Subject description

One-dimensional theory of consolidation, primary and secondary consolidation; normally consolidated and over consolidated soils; settlement analysis. Relationship between principal stresses at failure, importance of drainage conditions in soils, fully undrained conditions for saturated soils; drained and undrained shear strength of cohesive solids. Overburden and lateral stresses, active and passive pressures, … For more content click the Read More button below.

Enrolment rules

Pre-Requisite

Equivalence

CIVL462 - Principles of Foundation Engineering
CIVL909 - Advanced Foundation Engineering

Delivery

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Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students will be able to:
1.
Identify the key principles and factors controlling the mechanical behaviour of soils with particular reference to drainage.
2.
Develop and apply simplified solutions to geotechnical problems encountered in foundations and retaining structures.
3.
Identify key assumptions in the development of theories and in the solution of practical (field) problems.
4.
Understand and select the correct procedures for laboratory testing and interpret the results in relation to the field practice.

Assessment details

Mid-session exam

Practical Work and Report

Tutorial hand-ins

End-of-session Exam

Work integrated learning

Embedded WIL:This subject contains elements of "Embedded WIL". Students in this subject will experience activities that relate to or simulate professional practice as part of their learning.

Textbook information

Craig’s Soil Mechanics, 8th ed, Spon press, 2012 Smith’s Elements of Soil Mechanics, 9th ed., Wiley Blackwell, 2014. Bowles, J.E., Engineering Properties of Soils and their Measurement, McGraw-Hill, 1992 (This book is imperative for laboratory work in all Geomechanics subjects). Geotechnical Problems and Solutions: A Practical Perspective, CRC Press, 2020

Contact details

Faculty contact

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