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 geotechnical 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 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: MSc 1 (K&S); AHEP - C13 (K&S)]
Evaluate geological process and their implication to geotechnical engineering
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.
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.
Have an understanding of the engineering parameters relating to the ground conditions, identified during the ground investigation, for subsequent engineering analysis and design
Takes responsibility for decisions taken (prioritising ethical, sustainable and socially responsibly practices) and is adaptable and resilient when considering challenging/changing environments
