CIV3246

Geoengineering: stability and settlement

C M Haberfield, J Seidel and K McKenry

3 points
* 13 lectures, 22 hours of design class/practicals and 4 hours of site visits
* First semester
* Clayton
* Prerequisites: CIV2270 or CIV2271

Objectives To gain knowledge of the stress-strain response of soil and rock and the role that pore water pressures play in strength development, consolidation and stability; the difference between long and short term behaviour of geoengineering structures and how to account for these influences during design and construction; to be able to apply these models in the practice of geotechnical engineering design; and to improve written and oral communication and computing skills.

Synopsis The effective stress principle, how it influences soil and rock strength and deformations, and its role in the design, construction and stability of geoengineering structures such as foundations, retaining walls, slopes and embankments. Topics covered include the stress-strain-pore pressure response of soil and rock; failure criteria; stress paths; drained and undrained strengths, consolidation and creep settlements; earth pressures; and over-consolidated and normally consolidated behaviour. Problem-based subject; students work in groups of three to solve practical geotechnical engineering problems.

Assessment Design assignment: 70%
* Examination (2 hours): 30%
* Students must pass both assignment and examination components.

Prescribed texts

Holtz R D and Koracs W D An introduction to geotechnical engineering Prentice-Hall, 1991

Recommended texts

Bowles J E Foundation analysis and design McGraw-Hill, 1988
Das B M Principles of geotechnical engineering PWS-Kent, 1995
Atkinson J Introduction to the mechanics of soils and foundations McGraw-Hill, 1993
Parry R H G Mohr circles, stress paths and geotechnics Spon, 1995