Building on specialist geotechnical knowledge gained from papers ENGCV231 and ENGCV331, this paper advances the understanding of geotechnical engineering and its relevance to the Waikato and Bay of Plenty along with New Zealand through a review of the geomorphology and geology of the country. The paper links shear strength and volume change through stress-path testing and provides an analysis of soils by means of drained and undrained triaxial tests. It also discusses the unusual nature of New Zealand soils and how these may differ from classical soil mechanics. In addition, the more advanced understanding of soil mechanics will be used used to explore and design a variety of geotechnical processes and systems relevant to shallow foundations, deep foundations, embedded retaining walls, soil nails and anchors.

The learning outcomes for this paper are linked to Washington Accord graduate attributes WA1-WA11. Explanation of the graduate attributes can be found at: https://www.ieagreements.org/assets/Uploads/Documents/IEA-Graduate-Attributes-and-Professional-Competencies-2021.1-Sept-2021.pdf

This paper is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials and laboratories.

Tutorials and laboratories are an essential part of learning for this paper.

Accreditation

Samples of your work may be required as part of the Engineering New Zealand accreditation process for BE(Hons) degrees. Any samples taken will have the student name and ID redacted. If you do not want samples of your work collected then please email the engineering administrator, Natalie Shaw (natalie.shaw@waikato.ac.nz), to opt out.

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes are assessed using a combination of:

Laboratories (30%)

There are a total of two laboratory sessions, one a triaxial test in week 33 and the other testing in relation to liquefaction assessment in week 38. You will be required to analyse and interpret data from each test and provide a brief report summarising the results. Additional assignment questions will be provided as part of the laboratory work to solidify the processes and mechanics being investigated.

Test (30%)

The text will be closed book with ONE double-sided A4 cheat sheet page allowed and is worth 30% of your final grade. The format will be discussed in the lectures before the exam. A full formulae booklet will be provided.

Design Portfolio (40%)

The design portfolio will be worked on throughout the semester. You will be provided with project details and prepare a soil profile, calculate soil parameters and undertake a liquefaction assessment and geotechnical design, including shallow and deep foundations and retaining walls. You will prepare a design portfolio which will include a geotechnical interpretative report to summarise your findings and support your design recommendations. Your portfolio will be submitted in the last week of lectures and you will be required to provide a 5 minute video outlining your design recommendations to your client. The portfolio grade will be distributed across the activities undertaken as follows: soil profile, soil parameters and liquefaction assessment (7.5%), geotechnical design (15%), interpretative report (15%), video (2.5%). The activities will be staged and supported with additional information as required to help you to complete them on time.

This paper has a Moodle page (http://elearn.waikato.ac.nz) where you will be able to access lecture notes, lecture recordings, and assessment materials.

PLEASE NOTE: Moodle will be used for class notices etc. and it is your responsibility to check the site regularly. Instructions provided on Moodle and in lectures are considered to be given to the class as a whole.