Module Title:Geotechnical Engineering I
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 10
NFQ Level:7
Module Delivered In 1 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: Projects Practicals Continuous assessments Terminal exam Private study
Module Aim: The aims of the module are: (1) to provide the graduate with appropriate technical skills in analysis, design and construction work in the geotechnical area; (2) to work effectively as an individual and in teams. (3) to provide the graduate with the opportunity to progress to honours degree level in civil engineering.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Provide certain parameters related to soil behaviour to a structural or civil engineer for design purposes including the health and safety implications of design
LO2 Analyse and evaluate stresses in soil in selected areas;
LO3 Analyse the stability of simple slopes/excavations, earth retaining structures, shallow foundations including the responsibilities and roles of relevant parties
LO4 Have an understanding of Eurocode 7 and its application
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.

6566 ENGR H3503 Geotechnical Engineering I
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
(1) Stresses in a Soil Mass (10 hours)
(a) Stresses due to overburden (b) Stresses due to applied loads, rectangular and circular
(2) Geology (30 hours)
(a) Rock forming minerals and crystallography (b) Elementary petrology (c) Stratigraphy and palaeontology (d) Earth building forces (e) Weathering and landscape change (f) Erosion and deposition
(3) Settlement (18 hours)
(a) Immediate settlement based on elastic theory (b) Consolidation settlement (c) One dimensional consolidation test
(4) Shear Strength (25 hours)
(a) Review of Coulomb theory and undrained shear test (b) Consolidated undrained triaxial test with porewater pressure measurement
(5) Foundations (20 hours)
(a) Ultimate & serviceability limit state design (b) Introduction to piles and piling (c) Ultimate & serviceability limit state design of shallow foundations (d) Understanding the difference between undrained and drained analysis
(6) Retaining Walls (20 hours)
(a) Types of retaining walls (b) Wall types – permanent vs. temporary, gravity, cantilever, basement, buttress/counterfort walls, propped, anchored (c) Selection criteria for retaining wall types (d) Retaining wall construction/installation (e) Drainage of walls (f) Modes of Failure (g) Lateral earth pressures and forces (i) Stability–overturning, sliding (h) Application of software packages
(7) Health and safety and risk associated with geotechnical design (10 hours)
(a) Health and safety in geotechnical investigation, design and construction. (b) Risk assessment of geotechnical investigation. (c) Responsibilities of duty holders (d) Safety file (e) Health and Safety Plan
(8) Stability of Slopes(12 hours)
(a) Stability of cuttings and embankments (b) Application of software packages
(9) Ground Improvement (5 hours)
(a) Compaction (b) Chemical stabilization and grouting (c) Geotextiles and geomembranes
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment10.00%
Project15.00%
Practical15.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Examination n/a 2,3,4 10.00 n/a
Project
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Project Analysis and design projects 1,2,3 15.00 n/a
Practical
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation Written Lab Report 1,2,3 15.00 n/a
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam No Description 1,2,3,4 60.00 End-of-Semester

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Contact Hours 30 Weeks per Stage 5.00
Estimated Learner Hours 30 Weeks per Stage 5.00
Total Hours 300.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_CMHCE_B Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering - Ab Initio 3 Mandatory