Geotechnical Engineering

Subject 421-306 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Thirty hours of lectures, eighteen hours of tutorials and problem solving sessions.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:

421-209 Geomechanics 1

Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Sam Yuen

Contact

Dr Samuel Yuen
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Phone: +61 3 8344 6716

Email: s.yuen@civenv.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

Students completing this unit should understand how to make simplifications to complex soil conditions, how to establish strength/deformation characteristics of the soil and how to apply fundamental geomechanics knowledge learned in earlier units to solve problems involving the stability of an earth mass.

Topics covered include design of earth retaining structures; stability of slopes, seepage analysis, settlement and bearing capacity of shallow footings; site investigation and limit state design in geotechnical engineering.

Objectives:

Students completing this unit should understand

  • how to make simplifications to complex soil conditions,
  • how to establish strength/deformation characteristics of the soil and
  • how to apply fundamental Geomechanics knowledge learned in earlier units to solve problems involving the stability of an earth mass.
Assessment:

One 3-hour end of semester written examination (60%), together with three assignments of 2000 words each due throughout the semester (40%). A grade of 40% out of the 60% written examination must be attained in order to pass the subject.

Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals

  • ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers but also with the community at large

  • in-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline

  • ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution

  • ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance

  • ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member

  • expectation of the need to undertake lifelong learning, capacity to do so

  • capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning

  • intellectual curiosity and creativity, including understanding of the philosophical and methodological bases of research activity

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering)
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) and Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) and Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) and Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) and Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Engineering (EngineeringManagement) Civil

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