ES3K1-15 Design of Earth Structures
Introductory description
Design of Earth Structures
Module aims
This module will introduce students to the analyses used in the design of gravity, embedded and reinforced soil retaining walls, simple shallow and deep foundations, the assessment of slope stability and slope stabilisation schemes. It will build on the basic concepts of soil mechanics introduced in previous Geotechnical Engineering modules.
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.
Bearing capacity of shallow and deep foundations, Settlement of structures, Tolerance limits of settlement, Lateral pressures on retaining structures, design of retaining structures, Stability of earth-retaining structures and reinforced soil, Design of anchors and anchorages.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Analyse and synthesise available geotechnical and other data and apply it to the design situations. [M1-5(M)]
- Assess and evaluate the types of foundations and other structures in terms of bearing capacity, settlement and their environemtnal and societal impact. [M1-5(M), C7-M7(D), C12-M12(D)]
- Select the type of foundation required for solving a problem and design in terms of bearing capacity and settlement. [M1-5(M)]
- Apply factors of safety and standard empirical modifications to the basic limit-state calculations to meet the demands of real situations in terms of bearing capacity and settlement. [M1-5(M), C7-M7(D)]
- Communicate in a professional and scientific manner. [C17-M17(D)]
Indicative reading list
"Decoding Eurocode 7", Bond, A. , 2008 "Foundation Design and Construction", Tomlinson, M.J, 2001 "Geology for Engineers", Blythe, F.G.H. , 1986 "Soil Mechanics [electronic resource]", Craig, R.F, 2012 "Soil Mechanics: Concepts and Applications", Powrie, W, 2004
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 seek to achieve sustainable solutions to problems and have strategies for being creative and innovative
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
Numeracy: apply mathematical and computational methods to communicate parameters, model and optimize solutions
Apply problem solving skills, information retrieval, and the effective use of general IT facilities
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
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
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 12 sessions of 1 hour (8%) |
| Fieldwork | 8 sessions of 1 hour (5%) |
| Other activity | 7 hours (5%) |
| Private study | 123 hours (82%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
123 hrs of guided independent learning
Other activity description
2hrs of revision classes
5hrs of example classes
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
|||
| Written Assignment (Design Exercise) | 100% | No | |
|
Open book assessment on earth structures design |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Examples solutions during examples/lectures
Individual and cohort feedback on design exercise submission
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 3 of UESA-H216 BEng Civil Engineering
- Year 4 of UESA-H215 BEng Civil Engineering with Intercalated Year
- Year 3 of UESA-H217 MEng Civil Engineering
-
UESA-H218 MEng Civil Engineering with Intercalated Year
- Year 3 of H218 Civil Engineering with Intercalated Year
- Year 4 of H218 Civil Engineering with Intercalated Year