Module ENGI44220: ADVANCED GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING AND HYDROLOGY

Department: Engineering

ENGI44220: ADVANCED GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING AND HYDROLOGY

Prerequisites

• ENGI3311,ENGI3341

Corequisites

• As specified in programme regulations

Excluded Combination of Modules

• As specified in programme regulations

Aims

• This module is designed solely for students studying Department of Engineering degree programmes.
• The module will provide graduates with advanced knowledge of the design and analysis of embankment and concrete dams, tunnels and foundation design for offshore structures, as well as providing advanced knowledge of hydrology.

Content

• ADVANCED GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
• Dam Classification (earth and rockfill, roller compacted, gravity, buttress and arch).
• Stability and internal seepage in embankment dams
• Concrete dam stability.
• Classification of offshore foundation types.
• Anchors.
• Lateral loading on foundations.
• Types of Tunnels
• Stability analysis of tunnels
• Ground deformation due to tunnelling
• HYDROLOGY
• Measurement of rainfall data and consistency check.
• Extension of rainfall measurements and evaluation of missing data and estimation of the areal precipitation.
• Statistical concepts relevant to hydrology - frequency analysis and return period concept and hydrological forecasting.
• Methods for measuring and estimating evaporation and evapotranspiration.
• Soil moisture and methods of measuring and estimating infiltration capacity.
• Different occurrences of groundwater.
• Yield of wells and pumping analysis.

Learning Outcomes

• Appreciation and technical understanding of the characterisation and testing of soils to enable the design and analysis of a variety of geotechnical structures.
• Understanding of the capabilities and limitations of advanced simulation methods when applied to geotechnical engineering problems.
• Knowledge of simple analysis tools and modelling techniques for the prediction of the performance of geotechnical structures.
• Understanding of the different types of dam structures and their suitability for different geological/topological conditions.
• Understanding of the different types of offshore structures.
• Knowledge of simple design methods for offshore structures.
• Understanding the performance of tunnels.
• Appreciation and technical understanding of advanced analysis tools and modelling techniques for the prediction of hydrological variables.
• Understanding of the capabilities as well as the limitations of predictive methods when applied to varied environmental conditions and engineering problems.
• Knowledge of simple analysis tools and modelling techniques for the prediction of hydrological variables.

• The awareness of current design codes of practice and engineering approaches to geotechnical design.
• The use of the Finite Element method in the analysis of offshore foundations.
• The ability to carry out assessments of the stability of geotechnical structures.
• The awareness of current technology, analysis methods and industrial practices along with the ability to apply those methods in novel situations.
• The ability to identify the different phases of the hydrological cycle and to describe the physical processes involved.
• The ability to perform critical assessment and review and to communicate the results of their own work effectively.

• Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
• Highly specialised analytical and numerical skills appropriate to an engineer.
• Highly specialised use of information technology (IT) relevant to the engineering profession.
• Mathematics relevant to the application of advanced engineering concepts.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Advanced Geotechnical Engineering course: This course is taught using lectures and reinforced by workshops and problems. Coursework assignments and written examinations are appropriate because of the practical nature of the material covered in this course and to assess the student's ability to perform independent data analysis and professional reporting. Hydrology Course: this course is covered in lectures and is reinforced by seminars leading to the required problem solving capability.
• Written timed examinations are appropriate for all module components because of the largely quantitative methods covered in the courses. The examination will enable students to demonstrate their ability to solve advanced problems independently.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

None

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University