421-439 Geotechnical Applications

421-306 Geotechnical Engineering.

On completion of this unit students should be able to analyse for both the bearing capacity and settlement characteristics of footings subjected to a variety of loadings; apply geotechnical engineering principles to solve contaminated soils and waste disposal problems; and have an understanding of rock mass behaviour.

Topics covered include shallow footings, bearing capacity solutions, settlement on sand and clays; Skempton-Bjerrum, Lambe and Davis Poulos methods, raft foundations, compensated foundations, expansive clays, soil improvement, deep foundations; capacity and settlement of single piles and pile groups; properties of waste materials, contaminated soils, effects of chemicals on soil properties, waste disposal systems, regulations governing waste disposal and management, site assessment/site selection, remediation techniques, liners, leachate collection systems, excavation and rock mass behaviour.

• 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

• openness to new ideas and unconventional critiques of received wisdom

One 3-hour end of semester written examination (60%), together with three assignments of no more than 3000 words each due throughout the semester (40%). A pass in both assignment and examination components is required to pass the subject.