Geotechnical Engineering Subject Outline PDF

Preview

Summary

Subject Outline 2021-2022...

Description

SUBJECT OUTLINE 48360 Geotechnical Engineering Course area

UTS: Engineering

Delivery

Autumn 2021; City

Subject Fields of practice: Civil Engineering program classification Credit points 6cp Requisite(s)

48330 Soil Behaviour

Result type

Grade and marks

Attendance: Online. Forms of attendance and mode of delivery in this subject have changed to enable social distancing and reduce the risks of spreading COVID-19 in our community.

Subject coordinator Assoc Prof Hadi Khabbaz Phone: (02) 9514 9942 Email: [email protected] Consultation Times: As advised on Canvas. Consultation times and online discussion are offered to students via email (at any time), Zoom or phone calls on Thursdays from 2 PM to 4 PM. In addition, on campus face-to-face consultation sessions are also available by appointment for this subject.

Teaching staff Assoc Prof Hadi Khabbaz Phone: (02) 9514 9942; Email: [email protected]

Subject description The aim of this subject is to develop students' technical competence in the analysis of soil masses and of structures associated with the soil. The analysis of footings, piles, retaining walls and soil slopes are examples. By completing this subject, students should be able to understand the concept of failure in soil and apply it to the analysis of soil masses; critically appraise a problem in order to decide which particular analysis should be used; identify the limitations of their analyses and carry out appropriate solution validation; be responsible for the analysis component of a design team; study the relevant literature and learn to apply new or more complex methods of analysis; and carry out fieldwork in association with subsurface investigations. Topics include introduction to geotechnical design (criteria, codes, engineering judgment); site investigation (planning, fieldwork, techniques); shallow foundations (types, bearing capacity theories, settlement); retaining structures (earth pressure theories, Rankine and Coulomb methods, analysis of gravity walls, cantilever walls, braced excavations); deep foundations (types, load-carrying capacity, settlement, group behaviour, lateral loading); slope stability (failure mechanisms, infinite slopes, rotational failure, remedial measures); and soil improvement (site classification, reactive soils behaviour, ground improvement methods).

Subject learning objectives (SLOs) Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to: 1. Understand the concept of failure in soil and apply it to the analysis of soil masses 2. Critically appraise a problem in order to decide which particular analysis should be used 3. Identify the limitations of design approaches and carry out appropriate solution validation

03/03/2021 (Autumn 2021)

© University of Technology Sydney

Page 1 of 8

4. Apply appropriate numerical and analytical procedures in design of geotechnical engineering structures 5. Assess and differentiate required field work in association with subsurface investigations

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs) This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1) Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)

Teaching and learning strategies This subject comprises lectures, active tutorials and collaborative learning sessions on detailed design, individual tests, assignments and a group project. The class virtually meets twice a week, the first meeting is an online lecture, while the second meeting will consist of a tutorial and an online design forum. This subject integrates online and face-to-face experiences. Students gain first exposure to new material outside of class. Students are expected to read and think about the materials prepared for each class including lecture notes, video clips, worked examples and conceptual questions on the topic, before attending the class. Then almost half of the class time is used to do the harder work of integrating that knowledge through strategies such as problem solving and discussion on the conceptual questions design methodologies and construction aspect of the target geotechnical structures. Students undertake two take home quizzes in this subject to assess and further develop their understanding of key concepts in geotechnical engineering, problem solving skills, engineering decision making and innovative thoughts. Past examination, questions and papers will be posted on Canvas in the form of tutorial examples, quizzes and solved assignments. Students are expected to review them, before attending each take home exercise. Students undertake two take home quizzes in this subject to assess and further develop their understanding of key concepts in geotechnical engineering, problem solving skills, engineering decision making and innovative thoughts. Past examination, questions and papers will be posted on Canvas in the form of tutorial examples, quizzes and solved assignments. Students are expected to review them, before attending each take home exercise. Students undertake a number of assignments that involve problem solving and engineering decision-making. The assignments will include solving the given technical problems, preparation of short written reports and completion of a self-learning module. Where feasible, assignments are designed to encourage students to work with a wide range of data inputs and apply innovative approaches. These assignments are largely self-assessed in order to allow students to gauge their understanding of the subject matter. There are many opportunities for students to receive written or oral feedback. Students will receive constructive feedback on their assignments, quizzes and design project. Maximum two weeks after each take home exercise and submission of assignments, students will receive individual feedback as well as collective feedback. See at the specific assessment tasks for more detail.

