Available in 2024
Course code

CIVL6571

Units

10 units

Level

6000 level

Course handbook

Description

This course provides a practical introduction to investigation and design techniques in geotechnical engineering. The emphasis is on a realistic problem requiring investigation of several options in a multi-objective context and conceptual design. The problem is set by a practising engineer.


Availability2024 Course Timetables

Callaghan

  • Semester 2 - 2024

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Integrate and extrapolate the theory presented in earlier courses to solve a broad range of real problems.

2. Apply research and design skills to model and understand complex geotechnical systems and to solve open-ended geotechnical problems.

3. Work as part of a team in the solution of problems that are posed and directed by experienced practising engineers and academics.

4. Incorporate design tools such as standards and software in the formulation of solutions to real problems, and explore the limitations of these tools.

5. Critically analyse and communicate outcomes at a professional level, both verbally and as a report.

6. Demonstrate a sophistication and maturity in approach to and execution of a project with evidence of professional level skills and attitudes.


Content

GROUP DESIGN WORK

Conceptual design:

  • Identify feasible solutions to an integrated problem
  • Identify potential difficulties and consider planning issues

Geotechnical design:

  • Philosophies for site investigation and developing geotechnical site models
  • Analysis and design of geotechnical structures including soil retaining systems, water exclusion/retention structures, deep and shallow foundations, slope stabilisation and strategies for environmental contaminant investigation and remediation

Management of team activities:

  • Student teams are encouraged to maintain a design time sheet/diary in which all members sign off weekly on work done by each individual and time taken to complete that work. The diary may be submitted with the final report.

 

INDIVIDUAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Exposure to professional and research practice:

  • Students are invited to attend a series of seminars by practising engineering specialists and academics on specific topics related to their projects.
  • Students are required to undertake a formal review of the work carried out by a fellow group member.

Requisite

This course has similar content to CIVL4571. If you have completed CIVL4571, you cannot enrol in this course.


Assumed knowledge

Content covered in CIVL4201 or CIVL6201 Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering


Assessment items

Written Assignment: Geotechnical Model Formulation (Preliminary Report)

Written Assignment: Final Design Report
Compulsory Requirement: Pass requirement - Must pass this assessment item to pass the course.

Written Assignment: Peer Review Task


Contact hours

Semester 2 - 2024 - Callaghan

Lectorial-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Lectorial-2
  • Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1

Course outline