Ground Improvements and Geosynthetics Engineering
Semester 2, 2018
Staff
Calendar notes
Advanced ground improvement techniques including: densification, consolidation, preloading and surcharge, soil reinforcement, stabilisation and thermal ground improvement. Prerequisite: CIVIL 322 or equivalentRestriction: CIVIL 403
Engineering structures are frequently built over sub-soils which may not have adequate strength as it becomes increasingly difficult to find sites with suitable soil properties. In some cases, seismic demand can be large as a result of proximity to active faults. To meet these demands, sub-soil properties may need to be improved by the use of some form of soil improvement methods, such as: static or dynamic compaction, reinforcement, drainage or by the use of admixtures. Thus, it is important for the geotechnical engineers to know the different soil improvement methods, the degree in which soil properties may be improved, costs involved and benefits gained. Knowledge of these will enable a civil engineer to contribute towards providing sound, economical and practical solutions for clients.
In this course, we will be studying current ground investigation methods, ground improvement methods & design, and liquefaction mitigation. Students will undertake a design project that will consolidate what has been learnt during the course, from interpretation of available data through to design of a ground improvement scheme. Guest lecturers from the industry will share their expertise and knowledge on various techniques through case histories.
Intended learning outcomes |
Related graduate attributes |
Related assessments |
|---|---|---|
Understanding the aims of ground investigations, and introducing geotechnical in-situ testing methods. |
ENGA01: engineering knowledge (1) ENGA04: investigation (5) ENGA05: modern tool usage (2) ENGA06: engineering and society (2) ENGK04: specialist knowledge (4) ENGP02: range of conflicting requirements (1) UOA_1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice (2) UOA_2: Critical Thinking (3) UOA_3: Solution Seeking (3) UOA_5: Independence and Integrity (2) UOA_6: Social and Environmental Responsiblities (2) |
Report 1 Project 1 Project 2 Test |
Identifying the basic principles of various ground improvement techniques. |
ENGA01: engineering knowledge (1) ENGA04: investigation (5) ENGA07: environment and sustainability (1) ENGK01: theory of natural sciences (1) ENGK05: engineering design (4) ENGK08: research literature (4) UOA_1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice (2) UOA_2: Critical Thinking (3) UOA_3: Solution Seeking (3) UOA_6: Social and Environmental Responsiblities (2) |
Report 2 Project 1 Project 2 Test Report 3 |
Understanding the design procedure of various ground improvement techniques. Selection of ground improvement technique in specific circumstances. |
ENGA01: engineering knowledge (1) ENGA02: problem analysis (1) ENGA03: design and solution development (1) ENGA04: investigation (5) ENGA05: modern tool usage (2) ENGA12: lifelong learning (3) ENGK01: theory of natural sciences (1) ENGK04: specialist knowledge (4) ENGK05: engineering design (4) ENGP01: depth of knowledge required (2) ENGP02: range of conflicting requirements (1) ENGP05: extent of applicable codes (3) UOA_1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice (2) UOA_2: Critical Thinking (3) UOA_3: Solution Seeking (3) UOA_5: Independence and Integrity (2) UOA_6: Social and Environmental Responsiblities (2) |
Report 2 Project 1 Project 2 Test Report 3 |
Consolidating all the principles and applying them in the design of ground improvement schemes using data from actual geotechnical projects. |
ENGA01: engineering knowledge (1) ENGA04: investigation (5) ENGA07: environment and sustainability (1) ENGA09: individual and team work (3) ENGA10: communication (2) ENGA12: lifelong learning (3) ENGK05: engineering design (4) ENGK06: engineering practice (3) ENGK08: research literature (4) ENGP01: depth of knowledge required (2) ENGP02: range of conflicting requirements (1) ENGP03: depth of analysis required (1) ENGP05: extent of applicable codes (3) UOA_1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice (2) UOA_2: Critical Thinking (3) UOA_3: Solution Seeking (3) UOA_4: Communication and Engagement (2) UOA_5: Independence and Integrity (2) UOA_6: Social and Environmental Responsiblities (2) |
Project 1 Project 2 |
Coursework
The assessment comprises coursework (reports, assignments, test) worth 30% and design projects worth 70%.
Exam rules
There is no examination for this course.
Inclusive learning
Students are urged to discuss privately any impairment-related requirements face-to-face and/or in written form with the course convenor/lecturer and/or tutor.
Other assessment rules
No description given
Academic integrity
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