Geomechanics module (EG22005)

Civil Engineers always need to work on, in, under, or around the ground. In many engineering projects, the ground is a controlling factor. Whether we are designing foundation support for structures, creating excavations, anchoring offshore energy devices, taming hazards such as landslides or floods, building artificial islands... the ground will be the material we need to work with the most.

In this module you will discover how "geomaterials", i.e. soil and rock, behave when we engineer them. This module will enable you to begin your geotechnical engineering career here at Dundee.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• learn how and why engineers classify soil and rock, and put these techniques into practice yourself
• test the properties of soils in our geotechnical laboratories
• map water flow through the ground and calculate how changes in the flow affect us
• explore the formation of different rocks out on site in the local area

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• understand how geomaterials respond to the different forces we might apply
• understand how geotechnical engineers can contribute to achieving crucial UN sustainability goals

Assignments / assessment

• Coursework (40%)
  • lab reports
  • class quiz
  • field trip report
• Examination (60%)

Teaching methods / timetable

You will learn through a mixture of

• lectures
  • you will learn the principles, often through worked examples and demonstrations
• tutorial sessions
  • you will work through problems by yourself in a relaxed environment. An expert will be on hand to help and staff operate an open door policy, so we will remain available even after the end of these sessions
• practical exercises.
  • laboratory exercises are undertaken in our active geotechnical laboratory

All activities are in-person, to enable the best interaction opportunities.