Module Title:Soil Mechanics
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:6
Module Delivered In 1 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: Lectures Practicals Private study
Module Aim: The aims of the module are: (1) to provide students with a sound knowledge of the fundamentals of soil mechanics laboratory testing, as a basis for further studies in the area of geotechnical engineering; (2) to provide students with the technical ability to participate in quality control in earthworks and other associated areas.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Examine and relate the significance of moisture content in a soil and describe the soil property changes as moisture content varies
LO2 Evaluate exacvated soil to improve project sustainability in accordance with the BS/Eurocode 7 Classification Systems, having a basic knowledge of technical report writing and appreciation of the the importance of moisture content
LO3 have a basic knowledge of site investigation stages and techniques;
LO4 undertake Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for the laboratory tests undertaken in this module and demonstrate competence in undertaking these tests
LO5 demonstrate a knowledge of the requirements, duties, responsibilities and competencies associated with SAFE PASS and also for a variety of design and construction activities so as comply with the competencies required by the QQI Manual Handling and Ergonomic Certificate.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

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

No recommendations listed
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) Introduction To Soils Technology
(a) Geological formation of soil and rock - Rock cycle. (b) Clay and silt minerals.
(2) Site Investigation
(a) Aims and objectives (b) Desk study (c) Site reconnaissance (d) Ground investigation
(3) Classification Of Soils
(a) Moisture content (b) Atterberg limits (c) Particle size analysis - wet sieve analysis (d) Particle size analysis - sedimentation (e) Particle density
(4) Strength Of Soil
(a) Shear strength theory (b) Direct shear test - shear box (c) Quick undrained triaxial test (d) Field testing - vane test (e) California Bearing Ratio
(5) Sustainability and Re-use of Soil
(a) Optimum Moisture Content (b) Dry density / moisture content test (c) Measurement of in-situ density (D) Converting waste soil and rock into engineered material to increase project sustainability
Typical Laboratory Experiments
(a) Soil sampling & sub-sampling (b) Classification of a soil (c) Measurement of Optimum Moisture Content (d) Measurement of California Bearing Ratio (e) Measurement of shear strength parameters using shear box (f) Measurement of shear strength parameters using triaxial apparatus
Self-Assessment
Students assess own H&S assessments
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment60.00%
End of Module Formal Examination40.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Other In-class exams, practicals 1,2,3,5 60.00 n/a
No Project
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam n/a 1,2,3,4,5 40.00 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
Lecture 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00
Practicals 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00
Estimated Learner Hours 12 Weeks per Stage 6.00
Total Hours 144.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_CMCIV_D Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering 3 Mandatory