ENGCV231-18A (HAM)

Geotechnical Engineering 1

15 Points

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Division of Health Engineering Computing & Science
School of Engineering

Staff

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Convenor(s)

Vicki Moon

Vicki Moon
9388
DE.1.03
To be advised
vicki.moon@waikato.ac.nz

Lecturer(s)

Ali Shokri

Ali Shokri
4389
EF.2.02
To be advised
ali.shokri@waikato.ac.nz

Administrator(s)

Placement Coordinator(s)

Tutor(s)

Student Representative(s)

Lab Technician(s)

Librarian(s)

: debby.dada@waikato.ac.nz

You can contact staff by:

  • Calling +64 7 838 4466 select option 1, then enter the extension.
  • Extensions starting with 4, 5 or 9 can also be direct dialled:
    • For extensions starting with 4: dial +64 7 838 extension.
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Paper Description

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This paper introduces students to the basic concepts of soil and rock mechanics. The nature and means of development of strength in soils and rocks are discussed, and concepts of permeability and seepage developed . Field and laboratory work gives students the opportunity to learn practical skills and apply the knowledge gained in lectures.

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Paper Structure

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This paper is taught using a combination of lectures, discussions and practical exercises. The first part of the paper concentrates on engineering soil materials, addressing basic soil mechanics and seepage, together with methods for measuring soil strength in the field and laboratory. Limit equilibrium stability analysis for slopes is considered using local examples from soil slopes. The later part of the paper deals with the strength of rock materials, considering both intact and mass strength and means of measuring or estimating rock strength. An introduction to site investigation methods is given during a one day field trip.

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Learning Outcomes

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Students who successfully complete the course should be able to:

  • 1. Describe the structure of phyllosilicate clay minerals and discuss how these components impact on the strength and rheology of soil materials.
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • 2. Understand and be able to apply basic soil mechanics principles, including:
    • Explain how cohesion and friction are developed in soil materials;
    • Use Coulomb’s Equation to predict soil strength under differing load conditions;
    • Discuss the causes and implications of pore water pressure in soil materials;
    • Undertake standard laboratory tests including direct shear box, Atterberg limits, density and moisture contents, and interpret the results.
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  • 3. Describe the nature, causes and implications of sensitive and dispersive soils, and liquefaction.
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  • 4. Undertake a deterministic stability analysis for simple soil slopes and discuss the results in terms of the assumptions involved in the analysis and input data quality.
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  • 5. Understand and apply basic rock mechanics principles, including:
    • Describe mass wasting processes on rock slopes;
    • Discuss the influence of discontinuities on rock slope processes;
    • Distinguish intact and mass strength and describe the characteristics of rock slopes that contribute to rock strength.
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  • 6. Apply site investigation principles and methods in an applied context:
    • Prepare and present a geomorphic map of a landslide
    • Use field index tests and prepare stratigraphic sections and soil profiles using appropriate geomechanics terminology
    • Prepare a detailed written report presenting methods and results and discussing the implications of the findings
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  • 7. Determine soil phase relations
    • Void ratio
    • Porosity
    • Degree of saturation
    • Air content
    • Unit weight (s)
    • Specific gravity
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  • 8. Understand and apply principles of water flow through saturated soils and calculate seepage, pore water pressure, uplift forces and seepage stresses for simple geotechnical examples
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  • 9. Determine stress distribution within a soil mass and discuss the concept of effective stress.
    Linked to the following assessments:
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Assessment

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Assessed work involves completing a series of laboratory reports that introduce basic soil mechanics laboratory techniques. Each report is expected to be 3–4 pages long, with original data, graphs and analysis, and a brief interpretation of the results presented.

A field report is prepared and should include a map, soil descriptions, a slope stability analysis, and a discussion of the strength and weaknesses of the methods used.

Further details of submission requirements are included on Moodle.

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Assessment Components

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The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 50:50. There is no final exam. The final exam makes up 50% of the overall mark.

The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 50:50 or 0:0, whichever is more favourable for the student. The final exam makes up either 50% or 0% of the overall mark.

Component DescriptionDue Date TimePercentage of overall markSubmission MethodCompulsory
1. Test
3 May 2018
4:00 PM
15
  • In Class: In Lecture
2. Assessed lab. report 1
26 Mar 2018
No set time
6
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
3. Assessed lab. report 2
4 Apr 2018
No set time
7
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
4. Assessed lab. report 3
30 Apr 2018
No set time
7
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
5. Field Report
5 Jun 2018
No set time
15
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
6. Exam
50
✔
Assessment Total:     100    
Failing to complete a compulsory assessment component of a paper will result in an IC grade
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Required and Recommended Readings

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Required Readings

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Study guide material will be available on Moodle.

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Recommended Readings

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Selby M.J., 1993; Hillslope Materials and Processes. 2nd edition. Oxford University Press.

Das B. M., 2012; Principles of Geotechnical Engineering 8th edition. Cengage Learning.

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Online Support

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Online support will be provided via Moodle, which is accessible to all students who are enrolled in the paper.

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Workload

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There are 28 lectures, 17 hours of practical sessions, 1 test, 12 tutorials and 8 hours field work. Three laboratory reports are expected to take approximately 5 hours of individual study each to complete. The field report is prepared during laboratory times and through individual study. It is expected that the field report will require approximately 10 hours of independent work to complete after the field trip.

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Linkages to Other Papers

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ERTH352-18A Engineering Geology
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Prerequisite(s)

Prerequisite papers: ENGEN112 or ENMP102

Corequisite(s)

Equivalent(s)

Restriction(s)

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