Module Code - Title:

EN6442 - ADVANCED GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING

Year Last Offered:

2025/6

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

3

Lab

2

Tutorial

0

Other

0

Private

5

Credits

6

Grading Type:

N

Prerequisite Modules:

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

This module is created to develop modelling and interpretation skills in the field of geotechnical engineering. Established geotechnical models are introduced and applied in the assessment of soil-structure interaction effects in civil engineering structures.

Syllabus:

Critical State Theory and stress path sketching review, Overview of modelling techniques e.g. constitutive, physical, numerical, centrifuge modelling. Selection and measurement of geotechnical parameters for modelling. Soil-structure interaction and Serviceability criteria for buildings, Geotechnical instrumentation,

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

C1) Sketch stress paths for soils subjected to common geotechnical loadings. C2) Describe and illustrate the key parameters and behaviours in critical state soil mechanics (CSSM). C3) Derive CSSM parameters from laboratory test data. C4) Apply CSSM theory in modelling the predicting the behaviour of geotechnical structures using hand calculations and proprietary software. C5) Discuss the various geotechnical modelling techniques and the merits and demerits of each e.g. pile group behaviour. C6) Evaluate soil-structure interaction (SSI) effects in common geotechnical structures and assess the likelihood of building damage due to SSI effects - e.g. earth retaining structures. C7) Specify geotechnical instrumentation to measure or monitor soil behaviour.

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

A1) Appreciate the limitations of modelling a natural and highly variable material like soil. A2) Justify modelling decisions during technical discussions and debate.

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

N/A

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

The module will include lectures, computer modelling using proprietary software, technical discussion and debate. Where possible, the problems solved will be integrated with projects in the module 'Advanced Structures' - this module runs in the same semester.

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

Prime Texts:

Atkinson, J. H. (2007) The Mechanics of Soils and Foundations, 2 Ed. , Spon Press

Muir Wood, D. (2004) Geotechnical Modelling - Applied Geotechnics Volume 1 , Spon Press

Other Relevant Texts:

Institution of Structural Engineers (1989) Soil Structure Interaction - The real behaviour of structures. , I. Strut. E

Muir Wood, D. (1990) Soil Behaviour and Critical State Soil Mechanics , Cambridge University Press.

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

BECIENUFA - CIVIL ENGINEERING

Semester(s) Module is Offered:

Spring

Module Leader:

declan.phillips@ul.ie