Module OSX-4021:
Sediment Geotechnics

Overview

In list form, the syllabus can be summarised thus:

1. Index properties and classification schemes

2. Pore pressure, total stress and effective stress

3. Permeability, critical hydraulic gradient, potential, flow net solutions

4. 1-D consolidation

5. Shear strength

The practical element will typically include the measurement of:

moisture content, specific gravity, particle size distribution, pore water salinity, density, organic matter content, carbonate content, Atterberg limits, consolidation properties, undrained shear strength

Assessment Strategy

Threshold - (Pass) - Partial understanding of basic theoretical principles of sediment geotechnics (within the scope of the curriculum, learning outcomes and skills outlined here). Basic ability to solve numerical problems associated geotechnical investigation. Basic ability to acquire, process, interpret and present geotechnical data

Good - (Merit) - Clear understanding of basic principles of sediment geotechnics (within the scope of the curriculum, learning outcomes and skills outlined here). Ability to solve numerical problems associated geotechnical investigation. Ability to acquire, process, interpret and present geotechnical data

Excellent - (Distinction) - Thorough understanding of basic principles of sediment geotechnics (within the scope of the curriculum, learning outcomes and skills outlined here). Highly developed ability to solve numerical problems associated geotechnical investigation. Highly developed ability to acquire, process, interpret and present geotechnical data

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of this module, the student should be able to show an appreciation of the role of pore fluid and pore fluid pressure on soil behaviour

• Upon successful completion of this module, the student should be aware of and be familiar with the various classification schemes available for describing soils or sediments

• Upon successful completion of this module, the student should be able to conduct a range of geotechnical laboratory tests within the framework of British Standards protocols so as to quantify and classify the soil on the basis of the results

• Upon successful completion of this module, the student should be able to manipulate geotechnical data in order to interpret laboratory data and solve numerical problems based on field applications.

• Upon successful completion of this module, the student should understand how geotechnical properties control the response of soil to load