Course overview
The course applies and extends the fundamental understanding of soil mechanics to the design of geotechnical engineering systems. The following topics are examined: site investigations and in situ testing; seepage; consolidation; pore pressure coefficients and stress paths; lateral earth pressures and retaining wall design; foundation design; loading induced stresses and displacements; bearing capacity of shallow foundations; design of shallow foundations; analysis and design of pile foundations and the stability of slopes.
Course learning outcomes
- Interpret and summarise desktop information to predict the expected soil and groundwater conditions prior to undertaking a site investigation
- Scope and plan site investigations that are feasible, cost effective and appropriately characterise the ground
- Develop an idealised geotechnical model that summarises the ground profile and identifies and quantifies key parameters needed for design
- Calculate 2D seepage, pore pressure coefficients, time-dependent consolidation, lateral earth pressures, loading induced stresses and displacements, and bearing capacity of shallow foundations
- Design retaining walls, foundations, and analyse the stablility of slopes
- Evaluate design options and specify final design recommendations based on factors such as sustainability, construction feasibility and cost effectiveness
- Measure soil properties in the laboratory and interpret and summarise the data