Study information

Advanced Geotechnical Engineering - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEAdvanced Geotechnical Engineering CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEECMM109 MODULE CONVENERDr 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)

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


 Module Specific Skills and Knowledge: 

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

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge: 

2 demonstrate the analytical and mathematical skills required for complex geotechnical modelling;

3 use numerical models and software for geotechnical analysis.

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge: 

4 exemplify independent learning, critical analysis, problem solving

 

 

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 finite element analysis 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
There will be opportunities to reflect on and review work undertaken towards assessed Coursework     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
Coursework – written report analysis of experimental data 30 2,000 words 1-4 Feedback on written reports
Coursework – written report FE analysis 50 2,000 word 1-4 Feedback on written reports
Oral presentation 20 15 minutes 1-4 Feedback on oral presentation
         
         

 

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 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: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

Reading list for this module:

Potts D and Zdravkovic L Finite Element Analysis in Geotechnical Engineering, Vols 1 and 2, Telford Publishing 2001, ISBN: 000-0-727-72812-1

Wood D M Soil Behaviour and Critical State Soil Mechanics, Cambridge University Press 1991, ISBN: 978-0521337823

 

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Wood D M Soil Behaviour and Critical State Soil Mechanics Cambridge University Press 1991 978-0521337823
Set Potts D and Zdravkovic L Finite Element Analysis in Geotechnical Engineering, Vols 1 and 2 Telford Publishing 2001 000-0-727-72812-1
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 Tuesday 10th July 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 5th October 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Critical state theory; elastoplasticity; constitutive modelling; numerical analysis.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.