421-306 Geotechnical Engineering

421-209 Geomechanics 1

Students completing this unit should understand how to make simplifications to complex soil conditions, how to establish strength/deformation characteristics of the soil and how to apply fundamental geomechanics knowledge learned in earlier units to solve problems involving the stability of an earth mass.

Topics covered include design of earth retaining structures; stability of slopes, seepage analysis, settlement and bearing capacity of shallow footings; site investigation and limit state design in geotechnical engineering.

• ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals

• ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers but also with the community at large

• in-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline

• ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution

• ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance

• ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member

• expectation of the need to undertake lifelong learning, capacity to do so

• capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning

• intellectual curiosity and creativity, including understanding of the philosophical and methodological bases of research activity

One 3-hour end of semester written examination (60%), together with three assignments of 2000 words each due throughout the semester (40%). A grade of 40% out of the 60% written examination must be attained in order to pass the subject.