Introductory description

ES94W-15 Geological Investigation & Ground Characterisation

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

• Geological, geotechnical and hydrological contexts
• Planning a site investigation for a tunnel
• Site investigation methods for tunnels in different ground conditions
• Geophysical methods
• Hydrogeological investigation
• Geological profiles
• In situ and laboratory testing
• Use of stereographic techniques and assessment of slopes
• Sustainability: reuse of materials, spoil and space
• Stress measurements
• Determination of design parameters and preparation of Geotechnical Interpretative Reports (GIR) and Geotechnical Baseline Reports (GBR)
• Contracts

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Evaluate a project proposal and plan an appropriate strategy for a site investigation;
• Interpret data gained through site investigation and make appropriate recommendations for a specified project;
• Conceptualise complex 3D ground structure
• Determine the environmental impact of underground works due to the nature of the ground
• Understand the relationships of ground investigations and contracts and evaluate the sharing of ground risk between parties to the contract

Indicative reading list

• David Chapman, Nicole Metje, Alfred Stärk, Introduction to Tunnel Construction, Spon Press, pp.390, 2010 (ISBN 978-0-415-46842-8)
• Vittorio Guglielmetti, Piergiorgio Grasso, Ashraf Mahtab, Shulin Xu (eds.), Mechanized Tunnelling in Urban Areas, Taylor & Francis, pp. 504, 2007 (ISBN 978-0-415-42010-5)
• Bhawani Singh & Rajnish K Goel, Tunnelling in Weak Rocks, Elsevier Science; 5th ed., pp.512, 2006 (ISBN 0080449875)
• Ratan Tatiya, Civil Excavations and Tunnelling – a Practical Guide, Thomas Telford, pp.322, 2005 (ISBN 978-0-7277-3340-5)
• Fred G. Bell, Engineering Geology and Construction, Taylor & Francis, pp.816, 2004 (ISBN 0415259398)

Subject specific skills

Ability both to apply appropriate engineering analysis methods for solving complex problems in engineering and to assess their limitations.

Ability to collect and analyse research data and to use appropriate engineering analysis tools in tackling unfamiliar problems, such as those with uncertain or incomplete data or specifications, by the appropriate innovation, use or adaptation of engineering analytical methods.

Transferable skills

Awareness that engineers need to take account of the commercial and social contexts in which they operate