Geotechnical Design

Aims and objectives

On successful completion of this unit, the student should be able to:

• Determine suitable site investigation technique to be used for site characterisation.
• Understand the applications and analysis of in-situ testing methods with equipment such as self-boring pressure meter, dilatometer, cone penetration tests and field vane shear tests to obtain various geotechnical parameters.
• Demonstrate an understanding for various foundation design options as well as understand foundation engineering design.
• Demonstrate an understanding for the design of excavations and slope stability.
• Demonstrate an understanding for the design of tunnels in soft soil and rock.
• Understand the application and methods of back-analysis of field instrumentation with settlement plates, settlement gauges, piezometers, inclinometers and hydrostatic profile gauges.
• Understand the basic theory and design methodology for ground improvement works such as preloading with or without surcharge, prefabricated vertical drains, vibro-replacement with stone columns.
• Understand the design methodology for designing with various geosynthetics such as geogrids, geocomposites, geofabrics as well as piled embankments with geogrids.
• Understand the methodology of dredging and land reclamation works as well as the associated equipment involved and design methodology.

Teaching methods

Assessment

Generic skills outcomes

On successful completion of this unit the student should have:

• An understanding of the principles of key aspects of geotechnical design and development.
• Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution.
• Highly developed analytical and problem solving skills.
• Highly developed oral and written communication skills.
• Highly developed teamwork skills.
  

Content