Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

Level of Unit in Course

AQF Level(s) of Course

Level of Unit in Course

Introductory

Intermediate

Effective Term:

2024/05

Institute / School :

Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability

Unit Title:

Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering

Unit ID:

ENGIN2204

Credit Points:

15.00

Prerequisite(s):

(ENGIN2301)

Co-requisite(s):

Nil

Exclusion(s):

(ENCIV2330)

ASCED:

030911

Other Change:

Brief description of the Unit

All aspects of geoengineering are considered at an elementary level, as well as basic engineering geology, formation and weathering processes, sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks, the geotechnical spectrum - soil, rock, weathering, deposition cycle, basic soil and rock properties, void ratio, water content, for example, and the two phase model. All materials are assumed to be granular and frictional. The course includes the soil description and geological mapping, rock mass classification, soil classification and phase relationships, stress and strain in soils, stress paths, shear failure of soils and analysis and design of shallow foundation. A clear emphasis on sustainable design will be made.

Grade Scheme:

Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF)

Work Experience Indicator:

No work experience

Placement Component:

Supplementary Assessment:Yes

Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment

Course Level:

Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge:

K1.	Recognize the importance of geotechnical engineering in the broader civil engineering discipline

K2.	Identify and Explain various geological features and their effects on geotechnical engineering systems

K3.	Recognize the fundamental principles of soil mechanics

K4.	Explain soil compaction and ground improvement techniques

K5.	Explain soil compressibility and shear strength

Skills:

S1.	Classify and Examine soils for various civil engineering applications

S2.	Explain the effective stress concept and its influence on soil behavior

S3.	Analyze and Design basic earth retaining structures

S4.	Interpret laboratory data to Determine soil physical and mechanical properties

Application of knowledge and skills:

A1.	Solve a range of geotechnical problems involving water flow, soil settlement/consolidation and soil strength

A2.	Measure basic soil properties in the laboratory for soil classification purposes

A3.	Produce reports of geotechnical designs and laboratory test results at a professional standard

Unit Content:

•Geological Processes and Geological Mapping
•Soil Classification for Engineering Purposes
•Soil as a Three-Phase System — Phase Relationships
•Ground Improvement and Soil Compaction
•Stresses and Strains in Soils
•Permeability of Soils
•Shear Strength of Soils
•Compressibility and Settlement of Soils
•Lateral Earth Pressures

Graduate Attributes:

	Learning Outcomes Assessed	Assessment Tasks	Assessment Type	Weighting
1.	K1-K6, S1, S2, S3, A1, A2, A3	Case studies, Laboratory and Field information/ reports based work	Analysis/ evaluation Reports	10 - 20%
2.	K1-K6, S1-S4, A1-A3	Stress distribution in soils, soil strength and compressibility analysis, bearing capacity of foundations	Written assignment	25 - 45%
3.	K1-K6, S1-S4, A1-A3	All the topics covered in the course will be accessible.	Mid semester and/or End of semester Test(s)	40 - 60%

Adopted Reference Style:

Other (Refer to the library website for more information: IEEE)

Professional Standards / Competencies:

Standard / Competency