ENCI675-18S1 (C) Semester One 2018

Independent Course of Study

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 19 February 2018
End Date: Sunday, 24 June 2018
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Friday, 2 March 2018
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Friday, 18 May 2018

Description

Independent Course of Study

GROUND IMPROVEMENT TECHNIQUES

Central aspects of the course

1.  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 has 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 the 2010-11 Canterbury Earthquake sequence. 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.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will have acquired

- Broad 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.

Competencies

Upon completion of this course, students are able to:

- Identify 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.

Prerequisites

Subject to approval of the Head of Department.

Timetable Note

This is a block taught course on:

14-15 March 2018
28-29 March 2018

Course Coordinator

For further information see Civil and Natural Resources Engineering Head of Department

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage 
final exam 30%
Project Assignment 70%

Notes

Prerequisites

- Sound knowledge of soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering
- Proficiency in soil liquefaction assessment
- Experience in soil field testing analysis and interpretation

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $1,059.00

* 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.

Minimum enrolments

This course will not be offered if fewer than 5 people apply to enrol.

For further information see Civil and Natural Resources Engineering .

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