ECMM109 | 2025 | University of Exeter

MODULE TITLE	Advanced Geotechnical Engineering	CREDIT VALUE	15
MODULE CODE	ECMM109	MODULE CONVENER	Dr Raffaele Vinai (Coordinator)

DURATION: TERM	1	2	3
DURATION: WEEKS	0	11 weeks	0

Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated)	0

DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Knowledge of the behaviour of soils is a crucial part of geotechnical engineering. In this module you will learn advanced concepts in soil mechanics, including study of elasticity, plasticity, stress paths, and soil behaviour. Using analytical and mathematical skills, you will develop your ability to undertake advanced geotechnical modelling. The focus is on the constitutional modelling of soils in the context of critical state theory.

Prerequisite module: ECM2010 or equivalent

AIMS - intentions of the module

The purpose of this module is to introduce you to advanced concepts of geotechnical engineering. These include models in soil mechanics, elastoplastic constitutive models for soils, critical state theory, stress paths, and soil tests and applications of elastoplastic models in geotechnical engineering.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

Programmes that are accredited by the Engineering Council are required to meet Accreditation of Higher Education

Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes.

The following Engineering Council AHEP4 Learning Outcomes are covered on this module (shown in brackets):

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1. apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex geotechnical engineering problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of geotechnical engineering and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering (M1);

2. understand the principles of soil modelling, different soil models commonly used in geotechnical engineering and critical state theory

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

3. select and apply appropriate analytical techniques for complex geotechnical modelling, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed (M3);

4. use advanced soil constitutive models for geotechnical design and analysis;

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:

5. exemplify independent learning, critical analysis, problem solving;

6. select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information in the process of solving complex geotechnical engineering problems (M4).

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

• soil models in geotechnical engineering;

• elasticity, plasticity and yielding;

• elasto-plastic models for soils;

• Cam clay;

• critical state theory for soils;

• stress paths and soil tests;

• strength of soils;

• behaviour of soils;

• interpretation of triaxial test results;

• determination of elasto-plastic soil parameters from triaxial tests;

• application of elasto-plastic models in the design phase of geotechnical problems.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities	41	Guided Independent Study	109	Placement / Study Abroad	0

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	41	Lectures/tutorials/practical in computer laboratory
Guided independent study	109	Preparation for scheduled tutorials and lectures, wider reading, completion of assessment tasks, revision, preparation for presentation.

ASSESSMENT

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

Form of Assessment	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
Reflection and review of work undertaken towards assessed Coursework	Throughout scheduled learning and teaching activities		Discussion with tutorials

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework	100	Written Exams	0	Practical Exams	0

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment	% of Credit	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
E-Quiz	20	1 hour	M1	Automatic feedback
Coursework – written report	80	10,000 words (20 pages)	All; (M1, M3, M4)	Feedback on written reports

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)

Original Form of Assessment	Form of Re-assessment	ILOs Re-assessed	Time Scale for Re-reassessment
All above	Examination (100%)	All; (M1, M3, M4)	Referral/deferral period

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Reassessment will be by a single written exam worth 100% of the module only. For referred candidates, the module mark will be capped at 50%. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.

RESOURCES

INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

ELE

Reading list for this module:

Author	Title	Edition	Publisher	Year	ISBN
Wood D M	Soil Behaviour and Critical State Soil Mechanics		Cambridge University Press	1991	978-0521337823
Potts D and Zdravkovic L	Finite Element Analysis in Geotechnical Engineering, Vols 1 and 2		Telford Publishing	2001	000-0-727-72812-1

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE	15	ECTS VALUE	7.5

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES	ENG2010
CO-REQUISITE MODULES

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ)	M (NQF level 7)	AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING	No
ORIGIN DATE	Friday 22nd March 2024	LAST REVISION DATE	Friday 12th September 2025

KEY WORDS SEARCH	Critical state theory; elastoplasticity; soil constitutive models

Advanced Geotechnical Engineering - 2025 entry