Geotechnical Engineering
Overview
This unit of study aims to introduce engineering students to the fundamentals and basic techniques used in Geotechnical Engineering. In particular, it aims to introduce students to design and construction principles of Civil / Geotechnical Engineering type structures such as earth retaining structures, shallow foundations, residential slabs and footings, deep foundations, and the assessment of stability for sloping ground.
Requisites
01-June-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Analyse earth retaining structures to determine active, passive and at rest lateral earth pressures (and associated forces) based on Mohr circles and the Mohr-Coulomb failure criteria of soils. (K1, K2, K3, K6, S1, S2, S3)
- Determine bearing capacities for shallow foundations and be able to design suitable footing systems for various soil conditions based on strength and settlement criteria. (K1, K2, K3, K6, S1, S2, S3)
- Appreciate the soil – structure interaction model for residential slab footings and active type soils, and thus be able to predict ground movement and select appropriate shallow footing systems for residential structures and design them in accordance with Australian Standard AS2870 for various sites and soil conditions. (K1, K2, K3, K4, K6, S1, S2, S3, A2, A7)
- Design deep foundations based on strength and settlement criteria for various sites and soils conditions. (K1, K2, K3, K6, S1, S2, S3)
- Analyse sloping ground against slope failure and assess the factor of safety using multiple methods of analysis. (K1, K2, K3, K6, S1, S2, S3)
- Conduct a basic technical investigation by performing a literature review, compile and analyse the information gathered, and produce a brief and concise (journal style) report with an appropriate conclusion. (A2, A4, A5, A7)
- Perform a brief and concise oral presentation of technical material, which simulates a conference style presentation. (A2, A4, A5, A7)
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face to Face Contact (Phasing out) Lecture | 3.00 | 12 weeks | 36 |
| Face to Face Contact (Phasing out) Tutorial | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Unspecified Learning Activities (Phasing out) Independent Learning | 7.50 | 12 weeks | 90 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Group | 15% | 3 |
| Examination | Individual | 60% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Online Quizzes | Individual | 10% | 1,2,4 |
| Research Assignment | Group | 15% | 6,7 |
Hurdle
As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass a unit and meet all ULOs to a minimum standard, an undergraduate student must have achieved:
(i) an aggregate mark of 50% or more, and(ii) at least 40% in the final exam.Students who do not successfully achieve hurdle requirement (ii) will receive a maximum of 45% as the total mark for the unit.""As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass a unit and meet all Unit Learning Outcomes to a minimum standard, a student must achieve:(i) an aggregate mark of 50% or more, and(ii) at least 40% in the final exam.Students who do not successfully achieve hurdle requirement (ii) will receive a maximum of 45% as the total mark for the unit.
Content
- Lateral Earth Pressures and Design of Retaining Walls
- Bearing Capacity and Design of Shallow Foundations
- Residential Slabs and Footings Design to AS2870
- Piling and Design of Deep Foundations
- Slope Stability Analysis
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.