Study information

Soil Mechanics - 2025 entry

MODULE TITLESoil Mechanics CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEENG2010 MODULE CONVENERDr Raffaele Vinai (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated)
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

As civil engineers, almost everything we design and build at some point comes in contact with the earth. So, it is essential that you understand the fundamental mechanics that govern soil behaviour. This module introduces the basic concepts of soil classification, soil compaction, site investigation, seepage and shear strength of soil, and their practical applications in geotechnical engineering. It also covers a range of experiments that are routinely carried out in geotechnical investigation. The knowledge you will acquire in this module will provide a good grounding in the topic and stand you in good stead for your further study of geotechnical engineering later in your studies. You will also get the chance to interpret geological features in the field and gain experience of field observation and measurement techniques, site investigation and preliminary design of a civil engineering structure. You will also get introduced to the use of geotechnical software commonly used in the professional practice.

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module introduces the main concepts for the introduction to Geotechnical Engineering. It will provide the fundamental knowledge required for the characterisation and classification of geomaterials that are encountered in professional practice, and for the understanding of soil physical and mechanical behaviour when subjected to loads, excavations, changes in the groundwater regime or in its internal structure. Laboratory experiments that are typically run for geotechnical investigation will be described and carried out in the practical sessions. The module will provide a strong background for geotechnics modules carried out in 3rd year and in 4th year (MEng)

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 Engineering Council AHEP4 Learning Outcomes are taught and assessed on this module and identified in brackets below. 
 
 
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge 
 
1.Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems (C&M.12). 
 
2.Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations (C&M.13). 
 
 
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge 
 
3. Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data  using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed (C&M.2) 
 
4. Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire life-cycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts (C&M.7) 
 
 
 
Personal and Key Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge 
 
5.Adopt an inclusive approach to engineering practice and recognise the responsibilities, benefits and importance of supporting equality, diversity and inclusion (C&M.11) 
 
6. Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance (C&M. 16). 
 
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
1   Basic concepts on Engineering Geology: the Earth, oceans and continents, plate tectonics, the geological time scale 
 
2  Formation of soils: erosion, deposition process and ground water 
 
3 Soil classification: including Atterberg limits, soil compaction 
 
4 Laboratory testing of soils 
 
5  Ground investigation: methods of investigation, sampling, borehole logs, geophysical methods 
 
6  Physical characteristics of soils, volume-mass relationships 
 
7   Soil compaction 
 
8  Seepage: permeability, seepage theory, governing equation and methods of solution, flow nets, anisotropic and non-homogeneous soils 
 
9  Effective stress 
 
10  Shear strength of soils: Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion, shear strength tests, shear strength of sands, shear strength of saturated clays, residual strength, pore pressure parameters 
 
11  Diversity and inclusion in Engineering practice.  
 
12  Stages of preliminary design of an earth dam, including best location for a dam, water resources study, sustainability issues associated with construction of dams, site investigation activities and design of in-situ and laboratory tests. Preliminary roadwork design including layout, alignment, pavement structure and materials. Site reconnaissance, surveying of the dam site, ground investigation (including drilling boreholes, carrying out in-situ tests, taking samples and carrying out laboratory tests). 
 
13  Analysis of the laboratory and in-situ test results, analysis and preliminary design of an earth dam and related roadwork, developing a group presentation. 
 
 
 
 
Software 
 
The introduction of a professional geotechnical software will be carried out through a Problem Based Learning (PBL) approach as a self-learning activity from students during independent study hours, with the support of the teaching staff when required. When possible, a site visit (1 day) will be organised for direct observation of real infrastructure projects with strong geotechnical components. 
 
Field Course 
 
A field course will be run as part of the module. The field course will involve the selection and preliminary study of a dam. Field activities will allow the collection of data and information that will be processed and collected in a group presentation.  
 
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 87 Guided Independent Study 63 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 22 Lecture
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 11 Problem classes/tutorial
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 6 two x 2 hour sessions
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 8 Field course lectures and instructions
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 40 Field activities 
Guided independent study 6 Lecture and assessment preparation; wider reading; use of software

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 50 Written Exams 35 Practical Exams 15
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Exam - Written, closed book 35 2 hours (Winter) 2,3,5  
Coursework - Technical Report 50 48 hours 1,2,6  
Practical - Field Course group presentation 15 15 minutes 2, 3, 4  

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment For of Re-Assessment  ILOs Re-Assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
All above Examination (100% - 2 hours) All Referral/deferral period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
Deferrals: Reassessment will be by coursework and/or exam in the deferred element only. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped. 
 
Referrals: Reassessment will be by a single written exam worth 100% of the module. As it is a referral, the mark will be capped at 40%.  
 
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

Reading list for this module: 

Craig , R.F, Soil Mechanics, E and F N Spon (Chapman & Hall), 2012, 000-0-419-22450-5  

 

  • Azizi, F, Engineering design in geotechnics, Fethi Azizi, 2007, 9780955599613  

 

  • Azizi, F, Physical Behaviour in Geotechnics, Fethi Azizi, 2007, 978-0955599620 

 

  • Budhu, M, Soil Mechanics and Foundations, 2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons, 2000, 978-0471431176  

 

  • Holtz, R.D., Kovacs, W.D., Sheahan, T.C., An introduction to geotechnical engineering, 2nd Edition Prentice Hall Pearson, 2011, 978-0-13-249634-6 

 

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 None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 5 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Friday 28th February 2025 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 24th April 2025
KEY WORDS SEARCH None Defined

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