Geotechnical Engineering (UoA) (PG)

Postgraduate | 2026

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area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
ENGC 5020
Course ID icon
Course ID
206506
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
5
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

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

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A