49119 Problematic Soils and Ground Improvement Techniques
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Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): ((120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10061 Bachelor of Engineering Diploma Engineering Practice OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10066 Bachelor of Engineering Science OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10067 Bachelor of Engineering OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09067 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Diploma Professional Engineering Practice OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09066 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)) AND 48360 Geotechnical Engineering AND 48330 Soil Behaviour)
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Description
The main purposes of this subject are to study the properties of problematic soils and the associated difficulties related to construction of structures on these soils, and also to introduce the design principles in ground improvement techniques. The major emphasis is on understanding the concept of failure in soil mechanics and being able to recommend suitable ground improvement methods for a range of problematic soils. The major group research project or case study allows students to learn critical review of engineering documents and projects, and disciplinary research skills.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Demonstrate fundamental knowledge to identify problematic soils and associated problems. (D.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Evaluate performance of the problematic ground subject to structural loads. (D.1) |
| 3. | Analyse and design appropriate ground improvement techniques to satisfy both stability and deformation criteria. (C.1) |
| 4. | Recommend the most appropriate ground improvement construction method and interpret the quality control and monitoring results. (C.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 thinking and decision-making methodologies in new contexts or to novel problems, to explore, test, analyse and synthesise complex ideas, theories or concepts. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply theoretical, conceptual, software and physical tools and advanced discipline knowledge to research, evaluate and predict future performance of systems characterised by complexity. (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.
- 3.3. Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.
Teaching and learning strategies
The teaching and learning strategies in this subject include research inspired and collaborative learning approaches, comprising online learning material and class sessions. Out of class learning activities include quizzes, readings and questions that will be posted on Canvas for students to complete before the class sessions. This allows in-class time to focus on higher order problem solving activities.
Learning material will be posted on Canvas in the form of past tutorial examples, quizzes and exercises. Students are required to attempt the specified questions and read the indicated material before attending class and prepare questions for in-class discussion and problem-solving. In tutorial sessions, students will be provided with questions to solve and submit for formative feedback.
A research-inspired learning strategy is adopted for the activities in this subject, including the major research project, to cultivate disciplinary research skills and synthesis of the topics covered in the subject. Constructive feedback on the progress of the research project will be provided progressively throughout the teaching session. The assessment tasks in this subject are designed for students to work with a wide range of data inputs and develop innovative solutions.
Content (topics)
This subject covers the following content areas:
- Introduction to problematic soils and ground improvement methods
- Classification of soft soils, the associated problems, and required site investigation
- Design and construction methods of above ground improvement techniques including compaction, preloading, reinforcement using geotextiles and stabilising berms
- Design and construction methods of flexible inclusions for ground improvement such as preloading with vertical drains and vacuums, electro-osmosis and biotechnical stabilisation.
- Design and construction methods of semi-rigid inclusions for ground improvement including dynamic replacement, vibro-flotation, deep soil mixing and mass mixing
- Design and construction methods of rigid inclusions for ground improvement including concrete columns, jet grouting and piling.
- Design and construction methods of slope stabilisation methods including nailing, reinforced soil and bioengineering.
- Design and installation of monitoring devices to observe behaviour of the improved ground
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Staged Assignment Reports
| Intent: | In this assessment task, students classify, formulate and solve different types of solutions when evaluating problematic soils and ground improvement techniques. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 60% |
Assessment task 2: Research Project Report
| Intent: | In this assessment task, students develop computer modelling and design techniques to apply and interpret results, propose solutions and use innovative techniques to recommend and solve for problematic soil and associated problems, and ground improvement techniques. |
|---|---|
| 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: | Case study |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Required texts
A set of lecture notes covering the topics is provided to students on Canvas. Canvas will be used for announcements, links to resources and self assessment quizzes.
Recommended texts
- Moseley, M.P. and Kirsch, K. (2004) Ground improvement, 2nd edition, Spon Press.
- Hausmann, M.P. (1990) Engineering principles of ground modification, McGraw Hill.
References
- Moseley, M.P. and Kirsch, K. (2004) Ground improvement, 2nd edition, Spon Press.
- Hausmann, M.P. (1990) Engineering principles of ground modification, McGraw Hill.
- Bergado, D.T., Anderson, L.R., Miura, N., Balasubramaniam, A.S., (1996), “Soft ground improvement in lowland and other environments”, ASCE, U.S.A
- Terashi M., and Juran I., (2000), “Ground improvement-State of the art”,GeoEng2000, An International conference on geotechnical & geological engineering”, Technomic publishing co., Inc., pp. 461-519
- Xanthakos, P.P., Abramson, L.W., and Bruce, D.A. (1994) Ground Control and Improvement, John Wiley.
- Dunnicliff, J. (1988) Geotechnical instrumentation for monitoring field performance. Wiley.
- Institution of Civil Engineers (Great Britain) (1996) the observational method in geotechnical engineering. Thomas Telford.
- Knappett, J. and Craig, R.F. (2019). Craig's soil mechanics. CRC press.
Other resources
Australian Geomechanics Society (AGS): http://www.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/