Content (topics) Introduction to geotechnical design - design criteria, codes, accepted design values Site investigation: planning, field work, techniques, reporting Shallow foundations: types, bearing capacity theories, settlement Deep foundations: types, load carrying capacity, settlement, group behaviour, lateral loading Retaining structures: earth pressure theories; Rankine and Coulomb, analysis of gravity walls, cantilever walls, braced excavations Slope stability: failure mechanisms, infinite slopes, rotational failure, remedial measures Soil improvement and dealing with problematic soils including site classifications and expansive soil stabilisation

03/03/2021 (Autumn 2021)

© University of Technology Sydney

Page 2 of 8

Program The aim of this subject is to develop students' technical competence in the analysis of soil masses and of structures associated with the soil. The analysis of footings, retaining walls and soil slopes are examples. By completing this subject, students should be able to understand the concept of failure in soil and apply it to the analysis of soil masses; critically appraise a problem in order to decide which particular analysis should be used; identify the limitations of their analyses and carry out appropriate solution validation; be responsible for the analysis component of a design team; study the relevant literature and learn to apply new or more complex methods of analysis; and carry out fieldwork in association with subsurface investigations. Topics include introduction to geotechnical design – criteria, codes, engineering judgment; site investigation – planning, fieldwork, techniques; shallow foundations – types, bearing capacity theories, retaining structures; earth pressure theories – Rankine and Coulomb, analysis of gravity walls, cantilever walls, braced excavations; deep foundations – types, load-carrying capacity, settlement, group behaviour, lateral loading; slope stability – failure mechanisms, infinite slopes, rotational failure, remedial measures; and soil improvement – compaction, soil stabilisation, dewatering, preloading.

Assessment Assessment task 1: Geotechnical Engineering Assignment Sets Intent:

To strengthen design skills and problem solving techniques; identify students’ issues in analysis and design, apply corrective measures.

Objective(s): This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 Type:

Report

Groupwork: Individual Weight:

30%

Task:

Students will classify, formulate and solve various problems, and differentiate the different types of solutions. Assignment tasks will be posted on Canvas.

Length:

Varies with each assignment

Due:

Assignment Set #1 (Weight: 15%): Sunday 18 April 2021 before 11.59pm; Assignment Set #2 (Weight: 15%): Sunday 23 May 2021 before 11.59pm See also Further information.

Further The assignment report should have your full name and student number. Students should submit the information: detailed solutions of the assignments on the due dates. Each student should submit the assignment solutions individually and separately on UTS Online. Marked assignments will be returned to students two weeks after submission.

Assessment task 2: Take Home Quizzes Intent:

To strengthen design skills and problem solving techniques; identify students’ issues in analysis and design, apply corrective measures.

03/03/2021 (Autumn 2021)

© University of Technology Sydney

Page 3 of 8

Objective(s): This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 Type:

Quiz/test

Groupwork: Individual Weight:

40%

Task:

Two take home quizzes will be held during the teaching session. The aims of these quizzes are to keep students up to date with the concepts and methods covered in lectures, practice problem solving techniques, provide a convenient means for students to assess their understanding of fundamental rules and ability to deal with small design and practical problems.

Due:

Take Home Quiz 1 (Weight: 20%): Saturday 27 March 2021 before 11.59pm; Take Home Quiz 2 (Weight: 20%): Saturday 15 May 2021 before 11.59pm See also further information. See also Further information.

Further information:

The take home quizzes consist of a number of questions, which normally require some calculations. Students will receive feedback within two weeks of submission

Assessment task 3: Major Design Project Intent:

Work individually, design and summarise a real life geotechnical project.

Objective(s): This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 Type:

Project

Groupwork: Individual Weight:

30%

Task:

The project requires a written report, which includes the methods used in the design and the necessary calculations. Marks will be awarded based on the written report, the adequacy of the design work and correctness of calculations.

Due:

Sunday 30 May 2021 before 11.59pm. See also Further information.

03/03/2021 (Autumn 2021)

© University of Technology Sydney

Page 4 of 8

Further The report should include an Appendix, including a collection of the paperwork and calculations information: generated. A booklet, including the detailed procedures and clear requirements for report preparation, will be provided to all students and posted on UTS Online. Students will receive feedback within two weeks of submission.

Use of plagiarism detection software Avoiding plagiarism is an essential step in the process of learning to write academically. Students’ assignments and reports may be monitored by the plagiarism detection software used by UTS. Please refer to the following link for more information to avoid plagiarism: http://web.uts.edu.au/teachlearn/avoidingplagiarism/

Assessment feedback All assessments are based on problem solving to provide students with opportunities to demonstrate their grasp of concepts and principles used in analysing and designing of geotechnical engineering structures. Feedback is discussed in the lecture and tutorial classes after each quiz or submission of assignments. General feedback will be posted on Canvas. Commonly, feedback is planned to be returned to students within two weeks of a submission. It should be noted that further feedback would be available for assignment questions during consulting hours; and students can also learn from interaction with other students.

Examination material or equipment All assessments are open book. Any written materials, calculators and drawing instruments are allowed to be used.

Minimum requirements In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.

