module specification

Geotechnical Engineering is a fundamental branch of Civil Engineering that studies the behaviour of earth materials, such as soil and rock, and their interaction with structures. It is crucial for the safe and efficient design and construction of all Civil Engineering projects.

In this module, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of Geotechnical Engineering, with a focus on advanced soil mechanics, foundation design, and soil-structure interaction. You will learn to analyse soil behaviour and its interaction with structures, applying your knowledge to practical and complex Civil Engineering problems. Topics covered include soil properties, soil-structure interaction, foundation types, and advanced computational methods for soil analysis.

You will develop the skills to assess soil conditions, interpret geotechnical data, and design safe, efficient foundations for a variety of construction projects. The module will also guide you in considering environmental factors, sustainability in design, and the broader societal impact of geotechnical engineering.

By the end of the module, you will be equipped to apply geotechnical principles to real-world challenges, utilising both theoretical knowledge and software tools. This will enable you to make informed decisions regarding soil analysis and foundation systems, ensuring the safety and performance of engineering projects.

Topics covered in this module include:

Revision of fundamental soil mechanics principles (LO1, LO4)
Numerical and constitutive modelling of soils (LO1,LO2, LO4)
Stiffness of soil (LO1,LO2, LO4)
Analysis and interpretation of laboratory tests (including triaxial test) for obtaining design parameters (LO1, LO4)
Site investigation (LO4, LO5)
Finite element method (LO2, LO3, LO4, LO6)
Soil-structure interaction; analytical techniques, damage assessment of structures to nearby ground movement, discrete (Winkler) spring models, continuum models, coupled soil structure interaction modelling (LO2, LO3, LO4, LO6)
Rafts, piles, earth retaining structures (LO3)
Slope stability (LO1, LO3)
Finite element software (principles and application) ( LO1, LO2, LO3, LO6)
Applications and case studies - construction methods, equipment, health and safety, sustainability, soil contamination (LO5)
Introduction to reuse of existing foundations, health monitoring, innovative foundation systems for offshore structures (LO5)

This module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, workshops, site visits, and guided online activities. Some of these sessions will be recorded and available for you to access at your convenience, allowing you to explore topics beyond the classroom. This blended learning approach encourages interaction with your peers, fostering meaningful discussions.
The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) will also serve as a platform for ongoing communication between students and tutors, offering discussion boards and other tools to enhance collaboration. 
Lectures will focus on advanced geotechnical engineering, building upon concepts you have studied at undergraduate level. Workshops, tutorials, and practical activities will provide you with opportunities to enhance your understanding and apply your knowledge with guidance from both your peers and tutors. 

You will receive regular formative feedback to help you develop a deeper understanding of core concepts, improve your technical report writing, and enhance your critical thinking abilities. Although this feedback will not contribute to your final grade, it will enable you to monitor your progress and make continuous improvements. 

Your learning will be further supported by both independent and guided reading and research, enhancing your understanding of structural design principles. By engaging with a variety of academic resources, including textbooks, research papers, and industry reports, you will deepen your knowledge and stay updated on the latest innovations, advancements, and emerging technologies in the field. This will not only allow you to connect theory to practice but also help you develop the skills needed to innovate and tackle complex challenges in real-world scenarios.

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

1. apply comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering principles to interpret and predict soil behaviour under various loading conditions, using principal and advanced theoretical soil models.

2. formulate and analyse complex soil-structure interaction problems by applying appropriate analytical and computational techniques, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.

3. select and design appropriate foundation systems for a range of ground and loading conditions, in accordance with UK standards and codes of practice, considering construction methods, equipment, health and safety and sustainability.

4. critically analyse and evaluate complex ground data sets, including laboratory and field tests, to derive soil parameters essential for accurate geotechnical design, considering both familiar and new design scenarios.

5. evaluate the environmental and societal impacts of solutions to complex geotechnical and engineering problems, considering the entire life cycle, and propose strategies to minimise negative impacts and enhance sustainability throughout design, construction, and decommissioning stages.

6. demonstrate proficiency in using industry-standard computational tools to analyse and design complex geotechnical engineering problems.

Core reading texts and sources can be found via the following link:

CO7013 - Advanced Geotechnical Engineering and Soil-Structure Interaction | London Metropolitan University