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Ground improvement techniques review and design; Field soil testing and investigation review and interpretation; seismic hazards assessment and remediation; reclaimed land techniques.
Central aspects of the course1. Soils have been modified to improve their engineering properties for hundreds of years. However, soil improvement technology changes rapidly as new techniques are developed and existing one are tested by actual earthquakes. Therefore, it is important for the geotechnical engineers to gain new knowledge about the latest state-of-the-practice techniques of soil improvement. 2. Advances in soil improvement techniques have been often the result of the initiative of contractors, and research and explanatory theory have helped with the implementation and verification. In this context, there are valuable lessons to be learned from recent earthquakes. Attention is given to mitigation of seismic hazards, the focus thereby being earthquake-induced soil liquefaction, ground settlement and lateral spreading.This course is to introduce students to the concepts underpinning a range of ground improvement techniques, and an appreciation of how these techniques are applied in practice in challenging projects dealing with problematic soils. This is an ideal course for students wishing to specialise in geotechnical engineering and gain a broad introduction to “Ground Improvement Techniques” and practising geotechnical engineers desiring to learn about latest state-of-the-practice techniques of soil improvement.
Upon completion of this course, students will have acquiredBroad knowledge and understanding of the current theory and practice relating to ground improvement techniques;Fundamental knowledge leading to interpretation of typical data and measurements from standard soil field testing for the purpose of ground improvement;Extended knowledge on soil improvement methods for mitigation of seismic hazards.CompetenciesUpon completion of this course, students are able toIdentify problematic geomaterials and site conditions requiring soil improvement;Understand the “principle of ground improvement” and explain its importance and relevance to geotechnical problems;Interpret typical data and measurements from standard soil field testing for the purpose of ground improvement;Apply soil mechanics knowledge and best practices to address the problems of ground improvement and soil liquefaction remediation;Review scientific literature and carry out independent research;Develop an independent and responsible position as a professional soil engineer.
Subject to approval of the Head of Department or the Programme Director.
Material to be delivered in 2 blocks, 1 block of 2 days and 1 block of 3 days. With a project that includes exercises/tutorials on ground improvement design for problematic soils in seismic areas.Reading, lecture and tutorial materials will be available on the Learn page and/or provided to students in the classroom at the beginning of each lecture block.Contact hours:• Lectures - 30 hours (block mode, 5 times × 6 hours)• Tutorials – included in the lecture• Project review – 5 hoursIndependent study:• Lecture review – 30 hours• Exam preparation – 25 hours• Project and assignments – 45 hours• Self-study and literature review – 50 hours• Total – 150 hoursCourse outline 1. Introduction to Ground Improvement (Day 1) • Introduction: problematic site conditions, ground improvement classification, design and control • Control tests (CPTs; SPTs etc.), geophysical techniques (downhole; cross-hole; SASW) • Guest Lecture 1 (Māori or Pasifika Guest Lecturer)2. Ground Improvement Techniques (Day 2) • Drainage techniques (i.e. dewatering)• Densification/reinforcement (Vibro-compaction; Vibro-replacement; Dynamic compaction; Stone columns)• Grouting: permeation, compaction• Lime stabilization• Guest Lecture 2 (Technical Lecture)3. Jet grouting, Deep soil Mixing and Reinforced Earth Structure (Day 3) • Jet grouting• Deep soil mixing• Reinforced Earth Structure• Guest Lecture 3 (Technical Lecture)4. Artificial soils (Day 4) • Embankments• Case study 1: Use of synthesis soils (i.e. granular wastes) for port reclamation • Case study 2: Use of gravel-rubber mixture for seismic-isolation foundations systems • Guest Lecture 4 (Technical Lecture)5. Hazardous ground conditions in seismic areas (Day 5) • A case history: liquefaction in volcanic soil deposits• Assessment of liquefaction potential – review• Remediation of liquefiable soils• Guest Lecture 5 (Technical Lecture)
Gabriele Chiaro
Domestic fee $1,102.00
International Postgraduate fees
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Civil and Natural Resources Engineering .