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ENGI3311: GEOTECHNICS 3

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Type	Tied
Level	3
Credits	20
Availability	Available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location	Durham
Department	Engineering

Prerequisites

ENGI 2221

Corequisites

None

Excluded Combinations of Modules

As specified in the Programme Regulations

Aims

This module is designed solely for students studying Department of Engineering degree programmes.
To introduce fundamental geological concepts relevant to engineering.
To provide practical skills of how to recognise geological features and how to interpret geological maps.
To develop qualitative and quantitative descriptions of soil behaviour in terms of phase models, seepage, strength and deformation properties.
To introduce methods of analysis applicable to soil engineering problems such as foundations, retaining walls and slopes.

Content

Soils and Foundations, Soil Mechanics and Geology.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

Understanding of relationship between minerals, rocks and soils;
Understanding of the importance of geological features on engineering design;
Understanding of soils, their structure and classification;
Understanding of soil strength and critical state approach to soils;
Understanding of short and long term deformations under load.

Subject-specific Skills:

Ability to interpret geological maps so that the underlying type of rock can be related to topography;
Ability to recognise main types of rocks and minerals in the field;
Ability to calculate seepage and its consequences;
Ability to process data from standard soil tests;
Ability to estimate settlement;
Ability to design spread and piled foundations;
Ability to check the stability of retaining walls and soil slopes.

Key Skills:

Numerical skills appropriate to an engineer.
General problem solving skills that can be applied in a novel context.
Capacity for self-learning in familar and unfamiliar situations.

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

The main concepts will be presented within a lecture programme. Part of the lecture programme is devoted to the practical interpretation of geological maps. Handouts are provided for the students in paper format. Additional lecture notes are provided on DUO. Web-based materials covering the lectures on slopes are available via DUO to support student learning.
The lectures relating to geology are supported by 4 half-day field trips which the students will write up a field trip report which will be summatively assessed.
Students are able to 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 up to one hour per week.
The lecture course is assessed by written examination which enables each student to demonstrate their knowledge and an ability to analyse and solve new problems.
A formative laboratory program develops practical laboratory skills and supports the modules lecture material.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total	Monitored
Lectures	42	2 per week term	1 hour	42
Laboratories	3	Typically 1 per week	3 hours	9	Yes
Office Hours	as required	Weekly sign-up sessions	up to 1 hour	8
Geology Mapping Exercise	1		3 hours	3
Geology Field Trips	4	4 in term 1	5 hours	20	Yes
Preparation, reading and self study				118
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Examination		Component Weighting: 80%
Element	Length / Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Written Examination	2 hours	100

Component: Coursework		Component Weighting: 20%
Element	Length / Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Coursework		100

Formative Assessment

Problem Sheets for lecture courses. Laboratories

More information

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