49118 Applied Geotechnics
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particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2021 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): (48330 Soil Behaviour AND (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)))
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Description
The purpose of this subject is to provide practical awareness and advanced problem solving techniques to students who wish to widen their analytical and design skills in the field of geotechnical engineering and transport infrastructure. Students recognise that completion of this subject supports them to work in an internationalised world. The syllabus covers the revision of soil mechanics, foundation engineering and retaining wall design; introduction to rock mechanics, deep excavation methods and supporting systems; dewatering methods in soil; design of cofferdams; geotechnical aspects of tunnelling construction and design; introduction to embankment dams; geotechnical aspects of landfills; and rail track substructure problems, track formation stabilisation techniques and their limitations.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of soil mechanics, groundwater flow and rock mechanics to identify design aspect of geotechnical structures and associated problems |
|---|---|
| 2. | Demonstrate deep understanding and solid knowledge of deep excavation, dewatering approaches and stability of geotechnical structures |
| 3. | Analyse many practical geotechnical projects (e.g. rails, retaining walls, reinforced soil walls, landfills, tunnels, coffer dams and embankment dams) to satisfy the stability and deformation criteria in accordance with the current practice and the existing standards |
| 4. | Apply appropriate numerical and analytical procedures in design of railway substructure, reinforced soil walls landfills and tunnels |
| 5. | Recommend appropriate construction methods and drainage considerations for retaining walls, embankment dams, coffer dams, tunnels and rail tracks |
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)
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject comprises online lectures, active tutorials and collaborative learning online sessions on detailed design, individual tests, assignments and research projects. The group research project allows students to learn critical review of engineering documents, project reports and disciplinary research skills.
The class meets once a week via Zoom sessions. Students gain first exposure to new material outside of online class. Students are expected to read the materials prepared for each session including lecture notes, video clips, worked examples and conceptual questions on the topic, before attending the online class. Class time is used to integrate that knowledge through strategies such as problem-solving and discussion on the conceptual questions, design methodologies and construction aspects of the target geotechnical structures.
Students undertake a research project that runs throughout the subject. The aim of this project is to develop research and design skills through experience in applying the course material, critically reviewing available information in literature, and analysing data to a practical design situation.
Students undertake two take home exercises in this subject to assess and further develop their understanding of key concepts in applied geotechnics, problem solving skills, engineering decision making and innovative thoughts. Past examination questions and papers will be posted on UTS Canvas in the form of tutorial examples, quizzes and solved assignments. Students are expected to review them, before attending the online classes and the take home exercises.
Another part of assessments is associated with individual assignments. The assignments will include solving the given technical problems, preparation of small written reports and completion of a self-learning module. Where feasible, assignments are designed to encourage the students to work with a wide range of data inputs and apply innovative approaches.
There are many opportunities for students to receive written or oral feedback. Students will receive constructive feedback on their assignments, take home exercises and the research project. Within two weeks after each submission students will receive individual feedback as well as collective feedback. Furthermore, peer feedback and online formative feedback will be provided on the proposal of students’ group project, before the census date.
Content (topics)
This subject covers the following content areas:
- Revision of soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering including consolidation, shear strength, and bearing capacity and settlement of foundations
- Retaining structures including lateral earth pressures, retaining wall analysis and design
- Seepage, dewatering systems and design of cofferdams
- Design and construction aspects of reinforced soil walls
- Introduction to embankment dams including general stability and design aspects of earth-fill and rock-fill dams and dam filters
- Environmental geomechanics and geotechnical aspects of landfills including landfill stability, landfill settlement, compacted clay liners and geosynthetic clay liners
- Rail track engineering including rail track substructure problems; engineering properties of ballast; application of geosynthetics in rail tracks; sub ballast and track filtration; formation stabilisation, slab track and challenges and opportunities of high speed rail (HSR)
- Tunnelling design and construction including introduction of rock mechanics, influence of geological conditions on design and construction of tunnels, design aspects of tunnels, and construction methods in tunnelling
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Assignment Sets
| Intent: | To strengthen design skills, problem solving techniques, identify issues in analysis and design and apply corrective measures. |
|---|---|
| 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: | Exercises |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 35% |
Assessment task 2: Research Project
| Intent: | To encourage students to be research oriented and lifelong learners in the context of Geotechnics while engaging with research and to develop research work skills. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 25% |
| Length: | The presentation file should not exceed 30 slides. The length of the report should not exceed 15 pages including the title page, table of contents, introduction, background, all main sections, conclusions and the list of references. |
Assessment task 3: Take-home Exercises
| Intent: | To strengthen design skills, problem solving techniques, identify issues in analysis, and design and apply corrective measures. |
|---|---|
| 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: | Exercises |
| 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 course notes will be provided gradually during the course together with a copy of the main slides used in lectures.
During the course no reference will be made to specific text books so that students will not find it necessary to purchase a book. However either of the following books would constitute a suitable reference book for the subject.
A set of lecture notes covering the topics is provided to students. Canvas will be used for announcements and links to resources.
Recommended texts
The following highly recommended books contain useful reference materials for students requiring additional reading:
- Bowles J. E. “Foundation analysis and design” McGraw Hill, Int. student edition, 5th edition, 1996.
- Budhu, M. “Soil Mechanics and Foundations”, Wiley & Sons, 2007.
- Das, B. M. “Principles of Foundation Engineering”, Brooks/Cole Publ. Company, USA, 1999.
References
Craig, R.F. “Soil Mechanics”, Van-Nostrand, 1998.
Das, B. M. “Principles of Geotechnical Engineering”, PWS Publishing, 2006.
Fell, R., MacGregor, P., Stapledon, D. and Bell, G. “Geotechnical Engineering of Dams”, Taylor and Francis, UK, 2005.
Holtz, R.D. and Kovacs, W.D. “An Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering”, Prentice Hall, 1981.
Powers, J.P. “Construction Dewatering: New Methods and Applications” John Wiley and Sons, 1992.
Scott, C. "An Introduction to Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering", AS Publisher, 1980.
Sharma, H.D. and Reddy, K.R. “Geo-environmental Engineering: Site Remediation”, Waste containment and emerging waste management technologies / Published Hoboken, New Jersey, John Wiley, USA 2004.
Smith, G.N. “Elements of Soil Mechanics”, Blackwell Science, 1998
Waltham, A.C. “Foundations of Engineering Geology”, Blackei Academic & Professional, 1994.
Other resources
Internet sites
Australian Geomechanics Society (AGS): http://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/
Canvas
A copy of the course notes will be available on Canvas in PDF format. A copy of lecture slides (in PDF) will also be available on Canvas together with a copy of assignments and tutorials questions. In addition, all important announcements will be posted on Canvas.
Students are encouraged to set up a student forum for discussion about their major project or any other topics related to Geotechnical Engineering on Canvas.