Introductory description

Design, Surveying and Field Practice

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.

Surveying:
 Planning and control: Whole to part, Geodetic vs plane, Types of survey
 Common techniques and equipment: tape, level, theodolite, EDM, GPS
 Techniques of measurement and error evaluation and control: Error types and mitigation, Bowditch, Least Squares, GPS
 Setting out: profiles, curves
 Instrumentation and Monitoring

Introduction to geotechnical design
 Soil Mechanics and Engineering Geology
 Geotechnical problems and slope stability
 Desk and walkover studies
 Groundwater and seepage
 Introduction to foundation selection and design
 Preliminary analysis methods

Field practice:
 Introduction to site preparation and management
 From design to practical solutions
 Health and Safety
 Constractionarium

Learning outcomes

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

• Specify appropriate surveying and ground investigation techniques and apply them with due regard to survey control, analysis and purpose. [M12(M), M13(M)]
• Evaluate and interpret topographical and geological survey data. [M3(M), M12(M)]
• Undestand and apply geotechnical engineering principles to approach design problems. [M3(M), M7(M), M9(M), M12(M)]
• Use an integrated approach to develop and showcase practical solutions to Civil Engineering design problems taking into consideration construction and management issues. [M4(D), M5(M), M6(M), M13(M), M15(D), M17(M)]
• Appreciate how civil engineers approach and solve design challenges considering codes of practice, safety, sustainability and professional ethics at the core of the process. [M7(M), M8(M), M9(M)]
• Work effectively as a team of engineers to analyse and solve an end-to end design problem. [M16(M)]
• Demonstrate, plan and record self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD (at least 5 points). [M18(M)]

Indicative reading list

Uren J. & Price B, (2010). Surveying for Engineers. Palgrave Macmillan, 5th ed. ISBN-10: 0230221572, ISBN-13: 978-0230221574
Bannister, A., Raymond S. and Baker R., (1998). Surveying. Prentice Hall, 7th ed. ISBN-10: 0582302498, ISBN-13: 978-0582302495
Barnes, (2016) G.E.Soil Mechanics: Principles and Practice, 4th Ed. ISBN-10: 1137512202, ISBN-13 978-1137512208
Waltham (2009), Foundation of Engineering Geology, 3rd Ed, Spon

Subject specific skills

Ability to conceive, make and realise a component, product, system or process
Ability to develop economically viable and ethically sound sustainable solutions
Ability to be pragmatic, taking a systematic approach and the logical and practical steps necessary for, often complex, concepts to become reality
Ability to be risk, cost and value-conscious, and aware of their ethical, social, cultural, environmental, health and safety, and wider professional engineering responsibilities

Transferable skills

Communicate (written and oral; to technical and non-technical audiences) and work with others
Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD
Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including time management, which may be as a team member or leader
Awareness of the nature of business and enterprise in the creation of economic and social value
Overcome difficulties by employing skills, knowledge and understanding in a flexible manner
Ability to formulate and operate within appropriate codes of conduct, when faced with an ethical issue
Appreciation of the global dimensions of engineering, commerce and communication
Be professional in their outlook, be capable of team working, be effective communicators, and be able to exercise responsibility and sound management approaches.