Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Geomechanics (soil mechanics and rock mechanics) and their application to geotechnical engineering is one of the most important areas of study for civil engineers. It is concerned with the use of soil and/or rock as an engineering material and includes a wide range of activities such as: site investigation and soil/rock classification, material selection, design of foundations for building, bridges, and other structures, design and construction of dams, road pavements, embankments, tunnel excavation and supports, and slope stabilisation.
This is the first of two compulsory units and one elective unit, covering the field of geomechanics and geotechnical engineering, which requires basic engineering mechanics knowledge gained from ENB110 (Static & Materials) and Mathematics knowledge gained in the first year.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to develop your knowledge and skills of how soils may be described and classified, for integrated world wide communication of geotechnical information. You also will learn how to use soil data in analysing the stability of earth structures.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Explain and apply geotechnical theory to solve practical geotechnical problems.
2. Calculate engineering properties of soil.
3. Design geo-structures such as slopes, dams, channels and retaining walls using appropriate software, geotechnical theory and soil properties.
4. Construct simplified earth structure models from complex geotechnical problems.
5. Measure engineering properties of soil conducting appropriate laboratory tests being a member of a student group and present the finding in a report.

Content

Topics to be covered:

• An introduction to soil mechanics and soil formation


• Phase relationships in soils


• Soil classification


• Soil Stresses


• Permeability and seepage


• Shear strength


• Slope stability


• Lateral earth pressure and design of simple retaining structures

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Teaching Mode: 6 hrs per week plus 2 prac sessions and one computer session
Lecture: 2 x 2 hrs
SI Tutorial: 2 hrs
Computer session: 1 x 2 hrs (Week 7)
Pracs: 1 x 2 hrs and 1 x 1 hrs (Week 5/7 and Week 9/11).
Written reports should be submitted one week after each prac.

Lectures provide the key theoretical principles and concepts illustrated with significant examples. In tutorial class you will work through practical applications and problem solving techniques with tutor guidance and class discussion. In practical laboratory sessions, you will work in small groups to integrate theory with practice by 'real' testing of lab soil samples and structures. Use of geotechnical methods, software and group work will give you real 'test and report' experiences similar to industry requirements. The final exam will involve problem solving key concepts, techniques and solutions from across the semester.

Assessment

Assessment will be based on one online/in-class quiz covering the first half of semester work (open book), laboratory reports and a final exam. Formative assessment will include tutorial answers, 'practice exams', and the first attempt at the quiz (if it is online one) with opportunity for feedback.You will receive ongoing oral feedback throughout the semester in lab and tutorial class discussions. If the quiz is online one, to assist learning and feedback opportunity, you are encouraged to submit the online quiz and get feedback on any areas of difficulty from the lecturer before submitting a second time. Similarly, you will have opportunities for group and tutor/lecturer discussion of your lab report prior to submission with written feedback afterwards to assist with the other lab reports. You are also encouraged to seek oral feedback from lecturer and other students after completing a 'practice exam' via the unit website. Criteria sheets about the final exam will be available on the unit website and feedback will also available on request after the exam results are published.

Assessment name: Final Examination
Description: Multiple choice and/or problem solving questions should be completed in pre-determined, restricted time span under invigilated conditions (closed book). The exam is based on week 1-13 lecture content.
Relates to objectives: 1 - 4.
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Examination period.

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: Finite number of online multiple choice questions should be completed in restricted time span in week 8. The task is non-invigilated, open book, and permitted two attempts with feedback on request in between. The task is based on week 1-7 lecture content.
Relates to objectives: 1 - 4.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 8.

Assessment name: Laboratory practical
Description: Reports on the finding of laboratory experiments and the application of measured soil properties in geotechnical design. Laboratory experiments are related to soil classification, soil permeability, and shear strength of soil.

Students will be required to submit their reports one week after their prac class in weeks 6-9 and 10-12.
Relates to objectives: 2, 3, 5.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 12.

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

• Prescribed Textbook: Craig's Soil Mechanics by R. F. Craig, 7th Edition (2004), Spon Press - U. K.


• Recommended Textbook: Craig's Soil Mechanics - Solutions Manual by Craig, 7th Edition (2004) Spon Press - U. K.


• Online: Students version (free) of SEEP/w and SLOPE/w software


• Lecture notes on QUT blackboard


• Students may incur incidental cost in printing lecture notes, web based manuals, and using electronic media for information storage

Risk assessment statement

Students in this unit will undertake lectures and tutorials in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres. Therefore, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit.
Students will be required to undertake practical sessions in the laboratory under the supervision of the lecturer, tutors, and technical staff of the school. The school's occupational health and safety policies and procedures will apply to these sessions. It is recommended for students to wear steel-cap boots in attending laboratory practical sessions.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 22-Oct-2012