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  3. Engineering Site Characterisation
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Engineering Site Characterisation (CVEN90044) // Further information

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Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    Mayne, P.W.; Christopher, B.R., and DeJong, J.T. 2002, Manual on Subsurface Investigations FHWA Publication No. FHWA NHI-01-031, 294 pp. (available on LMS)

    Recommended texts and other resources

    • Clayton, C.R.I.; Matthews, M.C., and Simons, N.E. 1995 Site investigation Oxford [England] ; Cambridge, Mass., USA : Blackwell Science, vii, 584 pp (available on LMS)
    • Local Geology and Geotechnical Problems, Notes by Professor Ian Johnston, (Available on LMS)
    • Guide to the investigation and sampling of sites with potentially contaminated soil Australian Standard AS 4482.1 – 2005 (available from UoM library)
    • Australian Standard AS 1726 – 1993, Geotechnical site investigations (available from UoM library)
    • Australian Standard AS 1289.6.3.2 – 1997, Methods of testing soils for engineering purposes; Method 6.3.2: Soil strength and consolidation tests—Determination of the penetration resistance of a soil—9 kg dynamic cone penetrometer test (available from UoM library)
    • Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1170.2 – 2002, Structural Design Actions: Part 2 – Wind Actions.
  • Subject notes

    LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS

    The subject is based principally on a mix of lectures, tutorials, fieldwork and laboratory demonstrations. In addition, experienced industry professionals present one or two case studies in their area of expertise and play important roles in some of the fieldworks. Computer laboratories, both guided and self-guided are used to learn dealing with maps (in ArcGIS), engineering site information, noise modelling (in Matlab) and decision making through problem-based learning. A site visit to a geological, environmental and socio-cultural rich location, such as the Stanley and Yarra Bend Parks, exposes students to teamwork and mandatory site visit for site investigations. Demonstration of common laboratory testing completes the variety of learning and teaching methods employed in the subject. Continuous assessment and feedback through almost weekly activities help students to assimilate the varied subject contents.

    INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES

    Prescribed book: Mayne, P.W.; Christopher, B.R., and DeJong, J.T. 2002, Manual on Subsurface Investigations FHWA Publication No. FHWA NHI-01-031, 294 pp. (available on LMS).
    In addition, supplementary information can be resourced from other textbooks, standards, class notes, including:
    • Clayton, C.R.I.; Matthews, M.C., and Simons, N.E. 1995 Site investigation Oxford [England] ; Cambridge, Mass., USA : Blackwell Science, vii, 584 pp (available on LMS)
    • Guide to the investigation and sampling of sites with potentially contaminated soil Australian Standard AS 4482.1 – 2005 (available from UoM library)
    • Geotechnical site investigations Australian Standard AS 1726 – 1993 (available from UoM library)
    • Methods of testing soils for engineering purposes; Method 6.3.2: Soil strength and consolidation tests—Determination of the penetration resistance of a soil—9 kg dynamic cone penetrometer test Australian Standard AS 1289.6.3.2 – 1997 (available from UoM library)

    CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS

    Experienced industry professionals present one or two case studies in their area of expertise during lectures and play important roles in the conception and delivery of one the fieldworks (boring log and dynamic cone penetrometer testing), exposing students to real-life situations and work experience from both senior and junior industry staff.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CourseDoctor of Philosophy - Engineering
    CourseMaster of Architectural Engineering
    CoursePh.D.- Engineering
    CourseMaster of Philosophy - Engineering
    Specialisation (formal)Civil
    Specialisation (formal)Civil with Business
    Specialisation (formal)Environmental
    Specialisation (formal)Structural
  • Available through the Community Access Program

    About the Community Access Program (CAP)

    This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.

    Additional information for this subject

    Subject coordinator approval required

  • Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students

    This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.

Last updated: 3 November 2022