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ENGI44P10: Advanced Geotechnical Engineering 4

It is possible that changes to modules or programmes might need to be made during the academic year, in response to the impact of Covid-19 and/or any further changes in public health advice.

Type Tied
Level 4
Credits 10
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Engineering

Prerequisites

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

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures20Typically 1 per week1 Hour20 
Tutorial HoursAs requiredWeekly sign-up sessionsUp to 1 Hour10 
Preparation and Reading 70 
Total100 

Summative Assessment

Component: ExaminationComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Written Examination2 hours100 

Formative Assessment

More information

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our Help page. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the Help page, or a query about the on-line Postgraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.