Module Title:Geotechnical Engineering II
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:7
Module Delivered In 2 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 Select appropriate parameters related to soil behaviour for design purposes to assist in an appropriate and efficient design
LO2 Analyse and evaluate stresses in soil with an appreciation of the difference between drained and undrained/short-term vs long term conditions
LO3 Analyse the stability of simple slopes/excavations, earth retaining structures, including the responsibilities and roles of relevant parties
LO4 Explain Eurocode 7 and its application
LO5 Interpret the requirements for temporary works design including the time duration vs ground conditions and the H&S implications
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
(a) Stresses due to overburden - evaluation of undrained and drained design conditions
(2) Geology
(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
(a) Immediate settlement based on elastic theory (b) Consolidation settlement (c) One dimensional consolidation test
(4) Shear Strength
(a) Review of Coulomb theory and undrained shear test (b) Consolidated undrained triaxial test with porewater pressure measurement
(5) Foundations
(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
(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
(8) Stability of Slopes
(a) Stability of cuttings and embankments (b) Bio-engineering solutions (c) Groundwater control
(9) Sustainability and Ground Improvement
(a) Compaction (b) Chemical stabilization and grouting (c) Geotextiles and geomembranes
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment10.00%
Project20.00%
Practical20.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Examination In-class and home assessments 2,3 10.00 n/a
Project
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Project Analysis and design projects 1,2,3,4,5 20.00 n/a
Practical
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation Written Lab Report 1,2,3 20.00 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 50.00 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 12 Weeks per Stage 4.00
Estimated Learner Hours 12 Weeks per Stage 8.00
Total Hours 144.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_CMHCE_B Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering 4 Mandatory
CW_CMCIV_D Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering 6 Mandatory