Overview
This unit explains why geological processes that produce landforms, geological structures, rocks, and soils affect the location, design, construction, and maintenance of civil engineering projects. In the unit, you will conduct geotechnical tests, analyse test data, prepare geotechnical reports, and discuss the engineering characteristics and properties of soil. You will select appropriate approaches for analysing the behaviour of soils in civil engineering applications. You will need to use appropriate 'civil engineering language' in context and document the process of modelling and analysis of geotechnical problems. You will present information in a professional manner and communicate, work, and learn, both individually and in teams. In this unit, you must complete compulsory practical activities. Refer to the Engineering Undergraduate Course Moodle site for proposed dates.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Prerequisites: [ENEG11006 Engineering Statics OR PHYS11184 Engineering Physics A OR ENAG11005 Mechanics] AND [MATH11218 Applied Mathematics OR MATH11160 Technology Mathematics]
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2021
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Residential Schools
This unit has a Compulsory Residential School for distance mode students and the details are:
Click here to see your Residential School Timetable.
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Moodle
The lecturer was extremely supportive and made a tough subject a breeze to learn.
The lecturer will continue to be supportive. The explanations provided will be further enhanced so students find the study of geomaterials interesting and intriguing.
Feedback from Moodle
As the lectures are quite long, it will be good to have an overview slide at the beginning.
This is a very good suggestion. The importance and learning outcomes were discussed at the beginning of each lecture. This oral discussion will be accompanied with a slide(s) in future lectures.
Feedback from Moodle
The time gap between lab report submission and Assignment 2 needs to increase.
More time will be allowed in future offerings.
- Identify and discuss the implications of geological factors affecting the location, design, construction, and maintenance of civil engineering projects
- Conduct geotechnical tests, analyse test data, and prepare geotechnical reports
- Calculate basic engineering properties of soils and explain the relationship to soil behaviour
- Analyse the behaviour of soil in response to engineering applications using appropriate theories and national standards
- Communicate, work and learn both individually and in teams, document the process of modelling, testing, and analysis and present the information in a professional manner.
The Learning Outcomes for this unit are linked with the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standards for Professional Engineers in the areas of 1. Knowledge and Skill Base, 2. Engineering Application Ability and 3. Professional and Personal Attributes at the following levels:
Introductory
Intermediate
Advanced
Refer to the Engineering Undergraduate Course Moodle site for further information on the Engineers Australia's Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineers and course level mapping information
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 20% | |||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 20% | |||||
| 3 - Practical Assessment - 20% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||||
| 5 - Team Work | |||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 20% | ||||||||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 20% | ||||||||||
| 3 - Practical Assessment - 20% | ||||||||||
| 4 - Take Home Exam - 40% | ||||||||||
Textbooks
Soil Mechanics and Foundations
Edition: 3rd (2010)
Authors: Muni Budhu
John Wiley and Sons, INC.
United States of America
ISBN: 978-0-470-55684-9
Binding: Hardcover
Additional Textbook Information
If you prefer to study with a paper text, you can purchase one at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code).
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Microsoft Excel and Word
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
s.ullah@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Soil Description and Investigation
Chapter
Budhu Chapters 2 and 3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Soil Classification and Phase Relationships
Chapter
Budhu Chapter 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Soil Compaction
Chapter
Budhu Chapter 5
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Soil Permeability
Chapter
Budhu Chapter 6
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Stresses and Strains in the soil
Chapter
Budhu Chapter 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
No Lecture
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Stress Path in Soil
Chapter
Budhu Chapter 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Compressibility and Settlement of Soils (Part 1)
Chapter
Budhu Chapter 9
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Compressibility and Settlement of Soils (Part 2)
Chapter
Budhu Chapter 9
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Shear Strength of Soils (Part 1)
Chapter
Budhu Chapter 10
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Shear Strength of Soils (Part 2)
Chapter
Budhu Chapter 10
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Two-Dimensional Flow of Water Through Soils
Chapter
Budhu Chapter 14
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Revision
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Students must be able to defend their understanding and submission workings in a subsequent online interaction that may be arranged usually after any assignment submission. No marks will be given if for any submission the student cannot satisfactorily explain the procedure and concept followed in solving problems. For submissions with minimum marks, this may constitute a fail grade. During such an interrogation the student must take steps to demonstrate that the submission is their very own work.
