| CODE | CVE2621 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Civil and Structural Engineering | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The objective of this study-unit is to introduce students tothe issues raised by the interface between structures and the ground. It addresses the questions as to why it is necessary to engineer the ground, distinguishes between a structure, the structure/ground interface and the ground. It introduces different foundation types, such as strip, trench, raft and piled foundations. It also introduces the concept of a retaining structure, a slope, a cutting and an excavation. It introducesthe differences between rocks, soils and hard soils/soft rocks, in the context of the stratigraphy, and the basic engineering characteristics of the different strata, and the geomorphology of the Maltese Islands. Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding: By the end of this study-unit, a student will be able to: • identify different foundation types; • understand the key features of a retaining structure, and the characteristics of slopes, cuttings and excavations; • identify the characteristics of rocks, soils and hard soils/soft rocks; • identify the different strata in the Maltese stratigraphy. Skills: By the end of this study-unit, a student will have: • to assess the effect of loads form structures on the ground on which they rest; • to design simple foundations, and retaining structures; • to specify strength and stiffness characteristics of rocks and soils. Main and Supplementary Reading List Barnes, G.E; Soil Mechanics principles and practice. Palgrave Whitlow, R, Basic Soil Mechanics, Longman Smith, G.N., Elements of Soil Mechanics, Granada Whaltom, T; Foundations of Engineering Geology, Spon Sutton, B.H.C. Solving Problems in Soil Mechanics, Longman. MSA EN 1997-1:2004 Geo-technical Design – General Rules* *Available on-line for registered students |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Adrian Mifsud |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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