Geotechnical assets, such as: embankments, cuttings, earth dams, flood levees, can have long engineering lifespans and are often part of larger infrastructure (such as roads, railways, reservoirs, bridges). Therefore, it is critical that the geotechnical assets are constructed using sound engineering principles and are managed efficiently (and ethically/responsibly) to ensure continued, sustainable, performance of both these assets and the larger infrastructure.
Geotechnical Assets (Creation and Management) considers aspects of asset management, from pre-treatment techniques for problematic ground conditions, through construction, to long term management. It introduces the concept of sustainability in a geotechnical setting. It introduces techniques and strategies that can be used to improve problematic ground conditions prior to construction. It considers the theory of compaction and the long-term performance of compacted materials (which if not handled properly can become metastable) and considers the behaviour of marginal soils that could be used in earthworks, in place of quarried materials, to promote sustainable practices. It considers risk and asset management techniques that can be used when considering interventions/maintenance strategies that can be used to ensure these assets continue to function cost effectively.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Evaluate and apply principles of ethics, economic and social responsibilities, and environmental protection and sustainability to geotechnical engineering activities in the short- and long-term. Understand the potential impacts of the chosen strategies
Evaluate the suitability of different soil materials, and construction techniques, when considering the construction of earthworks, being aware of the risks associated with these materials/techniques [contributing to: AHEP - M2(K&S); AHEP - M7 (K&S); AHEP - C9 (K&S)]
Evaluate the suitability of ground improvement/remediation techniques for various ground conditions, being aware of the risks associated with various ground conditions when employing these techniques (such as high groundwater level or high sulphate content)
[contributing to: AHEP - M2(K&S); AHEP - C9 (K&S)]
Understand the need for whole life considerations when constructing and managing geotechnical assets; evaluate and apply the asset management process for geotechnical assets
Takes responsibility for decisions taken (prioritising ethical, sustainable and socially responsibly practices) and is adaptable and resilient when considering challenging/changing environments [contributing to: AHEP - M1 (K&S); AHEP - M5 (K&S); AHEP - C6 (K&S); AHEP - M7 (K&S)]
Assessment
38064-01 : Coursework : Coursework (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment:
Assessment: Assessments: One formal report (coursework) (100%)