module specification

In this module you will study advanced site engineering and surveying practices which are an integral part of a construction manager’s role and responsibilities.  The module will cover areas such as geotechnics, engineering geology, geo-environmental engineering and site surveying and setting out.

In studying this module, you will gain the knowledge and skills to contribute to the delivery of more complex ground engineering and foundation projects.  You will study the nature of the site investigation process, including retrieval and analysis of sub-soil samples to allow the identification of soil types and an assessment of their performance characteristics.  This information is vital in assisting the civil engineer in their design of groundwork solutions.  The module will then move on to consider methods of excavation and their suitability for use in different ground conditions, foundation solutions and other ground engineering works, including those vital to infrastructure development such as tunnelling and culverting.

Site surveying and setting out will also be covered in the module and you will take part in hands on practical exercises to explore the principles of setting out for things such as earthworks, roads, drainage, strip, and pile foundations.  You will engage in outside activities and use levelling instruments and total stations which perform multiple functions such as setting out and distance measurement.

Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• Identify and appraise a wide range of site investigation methods
• Understand, through geotechnics, the different performance characteristics of various ground conditions including soil and rock types
• Propose foundation solutions based on information gained during site investigations
• Examine proposed solutions against the relevant legislation and regulations such as Building regulations
• Propose ground remediation techniques when encountering challenges such as contamination or high-water tables.
• Undertake levelling exercises to establish and maintain datums and transfer levels around a construction site.
• Undertaking setting out exercises in connection with construction and infrastructure projects.
• Collect, collate and process data obtained during site investigation and surveying exercises.
• Undertake Risk assessments and method statements for complex site engineering works.
• Use data to drive decision making.

The syllabus is informed by the course syllabus and reading material alongside contemporary issues, research, and practice within the built environment. Topics will include:

• Site investigation techniques (LO1)
• Geotechnics, engineering geology, and geo-environmental engineering (LO1,2)
• Building Regulations including (LO1,2,4)
o ADC Site Preparation and resistance to contaminates and moisture
o ADD Toxic substances
o ADH Drainage and Waste Disposal
o ADK Protection from falling, collision, and impact
• Ground engineering and foundations (LO2,4)
• Ground remediation (LO2,4)
• Drainage works (LO2,4)
• Temporary works (LO2,4)
• Site surveying: levelling and setting out practical exercises (LO3, 5)
• Site surveying data analytics (LO3, 5)

A blended/ technology enhanced learning approach will be employed in the delivery of this module. Study will be supported via online lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical activities, and guided asynchronous activities. Where appropriate, activities will be captured and made available to allow asynchronous access.

The contact sessions will encourage students to discuss ideas and consider a variety of case studies from the UK and around the globe, alongside practical surveying activities and work within the materials laboratory.

Workshops and seminars will be held in which students will engage in practical activities making use of staff directed case studies, and student researched case studies to explore this rich subject area. The module will introduce students to the subjects of geotechnics, foundations, and site surveying using case studies from around the world to illustrate the wide-ranging types of applications across construction and infrastructure projects.  Hands on practical sessions will be held to encourage the exchange of ideas and experiences to help the students to develop a deep understanding of this complex subject areas.

Problem based learning will be used to encourage independent learning through proposing a problem based around a subject site.  The problem will be complex with more than one right answer, challenging the students to work individually and in small groups to develop solutions, thereby developing their problem-solving abilities.  Staff will act as facilitators throughout the activities. Tasks will be performed through group and independent study, to develop critical thinking skills of analysis, evaluation, and synthesis in advanced site engineering practice. Throughout the module students’ outputs will be reviewed, and formative feedback will be given to ensure clarity and comprehension.

The learning and teaching in classes will be supported by the University’s VLE and a blended learning approach, sharing class materials, recommended reading, and case studies. Group tutorials will also be offered to support students in the preparation of their assessments, with opportunities for students to receive forward feedback.

You will reflect on your learning which will contribute towards your online Professional Development Journal (PDJ).

On completion of the module the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of site investigation techniques undertaken during the design and construction phases of a construction project.
2. Evaluate various ground engineering and remediation techniques.
3. Demonstrate competence in site surveying activities and effectively recording data from these activities.
4. Design appropriate risk assessments and method statements for complex site engineering and temporary works.
5. Analyse data and apply solutions to complex problems.

There is no single text currently in publication that provides a comprehensive coverage of all aspects of this module. There are several books which cover various parts of the module in some detail, and these are listed in the core text list. 

There is excellent coverage of the subject available via the Construction Information Service (CIS). CIS is accessed via Construction Information Service  and provides a huge range of information relevant to this module.

Many of the books you have on your reading lists for other construction technology, building science and structures modules will also prove useful in this module.

Useful books and articles for this course are listed below:

Link to library reading list

Core:-
Emmitt, S. (2018) Barry's Advanced Construction of Buildings, 4th edn. Chichester: Wiley Blackwell.
Grant, S. (2019) Setting Out for Construction: A Practical Guide to Site Surveying. Costello House Publishing.
Tomlinson, M. (2001) Foundation Design and Construction. 7th edn. Harlow: Pearson.
Tricker, R. and Alford, S. (2022) Building Regulations Pocket Book. 2nd edn. London: Routledge.
Uren, J. and Price, B. (2010) Surveying for Engineers. 5th edn. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.
The Building Regulations Collection
Additional Reading:
Seward, D. (2014) Understanding Structures: Analysis, Materials, Design. 5th edn. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Building Research Establishment (BRE) Digests and Information Papers - available via Construction Information Service
British Standards - available via Construction Information Service