James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023

CS3002 - Soil Mechanics and Geology

Subject Description

Introduction to engineering geology and geo-engineering; Basic geology: the Earth as a system, plate tectonics, identification of rocks and minerals in relation to engineering problems, structural geology, the rock cycle, weathering and erosion, volcanoes and earthquakes. Soil Mechanics: seepage analysis (two-dimensional), pore pressure measurements and method of fragments, SEEP/W; response of soils to stress changes, Terzaghi theory, consolidation and one-dimensional settlement, secondary compression; shear strength and compressibility, Mohr Coulomb strength criteria for drained and undrained conditions, triaxial testing, peak and residual strength, stress paths; slope stability, infinite slope analysis, method of slices, Bishop's method, SLOPE/W; site investigation, CPT and other in situ tests, interpretation of CPT data.

Learning Outcomes

• explain the fundamentals of geology and analyse its influence on geotechnical engineering
• identify different rock types
• conduct advanced soil tests, analyse and interpret the results, and present them through professional reports
• critically analyse settlement, seepage and stability problems
• formulate, evaluate and solve the problems using sound geotechnical engineering principles

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (30%) - Individual
• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (10%) - Individual
• Written > Technical report - (10%) - Individual
• Written > Test/Quiz 2 - (50%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Availabilities