Year
2021
Units
4.5
Contact
1 x 120-minute lecture weekly
1 x 60-minute tutorial weekly
1 x 120-minute workshop weekly
Prerequisites
1 of ENGR1732, PHYS1101, PHYS1205
Enrolment not permitted
ENGR8932 has been successfully completed
Topic description

This topic provides an introduction to Engineering Geology and Geomechanics, and fundamentals necessary for the study of Geotechnical Engineering. It aims to provide an introductory of geological process and engineering geology; origins and composition of soils; characteristics and classification of soils; compaction; soil permeability and seepage; stresses in soils; principle of effective stress; consolidation, and the stress-strain-strength responses of soils.

Educational aims

All civil engineers, and others working with soils and rocks must understand the range of techniques available for identifying various materials and for determining their physical and mechanical properties. The aim of this topic is to present an introduction to geology, soil mechanics and geological processes as they affect civil engineering.

Expected learning outcomes
On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:

  1. Understand geological process and the significance of engineering geology for ground engineering
  2. Describe and classify soils based on their basic physical characteristics
  3. Understand the behaviour of soil during compaction, compression, consolidation, direct shear and triaxial compression
  4. Understand the importance of water in the soil and the effects of water movement
  5. Understand the difference between total stress and effective stress
  6. Apply the principle of effective stress to calculate the stresses causing soil deformation
  7. Calculate the settlements and rates of settlement by using one-dimensional consolidation theory
  8. Interpret data and determine parameters from a laboratory experiment and report the results of at a professional standard