Module Details

Module Code: CIVL7012
Title: Soil Mechanics and Geology
Long Title: Soil Mechanics and Geology
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5822 - Civil Engineering
Module Delivered in: 5 programme(s)
Module Description: This module examines concepts and fundamentals of soil mechanics to enable the student to identify and describe the principal properties of soil types and geological materials. The student will also study the engineering behaviour of soils under different conditions and the application of these principals to geotechnical design. Site investigation techniques and operations are also examined.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Calculate standard soil properties and classify a soil sample.
LO2 Carry out laboratory tests for preliminary engineering assessment of a soil sample.
LO3 Specify the essential features and requirements of a site investigation.
LO4 Identify main categories of rock occuring in Ireland and define the engineering properties of rock.
LO5 Calculate stresses in soil under various load conditions
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
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. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Geology, Rocks and Geological Processes
Introduction to geological structures and processes. Rock types, folding and faults. Weathering, glaciation and coastal erosion. Site investigation, desk study, engineering materials, sources
Site Investigation
Requirements and specification. Soil sampling. Boreholes and in situ testing.
Classification of Soils
Introduction to soil mechanics. Identification and description of engineering soils
Physical properties and Compaction
Density, water content, voids ratio, porosity, degree of saturation. Particle size analysis, grading curves, consistency limits
Water in Soil
Flow of water in soils. Permeability. Wells, drainage. Weather and temperature effects.
Stresses in Soils
Shear strength. Intergranular friction and cohesion. Mohr's circle.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework35.00%
End of Module Formal Examination65.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 3,4
Assessment Description
Carry out a desk study for a proposed building, compile report and presentation
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Laboratory experiments. Analysis and reports
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 65
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Delivery of module content Every Week 2.50 2.5
Tutorial Contact Problem solving in soil mechanics Every Week 1.00 1
Lab Contact Experiments conducted in Soils Lab Every Second Week 0.75 1.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self-directed study Every Week 2.75 2.75
Total Hours 7.75
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.25
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Delivery of module content Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Experiments conducted in Soils Lab Every Second Week 0.75 1.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self-directed study Every Week 4.25 4.25
Total Hours 7.75
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.75
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • I.S. Technical Specifications. (2004), Technical Specifications I.S. CEN ISO TS 17892, Irish Standards.
  • Roy Whitlow. 2000, 4th Ed.. Basic Soil Mechanics, Prentice Hall (Pearson), [ISBN: 9780582381094].
  • Graham Barnes. (2016), Soil Mechanics - Properties and Practice, 4th Ed.. MacMillan IHE, London, [ISBN: 97811751208].
  • F.G.H. Blyth and M.H. de Freitas. (1984), A Geology for Engineers, 7th. Routledge, London, [ISBN: 9780415502917].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • MJ Tomlinson. (2001), Foundation Design and Construction, 7th Ed.. Prentice Hall, [ISBN: 9780130311801].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_CSTRU_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Structural Engineering 3 Mandatory
CR_CCIVL_7 Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering 5 Mandatory
CR_CENVI_7 Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental Engineering 5 Mandatory
CR_CCEEE_9 Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering (Environment and Energy) 3 Mandatory
CR_CSTEN_9 Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering 3 Mandatory