ENGR H2511 - Soils Mechanics

Module Title:Soils Mechanics
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 have an understanding of the significance of moisture content in a soil;
LO2 To be able to undertake a soil classification tests and have a basic knowledge of technical report writing.
LO3 be able to classify a soil in accordance with the BS/Eurocode 7 Classification Systems while understanding these are regional codes
LO4 Have a basic knowledge of site investigation stages and techniques;
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 (1 hours lectures)
(a) Geological formation of soil and rock - Rock cycle. (b) Clay and silt minerals.
(2) Site Investigation (6 hours lectures, 4 hours practicals)
(a) Aims and objectives (b) Desk study (c) Site reconnaissance (d) Ground investigation
(3) Classification Of Soils (6 hours lectures, 20 hours practicals)
(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 (8 hours lectures, 16 hours practicals)
(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) Compaction Of Soil (8 hours lectures, 21 hours practicals)
(a) Optimum Moisture Content (b) Dry density / moisture content test (c) Measurement of in-situ density
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
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Other No Description 1,2,3,4 40.00 n/a
No Project
No Practical
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
Practicals 30 Weeks per Stage 3.00
Estimated Learner Hours 30 Weeks per Stage 3.00
Total Hours 180.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_CMHCE_B Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering - Ab Initio 1 Mandatory