Geotechnical Engineering
Geotechnical Engineering
This specialization focuses on the field of geotechnical studies in relation to foundation works not only for buildings but also for roads.
Career Opportunities: Geotechnical Designer, Geotechnical Investigator
First Semester
First Semester
CEnG 151 Geotechnical Engineering 2 (Rock Mechanics)
Lecture: 3 hoursNumber of units: 3Course Description:This course provides an introduction to the theory of rock mechanics and its applications in mine construction and operation. Students are presented with the fundamental concepts of stress and strain in isotropic and anisotropic rocks and conduct stress analyses using data collected in the laboratory and the field. Rock mass structures and classification schemes are introduced, and students learn how these govern rock slope stability and underground rock excavation methods in a given stress environment. Rock control and support systems utilized in underground and surface excavations and their related safety requirements are discussed. Rock mechanics topics surrounding blasting and the stability of impoundment dams and tailings dumps are also presented. In-class exercises focus on introducing rock engineering properties through laboratory testing, as well as building a foundation in geotechnical data collection, data presentation, and core logging.
CEnG 152 Foundation Engineering
Lecture: 3 hoursNumber of units: 3Course Description:Review of fundamental concepts – index and classification properties, water flow, effective stress concept, consolidation behavior, shear strength of soils – undrained and drained conditions. Subsurface exploration – main sampling/characterization methods and reporting, variability. Lateral loads (atrest, active and passive pressures). Earth retaining structures – walls (gravity/cantilever, mechanically-stabilized earth, sheet-piled, anchored), braced cuts, dewatering and drainage. Performance requirements, applied loads based on codes, and selection of foundations. Shallow foundation design – types (spread, strip, and mat/raft), bearing capacity and settlements (elastic/initial, consolidation, allowable/tolerable), testing and evaluation. Deep foundation design – types (methods, configuration, materials), bearing capacity (axial and lateral) and settlements, testing and evaluation.
Second Semester
Second Semester
CEnG 153 Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering
Lecture: 3 hoursNumber of units: 3Course Description:This course on Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering introduces the fundamental concepts of earthquake engineering related to geotechnical problems, principles of earthquake, wave propagation, dynamic soil properties, liquefaction and seismic design of various geotechnical structures. This course focuses on seismic hazard analysis which includes both Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA) and Deterministic Seismic Hazard Analysis (DSHA), followed by site response analysis. Also, behavior of various geotechnical structures such as shallow and deep foundations, retaining structures, slopes, ground anchors, waterfront retaining structures,reinforced soil-wall, tailing dam due to earthquake loading are discussed with reference to codal provisions.
CEnG 154 Ground Improvement
Lecture: 3 hoursNumber of units: 3Course Description:As more engineering structures are built, it becomes increasingly difficult to find a site with suitable soil properties. The properties at many sites must be improved by the use of some form of soil improvement methods. The objective of this course is for students to understand common ground improvement methods, including densification and compaction, preloading consolidation by prefabricated vertical drains, vacuum and electro-osmotic consolidation, physical and chemical stabilization, soil reinforcement and seepage and dewatering. The focus of discussion will be on understanding scientific principles and appropriate applications; the degree to which soil properties may be improved; advantages and limitations. Case studies will be presented as part of learning process throughout the lectures.
CEnG 155 Foundation and Retaining Wall Design
Lecture: 3 hoursNumber of units:3Course Description:A specialized professional course for civil engineering students in structural engineering designed to understand the concepts, theories, and principles in the design process of structural foundations and retaining walls.
