CIV2271

Introduction to geoengineering

J P Seidel, C M Haberfield and K McKenry

3 points
* 13 lectures and 26 hours of design class or practicals
* Second semester
* Clayton

Objectives To gain knowledge of the origin of soil and rock; to be able to identify basic soil and rock types and appreciate the importance of grain size, void ratio and relative density to soil strength; to understand basic concepts of stress and strength as applied to soils and rocks, including shear strength and triaixal strength and the significance of these concepts to soil structures; to understand basic engineering models used to predict the performance of shallow and deep foundations, retaining walls, slopes and pavements in soils or rocks, and to be able to apply these models in the practice of geotechnical engineering design; to improve written and oral communication and computing skills.

Synopsis Overview of problems faced by geotechnical engineers and the scope of geotechnical engineering endeavour; the geotechnical spectrum; origin of soils and rocks, the soil-rock cycle and the similarities of and differences between soils and rocks; classification of soils and rocks based on grain size and origin; void ratio-specific weight and relative density; uniaxial, triaxial and direct shear strength; the Mohr Coulomb strength criterion; stresses in a soil, principal stresses and the significance of the Mohr circle; an overview of soil and rock strength in practice; settlement and bearing capacity analyses of shallow footings; serviceability and ultimate state design approaches; introduction to deep foundations, displacement and non-displacement piles, axial pile capacity; Rankine earth pressures, overturning, sliding and bearing failure of retaining walls; slope stability analysis for dry slopes; rigid and flexible pavements. Problem-based subject; students work in groups of three to solve practical geotechnical engineering problems.

Assessment Design problems and laboratory tests: 50%
* Examination (2 hours): 50%
* Students must pass both assignment and examination components.

Course material

Course material and presentations are available on the World Wide Web

Recommended texts

Atkinson J An introduction to the mechanics of soils and foundations McGraw-Hill, 1993
Bowles J E Foundation analysis and design McGraw-Hill, 1996
Das B M Principles of geotechnical engineering PWS-Kent, 1995