This is an introductory module in soil mechanics.
The student is introduced to basic concepts which allow for the identification, examination and description of the principal properties of various soil types. The engineering behaviour of soils under different conditions will also be examined.
*Curricular information is subject to change
- Soil Identification & Physical Properties: Physical composition of soils and clay minerals; Classification and description of soils; Phase relationships between the various phases of soils. Compaction.
- Permeability & Seepage: Darcy’s law; Methods for estimating coefficients of permeability of soils.
- Stresses & Strains in Soils: Total and effective stresses; Pore pressures; Coefficient of earth pressure at rest; Principal stresses, representation using Mohr circles.
- Shear Strength of Soils: Mohr-Coulomb theory, concepts of friction and cohesion, drained and undrained shear strength of soils.
- Laboratory Testing of Soils: Determine the plasticity, compaction and shear properties of a soil sample. Production of detailed report from tests.
Lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, self-study and coursework.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 60 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 40 |