Course Co-ordinator: Dr A Ivanovic

Pre-requisite(s): Two years of an Engineering degree programme or equivalent.

Note(s): Available only to students following an Honours degree programme.

The course provides an introduction to engineering geology, covering such topics as the formation and classification of weathering processes, plate teotonics, aggregates, groundwaterfluviatile and coastal processes, and site investigation. The main part of the course is devoted to a study of the engineering behaviour of soils. This commences with an introduction to field classification and a description of the phase composition of soils.

Following a study of the shear strength of soils, aspects of foundation engineering are covered such as stress distribution, bearing capacity and settlement of foundations.

Practical exercises provide an introduction to both classification and strength testing of soils and rocks to BS5930 and BS1377.

27 one-hour lectures, 5 one-hour tutorials and 3 three-hour practicals in total.

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour written examination paper (90%) and in-course assessment (10%).