Undergraduate - UnitCIV2242 - Introductory geoengineering

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

The unit covers all aspects of geoengineering at an elementary level, as well as basic engineering geology, formation and weathering processes, sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks, the geotechnical spectrum: soil, rock, weathering, deposition cycle, basic soil and rock properties, engineering classification of soil and rock, soil structure, weight-volume relationship, and the two/three phase model. It also includes effective stress theory, stresses in a soil mass and shear strength. The unit includes elementary level application of geoengineering knowledge in the analysis and design of shallow and deep foundations, and pavements using CIRCLY software.

Outcomes

At the completion of this unit students should have the following knowledge and skills:

1. Include all aspects of geoengineering at elementary level
2. Basic engineering geology, formation and weathering processes, sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks
3. Geotechnical spectrum: soil, rock, weathering, deposition cycle, etc
4. Basic soil and rock properties, classification of soil and rock, weight-volume relationship, phase relationship
5. Understanding geological process
6. Soil/rock classification, soil/rock design strength parameters
7. Effective stress theory, stresses in soil mass, and shear strength
8. Limit state design principles for foundations, pavement design
9. Analysis and design of shallow and deep foundations, pavements
10. Communication skills and group dynamics will be developed through report writing, group work and interviews
11. Visualization (3D to 2D and vice versa)
12. Library and information technology skills.

Assessment

Practical/project work: 42%
Tests: 8%
Final examination (3 hours): 50%
Students are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component (assignments, tests, mid-semester exams, laboratory reports) and at least 45% in the final examination component and an overall mark of 50% to achieve a pass grade in the unit. Students failing to achieve this requirement will be given a maximum of 45% in the unit.

Chief examiner(s)

Professor Jeffrey Walker

Contact hours

Three hour lecture, two hours of practice class and seven hours of private study per week