1 Written Assessment
The aim of this assignment is to allow students to demonstrate their understanding of various concepts, theories and processes studied/developed in the topics covered from week 1 to week 6 from the Study Schedule.
The purpose of assignment questions is to give students an opportunity to show the depth of their understanding of the unit learning outcomes. This should be done by presenting answers clearly, showing the procedure used, explaining the approach to the problem, choices made, checking and interpretation of results.
Some questions may require students to carry out research. All resources used (including the text) should be referenced appropriately. Students are cautioned that copying another student's answer will be dealt with under the Plagiarism Procedures.
Week 7 Monday (30 Aug 2021) 5:00 pm AEST
Week 9 Monday (13 Sept 2021)
- Correct application of mathematics and arithmetic
- Answers clearly identified
- Correct results
- All necessary steps in analysis are present in correct order
- Clear presentation of mathematical and arithmetical working linking given
- details of the problem to the results obtained.
- Evidence of checking results (mathematical, graphical, logic common sense)
- Explanation of choices made in the analysis (why is procedure required, why this particular procedure)
- Interpretation of results, eg limitations, direction of vectors
- The work (job) is clearly identified (problem, date, analyst)
- Clear statement of each problem and its details and requirements
- Logical layout of analysis
- Appropriate use of diagrams, clear diagrams
- Correct use of terminology, conventions
- Clear English in the explanation of procedure and interpretation of results.
- Identify and discuss the implications of geological factors affecting the location, design, construction, and maintenance of civil engineering projects
- Conduct geotechnical tests, analyse test data, and prepare geotechnical reports
- Calculate basic engineering properties of soils and explain the relationship to soil behaviour
- Analyse the behaviour of soil in response to engineering applications using appropriate theories and national standards
- Communicate, work and learn both individually and in teams, document the process of modelling, testing, and analysis and present the information in a professional manner.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
- Ethical practice
2 Written Assessment
The purpose of assignment questions is to give students an opportunity to show the depth of their understanding of the unit learning outcomes. This should be done by presenting answers clearly, showing the procedure used, explaining the approach to the problem, choices made, checking and interpretation of results.
Some questions may require students to carry out research. All resources used (including the text) should be referenced appropriately. Students are cautioned that copying another student's answer will be dealt with under the Plagiarism Procedures.
Week 12 Monday (4 Oct 2021) 5:00 pm AEST
Exam Week Monday (18 Oct 2021)
- Correct application of mathematics and arithmetic
- Answers clearly identified
- Correct results
- All necessary steps in analysis are present in correct order
- Clear presentation of mathematical and arithmetical working linking given details of the problem to the results obtained.
- Evidence of checking results (mathematical, graphical, logic common sense)
- Explanation of choices made in the analysis (why is procedure required, why this particular procedure)
- Interpretation of results, eg limitations, direction of vectors
- The work (job) is clearly identified (problem, date, analyst)
- Clear statement of each problem and its details and requirements
- Logical layout of analysis
- Appropriate use of diagrams, clear diagrams
- Correct use of terminology, conventions
- Clear English in the explanation of procedure and interpretation of results
- Identify and discuss the implications of geological factors affecting the location, design, construction, and maintenance of civil engineering projects
- Conduct geotechnical tests, analyse test data, and prepare geotechnical reports
- Calculate basic engineering properties of soils and explain the relationship to soil behaviour
- Analyse the behaviour of soil in response to engineering applications using appropriate theories and national standards
- Communicate, work and learn both individually and in teams, document the process of modelling, testing, and analysis and present the information in a professional manner.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
3 Practical Assessment
Practical exercises assist students in achieving the Learning Outcomes for this unit. Students are required to complete the laboratory activities as per instructions given in the Practical Instruction Sheets. The Practical Instruction Sheets and report requirements will be given on the unit Website. Due to government and university restrictions, special online laboratory activities will be regularly arranged. Students are expected to attend such sessions.
