Module Code - Title:
CE4048
-
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING DESIGN
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
WT4014
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module applies the material covered in WT4014 and CEXXX5 in the context of designing geotechnical structures for building or infrastructure projects. The course is designed to challenge the student to apply soil mechanics tenets through case-based projects. The following are the key objectives of the module:
Key objectives
* To develop geotechnical design skills.
* Apply the principles of soil mechanics and geology to design.
* To generate enthusiasm for the subject by analysing design problems including computer modelling based on laboratory and field data from case histories.
Syllabus:
Three to four PBL projects involving the design of individual elements or a combination of elements will be required in this module. Elements to be analysed/designed include slope stability problems, shallow and deep foundations, earth retaining structures and ground improvement techniques. Fundamentals of the design process will be provided through a lecture/workshop format in a studio setting. The students will work in teams of 3 to 4 to develop viable engineering solutions to the problem. In at least one of the design exercises, computer modelling will be utilised as a tool to expedite the design process but output will have to be validated by hand calculations.
To excel in this module and achieve the learning outcomes, a work commitment outside the scheduled hours will be required.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
a)Perform calculations to determine the bearing capacity and settlement of shallow foundations and embankments on soft ground.
b)Design various types of piles
c)Discuss the various technologies for constructing and testing foundations
d)Analyse the stability of earth slopes; embankments, cuttings and natural slopes
e)Design earth-retaining structures.
f)Explain the various modes of stability failure in slopes.
g)Demonstrate an ability to communicate concepts and details through hand sketches
h)Set up and implement a finite element model (using PLAXIS) to analyse a given soil structure interaction problem.
i)Apply the design principles of Eurocode 7.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
1. Whitlow, R (2001)
Basic Soil Mechanics, 4th Ed
, Prentice Hall
Other Relevant Texts:
2. Atkinson, J. H. (2007)
An introduction to the Mechanics of Soils and Foundations through Critical State Soil Mechanics, 2nd Ed
, McGraw-Hill
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
declan.phillips@ul.ie