ENGR2832 Engineering Geology and Geomechanics

This topic provides an introduction to Engineering Geology and Geomechanics, and fundamentals necessary for the study of Geotechnical Engineering. It aims to provide an introductory of geological process and engineering geology; origins and composition of soils; characteristics and classification of soils; compaction; soil permeability and seepage; stresses in soils; principle of effective stress; consolidation, and the stress-strain-strength responses of soils.

All civil engineers, and others working with soils and rocks must understand the range of techniques available for identifying various materials and for determining their physical and mechanical properties. The aim of this topic is to present an introduction to geology, soil mechanics and geological processes as they affect civil engineering.

1. Understand geological process and the significance of engineering geology for ground engineering
2. Describe and classify soils based on their basic physical characteristics
3. Understand the behaviour of soil during compaction, compression, consolidation, direct shear and triaxial compression
4. Understand the importance of water in the soil and the effects of water movement
5. Understand the difference between total stress and effective stress
6. Apply the principle of effective stress to calculate the stresses causing soil deformation
7. Calculate the settlements and rates of settlement by using one-dimensional consolidation theory
8. Interpret data and determine parameters from a laboratory experiment and report the results of at a professional standard