Geotechnical Applications (CVEN90027)

This is a geotechnical engineering subject in which students will be introduced to various geotechnical engineering application topics, including the design of pile foundations, tunnels and earth dams, basics of rock mechanics, rock slope stability assessment and site characterisation.  This subject is of particular interest to students intending to establish a career in geotechnical engineering; it is also relevant to a range of engineering disciplines in which a good knowledge of geotechnical engineering offers an advantage, such as structural engineering.  

The subject covers pile foundations – Various pile types available in the construction field and their installation and load bearing mechanisms, design of a single pile and a pile group with considering the bearing capacity and settlement failures, rock socketed piles, laterally loaded piles, micro piles and ground improvement techniques for piling; Basic rock mechanics – Rock stresses and strength, rock failure principles, rock testing; Rock slope assessment – Apply the theories of rock mechanics on slope stability assessment; Site characterisation for foundations – Planning and implementation of a site investigation; Tunneling- Key factors in tunnel design and design processes; Earth dam design – Different types of earth Dams and their functions, key design concepts.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to: 

• LO1. Design a basic pile foundation considering the potential bearing capacity and settlement failures in a single pile and pile group.
• LO2. Apply the basic pile design knowledge for more complicated load application and ground conditions: Rock socketed piles, laterally loaded piles and micro piles.
• LO3. Understand the basic rock mechanics principles.
• LO4. Apply the fundamental knowledge of rock mechanics on field applications: Rock slope stability assessment and site investigation
• LO5. Evaluate the critical aspects of earth dam design and handle practical issues
• LO6. Evaluate the fundamentals of tunnelling and key aspects of a tunnelling project

Generic skills

• Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation, and solution
• Ability to utilise a systems approach to complex problems and to design and operational performance
• Ability to manage information and documentation
• Understanding environmental responsibilities and the need for sustainable development
• Critical thinking and judgement
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to function effectively as an individual with the capacity to be an effective team member.