour and critical state soil mechanics. Cambridge University Press
2. Tomlinson M & Woodward J (2015) Pile Design and Construction Practice, 6th ed CRC Press
3. Geotechnical Engineering Practice Reading Packet (content varies from year to year)