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MODULE TITLE	Advanced Geotechnical Engineering	CREDIT VALUE	15
MODULE CODE	ECMM109	MODULE CONVENER	Dr Raffaele Vinai (Coordinator)

DURATION: TERM	1	2	3
DURATION: WEEKS	0	11 weeks	0

Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated)	0

DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Knowledge of the behaviour of soils is a crucial part of geotechnical engineering. In this module you will learn advanced concepts in soil mechanics, including study of elasticity, plasticity, stress paths, and soil behaviour. Using analytical and mathematical skills, you will develop your ability to undertake advanced geotechnical modelling. The focus is on the constitutional modelling of soils in the context of critical state theory.

Prerequisite module: ECM2010 or equivalent

AIMS - intentions of the module

The purpose of this module is to introduce you to advanced concepts of geotechnical engineering. These include models in soil mechanics, elastoplastic constitutive models for soils, critical state theory, stress paths, and soil tests and applications of elastoplastic models in geotechnical engineering.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1 understand the principles of soil modelling, different soil models commonly used in geotechnical engineering and critical state theory.

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

2 demonstrate the analytical and mathematical skills required for complex geotechnical modelling;

3 use numerical models and software for geotechnical analysis.

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:

4 exemplify independent learning, critical analysis, problem solving

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

- soil models in geotechnical engineering;

- elasticity, plasticity and yielding;

- elasto-plastic models for soils;

- Cam clay;

- critical state theory for soils;

- stress paths and soil tests;

- strength of soils;

- behaviour of soils;

- interpretation of triaxial test results;

- determination of elasto-plastic soil parameters from triaxial tests;

- application of elasto-plastic models in the finite element analysis of geotechnical problems.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities	41.00	Guided Independent Study	109.00	Placement / Study Abroad	0.00

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	41	Lectures/tutorials/practical in computer laboratory
Guided independent study	109	Preparation for scheduled tutorials and lectures, wider reading, completion of assessment tasks, revision, preparation for presentation.

ASSESSMENT

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

Form of Assessment	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
There will be opportunities to reflect on and review work undertaken towards assessed Coursework			Discussion with tutorials

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework	100	Written Exams	0	Practical Exams	0

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment	% of Credit	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
Coursework – written report analysis of experimental data	30	2,000 words	1-4	Feedback on written reports
Coursework – written report FE analysis	50	2,000 word	1-4	Feedback on written reports
Oral presentation	20	15 minutes	1-4	Feedback on oral presentation

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)

Original Form of Assessment	Form of Re-assessment	ILOs Re-assessed	Time Scale for Re-reassessment
All above	Examination (100%)	All	Referral/deferral period

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Reassessment will be by a single written exam worth 100% of the module only. For referred candidates, the module mark will be capped at 50%. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.

RESOURCES

INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

Reading list for this module:

Potts D and Zdravkovic L Finite Element Analysis in Geotechnical Engineering, Vols 1 and 2, Telford Publishing 2001, ISBN: 000-0-727-72812-1

Wood D M Soil Behaviour and Critical State Soil Mechanics, Cambridge University Press 1991, ISBN: 978-0521337823

Reading list for this module:

Type	Author	Title	Edition	Publisher	Year	ISBN	Search
Set	Wood D M	Soil Behaviour and Critical State Soil Mechanics		Cambridge University Press	1991	978-0521337823	[Library]
Set	Potts D and Zdravkovic L	Finite Element Analysis in Geotechnical Engineering, Vols 1 and 2		Telford Publishing	2001	000-0-727-72812-1	[Library]

CREDIT VALUE	15	ECTS VALUE	7.5

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES	ENG2010
CO-REQUISITE MODULES

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ)	M (NQF level 7)	AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING	No
ORIGIN DATE	Tuesday 10 July 2018	LAST REVISION DATE	Thursday 05 October 2023

KEY WORDS SEARCH	Critical state theory; elastoplasticity; constitutive modelling; numerical analysis.

ECMM109 - Advanced Geotechnical Engineering (2023)