Aims and Fit of Module

To advance students’ knowledge in soil mechanics and to develop their skills in the design of various types of foundations and retaining structures.

Learning outcomes

A Apply principles of foundation design and construction including pads, strips, raft, piles and pile caps.
B Determine pore water pressure and lateral earth pressure imposed on retaining walls.
C Investigate quantitatively the stability of retaining structures (such as gravity, embedded, propped/anchored retaining walls) and provide geotechnical design solutions for these retaining structures.
D Compare foundation types and/or validate the results by hand calculations and/or software.
E Analyse experimental results of triaxial tests and determine their validity and accuracy.

Method of teaching and learning

The module is taught through formal lectures and class tutorials.