ENGI46915: Advanced Geotechnical Engineering

• As specified in programme regulations.

• As specified in programme regulations.

• This module is designed solely for students studying Department of Engineering degree programmes.
• The module will provide graduates with advanced knowledge of the design and analysis of embankment and concrete dams and foundation design for offshore structures and advanced limit analysis techniques.

• Dam Classification (earth and rockfill, roller compacted, gravity, buttress and arch)
• Stability and internal seepage in embankment dams
• Concrete dam stability
• Classification of offshore foundation types
• Limit state analysis
• Anchors
• Lateral loading on foundations

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Appreciation and technical understanding of the characterisation and testing of soils to enable the design and analysis of a variety of geotechnical structures.
• Understanding of the capabilities and limitations of advanced simulation methods when applied to geotechnical engineering problems.
• Knowledge of simple analysis tools and modelling techniques for the prediction of the performance of geotechnical structures.
• Understanding of the different types of dam structures and their suitability for different geological/topological conditions.
• Understanding of the different types of offshore structures.
• Knowledge of simple design methods for offshore structures.

Subject-specific Skills:

• The awareness of current design codes of practice and engineering approaches to geotechnical design.
• The ability to carry out assessments of the stability of geotechnical structures.
• The awareness of current technology, analysis methods and industrial practices along with the ability to apply those methods in novel situations.

Key Skills:

• Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
• Highly specialised analytical and numerical skills appropriate to an engineer.
• Mathematics relevant to the application of advanced engineering concepts.

• The module content is delivered in lectures and is reinforced by self-learning sessions and formative problem sheets, equipping students with the required problem-solving capability.
• Students can make use of staff "office hours" to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one-to-one basis. These are sign-up sessions available for one hour per week per lecture course.
• Students will be required to submit formative problem sheets throughout the academic year into the virtual learning environment to check their understanding as the course progresses.
• Students will be formed into study groups and will attend timetabled self-learning sessions (up to a maximum of two) during the Michalemas and Epiphany terms.
• A benchmark test will take place at the start of the academic year. This will be used to guage students understanding and direct them to further study as appropriate.
• A mock exam will take place in the Epiphany term. This will be used to provide students with an exam type experience in a formative setting and allow them to discuss their performance with a member of academic staff.
• Written timed examinations are appropriate for this module because of the largely quantitative methods covered in the courses. The examination will enable students to demonstrate their ability to solve advanced problems independently.

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