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This course is concerned with the nature and properties of construction materials for civil projects, general design principles and construction practices in rock and soil, and selected case studies (both historical and current). It also considers appropriate engineering geology practice for various surface and subsurface projects, with emphasis on project failures and the implications for sound geotechnical practice. Knowledge of precedent is fundamental to engineering design and construction, and the course content is inherently practical rather than theoretical.
Engineering geology practice requires sound knowledge of civil, mining and environmental disciplines, with particular emphasis on design and construction needs of the engineering professions. The primary role of the engineering geologist is to provide an understanding of site-specific surface and subsurface geology such that rational design is developed from the investigation outputs. This requires a sound knowledge of geotechnical precedent, which derives from a wide-ranging review of construction case studies including those where overt failure of the structure has occurred. The principal aim of the ENGE411 course is to ensure that all students are familiar with construction principles and techniques, and with the role of geotechnical precedent in design and construction practice. Students are expected to have read widely on the subject; to be familiar with a range of surface and subsurface construction methods; and to demonstrate an ability to prepare in-depth and summary reports on a variety of topics.
Be able to record field observations faithfully and clearly, and to relate those observations through presentation to an audienceUnderstand and apply engineering geology philosophy and methodology in the design, construction and maintenance of surface and underground civil and mining structures.Be familiar with design and construction requirements for principal types of engineering works, including dams, canals, tunnels, bridges, slopes and river/coastal protection.Assess material and design requirements for roading, concrete, ballast, armourstone and stabilised soils.Understand groundwater management on construction sites, including dewatering and related ground improvement techniques.Be able to conduct a literature review using international, peer-reviewed journal sourcesUse case studies of past engineering projects as geological precedent for future site investigation and geotechnical construction practice.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
(1) ENGE 410 and (2) approval from the Head of Department of Geological Sciences
ENGE 472
The ENGE411 course comprises review of a range of construction techniques and case studies over a six-week period (Term 3), followed by field trips in the mid-semester break. The key field trip involves four days in Central Otago, with a visit to the Clyde Power Project as the main objective: a series of local (Christchurch and immediate surroundings) site visits follow the Otago field trip.Block # - Dates - Lectures (Topics) - Lecturers1 - 16 Jul – 24 Aug - Guided learning, review of various construction methods, and literature review - DHB/CHF2 - 26-29 Aug - Central Otago field trip (Clyde Power Project) - DHB/CHF3 - 31 Aug - 7 Sept - Local field trips in and around Christchurch - CHF/DHB
David Bell
Clark Fenton
PrerequisitesENGE 410AssessmentLiterature review of international engineering geology project(s) - 40% (due 26 Aug 9 am)Field notebooks and colloquia; site-specific exercises - 60% (due during and after fieldtrips)
Delatte, Norbert J; Beyond failure : forensic case studies for civil engineers ; ASCE Press, 2009.
Dunnicliff, John. , Green, Gordon E; Geotechnical instrumentation for monitoring field performance ; Wiley, 1988.
Eddleston, M. , Geological Society of London.University of Manchester); Engineering geology of construction ; Geological Society, 1995.
Fell, Robin; Geotechnical engineering of dams ; 2nd edition; CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, 2015.
Jackson, Neil. , Dhir, Ravindra K; Civil engineering materials ; 5th ed; Macmillan, 1996.
Graduate Profile: Professional Masters in Engineering Geology (PMEG)A graduate of a PMEG is expected to be able to:Personal Attributes Comprehend, and apply knowledge of, accepted principles underpinning widely applied good practice for professional engineering geology. Be acquainted with research philosophy and methodology Have an attitude of critical enquiry when acting in a professional capacity. Be knowledgeable and forthright about the dependence of engineering on geology and geomorphology. Be introduced to legal requirements, regulatory issues, and special engineering geological requirements that may exist for a particular jurisdiction. Be able to construct an appropriate engineering geological model, taking into account available data and the engineering requirements. Understand the concepts of engineering geological uncertainty and geotechnical risk. Be experienced in applying this knowledge to analysis of actual engineering situations Be able to draw on a wide range of concepts, knowledge and ideas in providing engineering geological input to engineering projects Understand the requirements for appropriate, accurate and comprehensive communication, and for ethical responsibility, on the part of engineering geology professionals. Recognise the reasonably foreseeable social, cultural and environmental effects of professional engineering geological activities generally. Interactive Attributes Work collaboratively on tasks Communicate effectively both in written and spoken English Carry out fieldwork and reporting in engineering geologyGraduate Profile: Master of Science (MSc)A graduate of a MSc is expected to have the personal and interactive attributes of students with PMEG with the following additional:Personal Attributes Engage in rigorous intellectual analysis, criticism and problem solving