CIV4248

Geoengineering hazards

A Bouazza and C M Haberfield

5 points
* 13 lectures, 29 hours of design class or practicals and 6 hours of site visits
* Second semester
* Clayton
* Prerequisites: CIV3244

Objectives To gain knowledge of landfill performance with regard to the design of engineered composite barriers, drainage systems, cover systems, and the geotechnical properties of waste. To identify the properties of contaminated soil, determine the mechanisms through which pollution spreads through soil; and to become familiar with possible soil remediation techniques for an array of contaminants. To determine rock properties and predict rock joint interface behaviour, to design cuttings and caverns, to study case histories related to landslides, to analyse the interaction between tailings and soil, mining waste properties, tailings dam stability and to determine appropriate criteria for filter design. To be able to apply these models in the practice of geoengineering design; and to improve written and oral communication and computing skills.

Synopsis The scope of the subject is to give an understanding of geotechnical engineering concepts and apply them to solve or minimise geo-hazards problems specific to domestic and hazardous waste containment facilities (landfills), contaminated sites, landslides, tailings dams, utilisation of underground space and other issues of sustainable development. The subject will focus on geotechnical aspects in the analysis, design and construction of waste containment facilities (landfills), contaminated site remediation, rock slope stability, underground works, and tailings dams. Each student will undertake the design of a major project including several of the above facilities as well as develop a site remediation program. Students will develop an understanding of the principles of geoengineering and environmental geoengineering and their application to practice in the pursuit of the solutions to these projects.

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

Recommended texts

Brady B H G and Brown E T Rock mechanics for underground mining Allen and Unwin, 1985
Daniel D E Geotechnical practice for waste disposal Chapman-Hill, 1993
Goodman R E Introduction to rock mechanics Wiley, 1989
Hoek E and Bray J N Rock slope engineering 2nd edn, Inst. Min. and Mat., 1977
Koerner R Designing with geosynthetics Prentice-Hall, 1994
Sharma H D and Lewis S P Waste containment systems, waste stabilisation and landfills Wiley, 1994