Description
This course reinforces knowledge in fundamental soil mechanics theory and it was developed to recognise the limitations of current frameworks used to describe natural soil behaviour, principally by analysing triaxial laboratory test data from real natural soils. Prediction of soil behaviour is introduced with the application of plasticity solutions to known geotechnical problems such as foundations and retaining walls. The course also gives information about basic constitutive soil models, as well as a brief introduction to numerical analysis. At the end of the course a seminar is given by a practicing engineer, from a consulting company, explaining the implications of soil behaviour to industry.
Learning Outcomes:
​Upon successful completion of this course, students will have learned to:Interpret data with regards to Critical State Soil Mechanics.
Predict the behaviour of soils within a recognised framework.Understand the limitations of current methods and how natural soils behave.Solve soil structure interaction problems using plasticity methods.Understand the differences between the main constitutive soil models.Understanding of what is required in order to use a Finite Element package to analyse a geotechnical problem.
Present information orally, textually and graphically.
Reading list:
Powrie, W. (1997) Soil mechanics: concepts and applications. E. &, F.N. Spon
Atkinson, J.H. (2007) The mechanics of soils and foundations 2nd edition Taylor & Francis ()
Conference proceedings (ISSMGE) and journal papers (Gotechnique, ASCE, Soils &, Foundations, Canadian Geotechnical Journal.)
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
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