Understand, evaluate, access and critically review new information, including findings and discussions in the literature Research, analyse, evaluate, and argue from evidence Demonstrate mastery of sophisticated theoretical subject matterCurrent Course OptionsProfessional Masters in Engineering GeologyThe PMEG programme comprises the eight papers plus dissertation taken over one full-time calendar year, or as part–time basis courses and dissertation as approved by the Head of Department. PMEG students may transfer to the MSc if they achieve a B+ average in their eight PMEG papers. MSc in Engineering GeologySubject to a B+ average grade being achieved in the eight PMEG papers, a BSc(Hons) or a BE(Hons), students may proceed to a thesis in Engineering Geology, and this is normally of 12 months duration for the award of Honours (ENGE 690). The thesis proposal for MSc must be approved by Graduate Studies prior to enrolment. The MSc thesis may be taken part-time with the approval of the Head of Geological Sciences. Intending MSc students should be aware that there is presently a limitation of six (6) enrolments, and that places will normally be allocated on the basis of prior academic merit.Entry RequirementsStudents wishing to enter the PMEG programme should normally have achieved a B+ average grade in their undergraduate studies for preferred entry; students with B average grade will be on a waiting list until 3 weeks prior to commencement of ENGE 410. There are required field courses (GEOL 240, 241, 351, 352 or equivalent), and at least 60 additional points in GEOL 300 courses. There is also a requirement for 15 points of MATH 100-level and 15 points of STAT 100-level courses, and students should consult the University Calendar for full details. Intending MSc students should consult with the HOD in the first instance.Marks and GradesThe Department of Geological Sciences uses the following scale to convert marks into grades:90–100 A+ 70 – 74 B 50 – 54 C-85 – 89 A 65 – 69 B- 40 – 49 D80 – 84 A- 60 – 64 C+ < 40 E75 – 79 B+ 55 – 59 C The Department of Geological Sciences reserves the right to adjust this mark/grade conversion, when deemed necessary.Late WorkIt is the policy for this course that late work is not accepted. Or, late work should be accompanied with a detailed explanation of why the work is late. The work will be marked and marks will be subtracted for each day the work is late. Days late include weekend and holidays. Students with DisabilitiesStudents with disabilities should speak with someone at Disability Resource Service; email: disabilities@canterbury.ac.nzPolicy on Dishonest PracticePlagiarism, collusion, copying and ghost writing are unacceptable and dishonest practices.• Plagiarism is the presentation of any material (text, data, figures or drawings, on any medium including computer files) from any other source without clear and adequate acknowledgement of the source.• Collusion is the presentation of work performed in conjunction with another person or persons, but submitted as if it has been completed only by the names author(s). • Copying is the use of material (in any medium, including computer files) produced by another person(s) with or without their knowledge and approval.• Ghost writing is the use of another person(s) (with or without payment) to prepare all or part of an item submitted for assessment. In cases where dishonest practice is involved in tests or other work submitted for credit, the student will be referred to the University Proctor. The instructor may choose to not mark the work. Reconsideration of GradesStudents should, in the first instance, speak to the course co-ordinator about their marks. If they cannot reach an agreeable solution, students should then speak to the Head of the Geological Sciences Department. Students can appeal any decision made on their final grade. You can apply at the Registry to appeal the final grade within 4 weeks of the end of the semester. Be aware that there are time limits for each step of the appeals process. Special ConsiderationIf you feel that illness, injury, bereavement or other critical circumstances beyond your control has prevented you from completing an item of assessment or affected your performance, you may apply for special consideration. Applications for special consideration should be submitted via the Examinations Office website http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/exams/ within five days of the assessment. Where an extension may be granted for an assessment, this will be decided by direct application to the course co-ordinator and an application to the Examinations Office may not be required. Special consideration is not available for items worth less than 10% of the course and/or the following items of assessment:Students prevented by extenuating circumstances from completing the course after the final date for withdrawing, may apply for special consideration for late discontinuation of the course. Applications must be submitted to the Examinations Office within five days of the end of the main examination period for the semester.Missing of TestsIn rare cases a student will not be able to sit a test. In such cases, the student should consult with the course co-ordinator or the Head of the Department of Geological Sciences to arrange alternative procedures. This must be done well in advance of the set date for the test.Academic LiaisonDr Ben Kennedy (email: ben.kennedy@canterbury.ac.nz) is Chairperson of the Postgraduate Liaison Committee. A student representative is appointed to the Liaison Committee at the start of the semester. Please feel free to talk to Ben Kennedy or the student representative about any problems or concerns that you might have, although as a matter of courtesy you would normally also talk to the course lecturer.
Domestic fee $1,067.00
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.
This course will not be offered if fewer than 10 people apply to enrol.
For further information see School of Earth and Environment .