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ENGI4337: Advanced Geotechnical Engineering 4

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Type	Tied
Level	4
Credits	10
Availability	Available in 2024/2025
Module Cap	None.
Location	Durham
Department	Engineering

Prerequisites

ENGI3311, ENGI3341

Corequisites

As specified in programme regulations.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

As specified in programme regulations.

Aims

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.

Content

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

Learning Outcomes

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.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

This course is taught using lectures and reinforced by problems. 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.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total
Lectures	20	Typically 1 per week	1 Hour	20
Tutorial Hours	As required	Weekly sign-up sessions	Up to 1 Hour	10
Preparation and Reading				70
Total				100

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination		Component Weighting: 100%
Element	Length / Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Written Examination	2 hours	100	No

Formative Assessment

More information

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