Course Details in 2028/29 Session


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Module Title LM Ground Investigation
SchoolSchool of Engineering
Department Civil Engineering
Module Code 04 27094
Module Lead Dr Daniel Boddice
Level Masters Level
Credits 20
Semester Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions None
Contact Hours Lecture-38 hours
Tutorial-6 hours
Practical Classes and workshops-4 hours
Supervised time in studio/workshop-2 hours
Guided independent study-150 hours
Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description The engineering characteristics of the ground can have a significant impact on civil engineering projects, and often require interventions to ensure the projects are successful. To ensure that the engineering interventions are appropriate, and effective, the nature of the ground must be understood; this understanding is traditionally developed through ground investigations.

The Ground Investigation module provides an introduction to developing an understanding of ground conditions for civil engineering purposes. It considers ground investigation techniques (e.g. desk studies, invasive and non-invasive techniques, instrumentation and monitoring, along with limitations/uncertainties associated with these) to collect data and provide insight into the engineering characteristics of the ground. It introduces geology for an engineering perspective and geohazards (for civil engineering applications) associated with various ground conditions (such as soft ground unable to transmit desired loads, collapsible/erodible/dissolvable ground, contaminated land). An introduction to various engineering parameters, that arise from ground investigations is also provided.
Learning Outcomes By the end of the module students should be able to:
  • Use the basic theories of engineering geology and describe and classify rocks for engineering purposes
    [contributing to: AHEP-1; AHEP - C13]

  • Evaluate geological process and their implication to geotechnical engineering
    [contributing to: AHEP - M1; AHEP - M2; AHEP - C9]

  • Have the ability to specify ground investigations to obtain geotechnical data including in situ techniques, laboratory tests and instrumentation and monitoring techniques. Have knowledge of the format and contents of a site investigation report and the activities associated with obtaining the information contained in such a report.
    [contributing to: AHEP - M2; AHEP - M5; AHEP - C12; AHEP - C13]

  • Interpret the ground investigation data and develop a ground model including the identification of geohazards, contaminated land and other risks to the project as appropriate.
    [contributing to: AHEP - M1; MSc 3; AHEP - C13]

  • Have an understanding of the engineering parameters relating to the ground conditions, identified during the ground investigation, for subsequent engineering analysis and design
    [contributing to: MSc 4; AHEP - C9; AHEP - C13]
Assessment 27094-01 : Report : Coursework (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions Assessment:
One formal assessment (coursework) (100%)

Reassessment:
One formal assessment (coursework) (100%)
Other None
Reading List Waltham, T. (2009) Foundation of Engineering Geology, 3rd ed, Spon Press;
Clayton C.R.I., Matthews M.C. and Simons N.E., (1995), Site Investigation, 2nd ed.;
Simons N., Menzies B. and Matthews M., (2003), A short course in geotechnical site investigation, Thomas Telford.