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This occurrence is not offered in 2024
Formation, properties, description and representation of soils. Stress and strain in soils. Deformation and failure of soils. Engineered soil slope stability and foundation analysis. Underground excavation and ground treatment in soil.
This course introduces the subject of soil mechanics and the use of soils as an engineering material. Concepts covered in this course include:1. the characterisation of soils for engineering purposes, 2. one-dimensional compression of soils,3. soil shear strength under drained conditions, and 4. flow of water in soils5. application of theoretical soil behaviour to engineering geology.
At the conclusion of this course you should be able to:Interpret data from standard laboratory tests for the purpose of soil characterisation and classificationEstimate total and effective stresses for one-dimensional soil profiles.Apply analytical methods to the flow of water through the ground to calculate flow rates, heads and pore pressures for two-dimensional flow.Estimate model parameters for the one-dimensional compression of soils, and apply this model to estimate settlements due to changes in soil loading.Describe the shear stress – shear strain behaviour of soils under drained conditions, and estimate the drained shear strength for different soil states.Apply soil mechanics principles in engineering geology practice, including case studies and practical design.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
(1) MATH101 or MATH102 or MATH103 and (2) approval from the Head of Department of Geological Sciences
ENCN253; ENGE 485
Katherine Yates
Clark Fenton
Domestic fee $1,145.00
International Postgraduate fees
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
This course will not be offered if fewer than 10 people apply to enrol.
For further information see School of Earth and Environment .