Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives The student is expected to gain knowledge of the stress-strain behaviour of soils and how it differs from the other engineering materials, an appreciation of the role of pore water pressure on soil stability problems and the differences between short and long term soil behaviour. The student should develop the ability to interpret laboratory strength test data, select soil strength parameters for design of engineering structures, calculate the stability of soil slopes and retaining walls, determine earth pressure distributions on retaining structures and to select suitable forms of earth retaining structures and carry out their design. The student will also learn to work as part of a team member and as a leader and enhance their written and oral communication skills. The student should gain an appreciation of the relevance of engineering knowledge to engineering practice and develop confidence to tackle new engineering problems, particularly in the design environment.
Synopsis Stress-strain-pore pressure response; failure criteria; stress paths; drained and undrained strengths; slope stability; general stability theory; earth pressures and retaining walls; reinforced earth.
Assessment Examinations (3 hours): 50% + Assignments and interviews: 50% + Student work in groups toward the assignments + This subject is conducted using problem-based learning