Required texts Geotechnical Engineering 48360 Students Notes

Recommended texts Budhu, M., “Soil Mechanics and Foundations”, 3rd edition, Wiley & Sons, 2011

References A set of course notes will be provided gradually during the course together with a copy of the main slides used in lectures. During the course no reference will be made to specific text books so that students will not find it necessary to purchase a text book. However either of the following books would constitute a suitable reference book for the subject: Knappett, J. and Craig, R. F. “Craig's Soil Mechanics”, 9th Edition, CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group, 2020. Budhu, M., “Soil Mechanics and Foundations”, 3rd Edition, Wiley & Sons, 2011. Liu C. and Evert J.B. “Soils and Foundations”, 8th Edition, Pearson Education, Inc, 2014. Smith, I., “Smith’s Elements of Soil Mechanics”, 8th Edition, Blackwell Science, 2006. Das, B. M., “Principles of Geotechnical Engineering”, 10th Edition, Cengage Learning, 2021. Bowles J. E. “Foundation analysis and design” student edition, 6th Edition, McGraw Hill, Int., 1998

Other resources Internet Sites Australian Geomechanics Society (AGS): http://australiangeomechanics.org/ Centre for Geotechnical Practice and Research (CGPR): http://www.cgpr.cee.vt.edu/ US University Council on Geotechnical Education and Research (USUCGER): http://www.usucger.org/ UTS-Online A copy of the course notes will be available on UTS-Online in PDF format. A copy of lecture slides (in PDF) will also be available on UTS-Online together with a copy of assignments and tutorials questions. In addition, all important announcements will be posted on UTS-Online. Students are encouraged to set up a student forum for discussion about their major project or any other topics related

03/03/2021 (Autumn 2021)

© University of Technology Sydney

Page 5 of 8

to Geotechnical Engineering on UTS-Online.

Graduate attribute development For a full list of the faculty's graduate attributes refer to the FEIT Graduate Attributes webpage. For the contribution of subjects taken in the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or Master of Professional Engineering to the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies, see the faculty's Graduate Attributes and the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies webpage.

Assessment: faculty procedures and advice Marking criteria Marking criteria for each assessment task is available on the Learning Management System: Canvas. Extensions When, due to extenuating circumstances, you are unable to submit or present an assessment task on time, please contact your subject coordinator before the assessment task is due to discuss an extension. Extensions may be granted up to a maximum of 5 days (120 hours). In all cases you should have extensions confirmed in writing. Special consideration If you believe your performance in an assessment item or exam has been adversely affected by circumstances beyond your control, such as a serious illness, loss or bereavement, hardship, trauma, or exceptional employment demands, you may be eligible to apply for Special Consideration. Late penalty For Graded subjects: Work submitted late without an approved extension is subject to a late penalty of 10 per cent of the total available marks deducted per calendar day that the assessment is overdue (e.g. if an assignment is out of 40 marks, and is submitted (up to) 24 hours after the deadline without an extension, the student will have four marks deducted from their awarded mark). Work submitted after five calendar days is not accepted and a mark of zero is awarded. For some assessment tasks a late penalty may not be appropriate – these are clearly indicated in the subject outline. Such assessments receive a mark of zero if not completed by/on the specified date. Examples include: a. weekly online tests or laboratory work worth a small proportion of the subject mark, or b. online quizzes where answers are released to students on completion, or c. professional assessment tasks, where the intention is to create an authentic assessment that has an absolute submission date, or d. take-home papers that are assessed during a defined time period, or e. pass/fail assessment tasks. For Pass/Fail subjects: Work submitted late without an approved extension will only be assessed at the subject coordinator’s discretion. Students who do not submit assessment tasks by the due dates may be referred to the Responsible Academic Officer under Student Rule 3.8.2, and a fail result may be recorded for the subject. Querying results If you believe an error may have been made in the calculation of your result in an assessment task or the final result for the subject, it is possible to query the result with the Subject Coordinator within five (5) working days of the date of release of the result.

Academic liaison officer Academic liaison officers (ALOs) are academic staff in each faculty who assist students experiencing difficulties in their studies due to: disability and/or an ongoing health condition; carer responsibilities (e.g. being a primary carer for small children or a family member with a disability); and pregnancy. ALOs are responsible for approving adjustments to assessment arrangements for students in these categories. Students who require adjustments due to disability and/or an ongoing health condition are requested to discuss their

03/03/2021 (Autumn 2021)

© University of Technology Sydney

Page 6 of 8

situation with an accessibility consultant at the Accessibility Service before speaking to the relevant ALO.

Statement about assessment procedures and advice This subject outline must be read in conjunction with the Coursework Assessments policy and procedures.

Statement on copyright Teaching materials and resources provided to you at UTS are protected by copyright. You are not permitted to re-use these for commercial purposes (including in kind benefit or gain) without permission of the copyright owner. Improper or illegal use of teaching materials may lead to prosecution for copyright infringement.

Statement on plagiarism Plagiarism and academic integrity At UTS, p...