Module Details

Module Code: CIVL7009
Title: Geotechnical Engineering
Long Title: Geotechnical Engineering
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: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: The student will study geotechnical design principles and in particular the analysis of earth pressures, slope stability, consolidation and settlement.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Examine, appraise and calculate active and passive earth pressures
LO2 Differentiate between various geotechnical analysis theories and loading conditions
LO3 Ascertain the stability of a slope using different analysis methods
LO4 Identify and calculate the effects of water and permeability on soil behaviour
LO5 Explain consolidation and settlement theories and evaluate the effect on various soil types
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
Earth Pressure and Retaining Walls
Active and passive pressures. Surcharge. Stability of retaining walls
Stability of Slopes
Stability of slopes. Slip circles. Methods of analysis. Effect of water and surcharge
Soil compressibility
Theory of consolidation. Settlement and compaction of soil types
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework30.00%
End of Module Formal Examination70.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 4,5
Assessment Description
Laboratory testing reports
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
In class assessment - solving problems in geotechnical engineering
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 70
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 Presentation of geotechnical engineering theories Every Week 2.50 2.5
Tutorial Contact Problem solving Every Week 1.00 1
Lab Contact Experiments conducted in soils laboratory 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 Presentation of geotechnical engineering theories Every Week 2.00 2
Tutorial Contact Problem solving Every Second Week 0.50 1
Lab Contact Experiments conducted in soils laboratory Every Second Week 0.75 1.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self-directed study Every Week 3.75 3.75
Total Hours 8.25
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.25
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • IS CEN ISO TS 17892. (2004), Irish Standards for Laboratory Testing.
  • Roy Whitlow. (2000), Basic Soil Mechanics, 4th Ed.. Prentice Hall, London, [ISBN: 9780582381094].
  • G.E. Barnes. (2016), Soil Mechanics, 4th Ed.. Taylor and Francis (CRC Press), London, [ISBN: 9781137512208].
  • Jonathan Knappett and R.F. Craig. (2012), Craig's Soil Mechanics, 8th Ed.. Taylor and Francis (CRC Press), [ISBN: 9780415561266].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Andrew Bond. (2008), Decoding Eurocode 7, 1st Ed.. Taylor and Francis (CRC Press), London, [ISBN: 9780415409483].
  • MJ Tomlinson. (2001), Foundation Design and Construction, 7th Ed.. Prentice Hall, [ISBN: 9780130311801].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • Journal, Institution of Civil Engineers. Géotechnique, London.
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_CCIVL_7 Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering 6 Mandatory
CR_CENVI_7 Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental Engineering 6 Elective