For Activities 1, 2, 3, 4, 5:
- Each student must prepare a technical description of the test and associated procedures, and should prepare a data sheet to be used to record results during the test.
- Each student must prepare a short test report for each experiment using the team data sheet for each test.This includes calculations and discussion on the results only, not test procedure description. Personal test reports must be short and precise to point out calculations/results/graphs and discussion. The limit for explaining the procedure, results and conclusions is maximum of 3 pages (Word/PDF file). A complete submission for practical assessment includes 2 files:
- File 1) Excel File with all analysis and graphs. All cells must be formula based to track the calculations
- File 2) PDF file to explain the procedure, results and conclusions.
- Reports should be such that it can be understood clearly without resorting to the Excel Sheets.
List of Activities:
Activity 1: Sieve Analysis
[AS 1289.3.6.1-2009]
Activity 2: Atterberg Limits (Liquid limit, Plastic limit, linear shrinkage) tests.
[AS 1289.3.1.1-2009; AS 1289.3.9.1-2002; AS 1289.3.2.1-2009; AS 1289.3.3.1-2009; AS 1289.3.3.2-2009; AS 1289.3.4.1-2008]
Activity 3: Compaction test
[AS 1289.5.1.1-2003]
Activity 4: Consolidation test
[AS 1289.6.6.1-1998]
Activity 5: Permeability Tests (Falling head and Constant head)
[AS 1289.6.7.2, AS 1289.6.7.1]
Activity 6: Direct Shear Test [AS1289]
Activity 7: Unconsolidated Undrained (UU) Triaxial Test [AS1289]
Activity 8: Geology of Common Rocks and Minerals (no written report required)
Review/Exam Week Monday (11 Oct 2021) 9:00 am AEST
Exam Week Friday (22 Oct 2021)
- Correct application of mathematics and arithmetic
- Results clearly identified and explained
- Correct results/explanation
- All necessary steps in experiment and reporting are followed in correct order
- Clear presentation of results obtained.
- Evidence of checking results (mathematical, graphical, logic common sense)
- Explanation of possible error in the experiment
- Interpretation of results
- appropriate use of diagrams, clear diagrams
- Correct use of terminology, conventions
- Equation, images, data and tables, and the quality of presentation and layout.
- Proper referencing of sources of information (if required, Harvard style should be used)
- Clear English in the explanation of procedure and interpretation of results
Please also note that practical report is of individual submission and each student should do their own analysis and explanations based on the carried out test.
- Identify and discuss the implications of geological factors affecting the location, design, construction, and maintenance of civil engineering projects
- Conduct geotechnical tests, analyse test data, and prepare geotechnical reports
- Calculate basic engineering properties of soils and explain the relationship to soil behaviour
- Analyse the behaviour of soil in response to engineering applications using appropriate theories and national standards
- Communicate, work and learn both individually and in teams, document the process of modelling, testing, and analysis and present the information in a professional manner.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Team Work
- Information Technology Competence
4 Take Home Exam
The end-of-term take home examination is arranged online during the Exam Week to evaluate the understanding of the overall content discussed in class. This assessment is timed and students will need to submit their work online through the course website within the stipulated time. Students require access to a web camera so that online invigilation can be carried out and any queries can be promptly answered during the assessment period. The answer scripts will have to be scanned and attached as a single PDF file on the course website.
See examination time and Moodle website for further instructions.
See Moodle website for further instructions on how to return your examination script.
The problems in the examination are expected to be similar to the assessment problems, judging a thorough understanding of physical and mathematical concepts discussed in this course. The students will be judged on the following criteria:
- Accuracy and clarity in all calculations
- Use of correct equations
- Correct use of technical language, nomenclature and discipline specific symbols
- Drawing and illustration of results
- Correct answer of any short conceptual questions
- Explanation of results
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
