48360 Geotechnical Engineering
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 48330 Soil Behaviour
Description
The aim of this subject is to develop students' technical competence in the analysis of soil masses and of structures associated with soil. The analysis of footings, piles, retaining walls and soil slopes are examples.
Upon completing this subject, students should be able to understand the concept of failure in soil and apply it to the analysis of soil masses; critically appraise a problem in order to decide which particular analysis should be used; identify the limitations of their analyses and carry out appropriate solution validation; be responsible for the analysis component of a design team; study the relevant literature and learn to apply new or more complex methods of analysis; and carry out fieldwork in association with subsurface investigations.
Topics include introduction to geotechnical design (criteria, codes, engineering judgment); site investigation (planning, fieldwork, techniques); shallow foundations (types, bearing capacity theories, settlement); retaining structures (earth pressure theories, Rankine and Coulomb methods, analysis of gravity walls, cantilever walls, braced excavations); deep foundations (types, load-carrying capacity, settlement, group behaviour, lateral loading); slope stability (failure mechanisms, infinite slopes, rotational failure, remedial measures); and soil improvement (site classification, reactive soils behaviour, ground improvement methods).
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Understand the concept of soil failure and its consequences, and then and apply this understanding to the analysis of soil masses. (C.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Critically appraise a problem to decide which analysis should be used. (C.1) |
| 3. | Identify the limitations of design approaches and carry out appropriate solution validation. (D.1) |
| 4. | Apply appropriate numerical and analytical procedures in design of geotechnical engineering structures. (D.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:
- 1.3. In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
- 2.1. Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
- 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
- 2.3. Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject comprises workshops, and collaborative learning sessions for students to complete detailed designs, individual quizzes, assessment tasks and a group project.
The class meets twice a week, including two on campus workshops. Students will be provided weekly material for topics in the subject in advance of the face-to-face sessions. Students are expected to read and reflect upon the materials prepared for each class including workshop notes, video clips, worked examples and conceptual questions on the topic, before attending the class. This allows in-class time to focus on problem solving and discussion of the design methodologies and construction aspects of geotechnical structures.
There are many opportunities for students to receive constructive written or oral feedback. Feedback will be provided two weeks after each assessment submission and students will receive individual feedback as well as collective feedback.
Content (topics)
- Introduction to geotechnical design - design criteria, codes, accepted design values
- Site investigations: planning, field work, techniques, and reporting
- Shallow foundations: types, bearing capacity theories, and settlement
- Deep foundations: types, load carrying capacity, settlement, group behaviour, and lateral loading
- Retaining structures: earth pressure theories, analysis of gravity walls, cantilever walls, braced excavations
- Slope stability: failure mechanisms, infinite slopes, rotational failure, and remedial measures
- Soil improvement and dealing with problematic soils, including site classifications and expansive soil stabilisation
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Assignments
| Intent: | To solve geotechnical engineering problems. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Exercises |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | Questions will be solved in an Excel file. One sheet will be used for each question. |
Assessment task 2: Quizzes
| Intent: | To assess fundamental knowledge of geotechnical engineering principles and concepts. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | Questions will be solved in an Excel file. One sheet will be used for each question. |
Assessment task 3: Design Project
| Intent: | To generate a design report that applies concepts within geotechnical engineering. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | Not more than 30 pages, including all texts, figures, calculations, and references |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Required texts
Geotechnical Engineering 48360 Students Notes are available in Canvas
Recommended texts
- Indraratna B., Heitor A. and Vinod J.S. "Geotechnical Problems and Solutions: A Practical Perspective", CRC Press. Taylor and Francis Group, 2021
- Budhu, M., “Soil Mechanics and Foundations”, 3rd edition, Wiley & Sons, 2011
References
A set of course notes will be provided gradually during the course together with a copy of the main slides used in lectures.
During the course no reference will be made to specific textbooks so that students will not find it necessary to purchase a textbook. However, either of the following books would constitute a suitable reference book for the subject:
Knappett, J. and Craig, R. F. “Craig's Soil Mechanics”, 9th Edition, CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group, 2020.
Liu C. and Evert J.B. “Soils and Foundations”, 8th Edition, Pearson Education, Inc, 2014.
Smith, I., “Smith’s Elements of Soil Mechanics”, 8th Edition, Blackwell Science, 2006.
Das, B. M., “Principles of Geotechnical Engineering”, 10th Edition, Cengage Learning, 2021.
Bowles J. E. “Foundation analysis and design” student edition, 6th Edition, McGraw Hill, Int., 1998
Other resources
Internet Sites
Australian Geomechanics Society (AGS): http://australiangeomechanics.org/
Centre for Geotechnical Practice and Research (CGPR): http://www.cgpr.cee.vt.edu/
US University Council on Geotechnical Education and Research (USUCGER): http://www.usucger.org/
A copy of the course notes will be available in Canvas in PDF format. A copy of lecture slides (in PDF) will also be available in Canvas together with a copy of assignments and tutorials questions. In addition, all important announcements will be posted in Canvas.
Students are encouraged to set up a student forum for discussion about their major project or any other topics related to Geotechnical Engineering in Canvas.