BLAR12052  Geotechnical Studies

Offered from Autumn 2003

This course outlines the role of geotechnical investigations in the design process and provides students with an understanding of soils including: description of physical properties; soil classification; bearing capacity; permeability; compressibility; shear strength and slope stability of soils; and flow of water in soils. The course also covers: foundations and footings including investigations into basic principles of subsurface materials and their ability to support structures; and an introduction to rock mechanics, properties of rock materials and of jointed rock masses including the classification of rock, the effects of faulting and sampling and testing of rock. Students will be required to develop the ability to interpret geological information and undertake a field investigation as a part of the course.