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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; use of granular waste material for soil remediation
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 or new synthetic materials. 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 the latest state-of-the-practice techniques of soil improvement.
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.Knowledge and understanding of Māori and Pacific vision in regard to land use and management.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.
ENCN253 and ENCN353 or equivalent
Students must attend one activity from each section.
Course structure:Block lectures 1: 7, 9-10 October 2024Block lectures 2: 13-14 November 2024Contact hours:• Lectures - 30 hours (block mode, 5 times × 6 hours)• Tutorials – included in the lecture• Project review – 5 hoursIndependent study (total 150 hours):• Lecture review – 15 hours• Exam preparation – 10 hours• Project and assignments – 50 hours• Tutorial preparation – None• Self-study and literature review – 40 hours
Gabriele Chiaro
Matthew Hughes
• Assignments (25%) – 5 written reports• Project assignment (45%) – research project and written report • Final written exam and oral presentation (30%)
Domestic fee $1,197.00
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.
Maximum enrolment is 40
For further information see Civil and Natural Resources Engineering .