2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

CIVE5671M Geotechnical Engineering (MSc)

15 creditsClass Size: 130

Module manager: Professor Peter Woodward
Email: p.k.woodward@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module provides an overview of the principles of geotechnical engineering to gain an understanding of the behaviour of soils in engineering situations where the soil may either cause the load on a structure, be loaded by a structure or form the structure. Common methods of analysis, common construction techniques and methods of soil improvement will be discussed and the course will concentrate on applying the fundamental principles of soil mechanics to explain the behaviour of the system and the analytical methods. By the end of the module students should be able to analyse common geotechnical problems, devise practical solutions, and have an understanding of soils as construction materials.

Objectives

This module aims to equip students with state-of-the-art information and knowledge relating to geotechnical engineering.

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the module students will be able to:

1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of scientific and engineering principles and methodology of geotechnical structures, their performances during construction and in service; (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M1);

2. Apply a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of scientific principles of geotechnical hazards and how they affect design decisions for temporary and permanent works. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes M1);

3. Formulate and analyse complex Geotechnical problems to reach substantiated conclusions while evaluating pertinent data and to apply engineering analysis techniques and judgement in the solution of unfamiliar problems (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M2);

4. Apply appropriate engineering analysis methods for solving complex geotechnical problems and to assess their limitations (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M2);

5. Select and apply quantitative and computational methods, using alternative approaches and understanding their limitations, in order to solve geotechnical engineering problems and implement appropriate action (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M3);

6. Design solutions for complex geotechnical problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of user needs while demonstrating an understanding of current practice and its limitations (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M5);

6. Knowledge of characteristics of geotechnical engineering processes, with knowledge and understanding of a geotechnical materials;

7. Demonstrate the skills to work with information that may be incomplete or uncertain and, quantify the effect of this on the design adjusting where appropriate (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M9);

8. Evaluate and mitigate risks (e.g. arising from working with technical uncertainty) associated with geotechnical problems (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M9);

9. Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations in the context of geotechnical problems (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M13);

10. Apply advanced problem-solving skills, technical knowledge and understanding, to establish rigorous and creative solutions for geotechnical structures (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M5 and M6).

This module contributes to the AHEP 43 learning outcomes M1, M2, M3, M5, M6, M9 and M13.

Skills outcomes
Academic:

a). The ability to plan time, prioritise tasks and organise academic and personal commitments effectively;

b). An ability to extract and evaluate pertinent data and to apply engineering analysis techniques in the solution of geotechnical problems.

Digital:

c). The ability to find, evaluate, organise and share information across a variety of formats, ensuring the reliability and integrity both of the sources used;

d). The ability to use digital technology and techniques to create digital items and the willingness to engage with new practices and perspectives to solve problems, make decisions and answer questions.

Enterprise:

e). The ability to search for, evaluate and use appropriate and relevant information sources to help strengthen the quality of academic work and independent research.

Sustainability Skills:

f). Recognises and understands relationships; analyses complex systems; considers how systems are embedded within different domains and scales; deals with uncertainty; uses analytical thinking;

g). Understands and evaluates multiple outcomes; their own visions for the future; applies the precautionary principle; assesses the consequences of actions; deals with risks and changes; uses scenario planning.

Work ready:

h). The ability to prioritise, work efficiently and productively and to manage your time well in order to meet deadlines;

i). The ability to take a logical approach to solving problems; resolving issues by tackling from different angles, using both analytical and numerical skills. The ability to understand, interpret, analyse and manipulate analytical and numerical data;

j). The ability to take a logical approach to solving problems; resolving issues by tackling from different angles, using both analytical and creative skills. The ability to understand, interpret, analyse and manipulate numerical data;

k). The ability to gather information from a range of sources, analyse, and interpret data to aid understanding and anticipate problems. To use reasoning and judgement to identify needs, make decisions, solve problems, and respond with actions.

Syllabus

- Slopes and embankments: analysis of slip circles including effects of steady state flow; rapid draw down.

- Geosynthetics and soil reinforcement: Materials; Functions - filtration, separation, reinforcement, erosion control, drainage in plane, flow prevention; Reinforced earth walls - analysis and construction.

- Soil-structure interaction: Analysis of gravity and other retaining walls; tunnels.

- Advanced analysis techniques: Mohr-Coulomb, Tresca and Lade & Duncan in 3-dimensional principal stress space using stress invariants, critical state Roscoe and Hvorslev surfaces in 3-dimensional p:q:V space.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Class tests, exams and assessment	1	3.00	3.00
Lecture	11	2.00	22.00
Tutorial	11	1.00	11.00
Private study hours			114.00
Total Contact hours			36.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

The coursework assignment will be the numerical analysis of a reinforced geotechnical engineering structure. A report will be produced showing the reinforced design and the supporting calculations.

This will require extensive background reading on soil reinforcement as well as the general technical literature, analysing the structure and producing a report.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Students are required to present an assigned problem.
- The coursework includes formative elements to monitor student progress and provide feedback.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Report	Numerical analysis of a reinforced geotechnical structure	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		30.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	3 hr	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		70.00

Re-sit - 100% standard exam

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 11/06/2024

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