Soil Mechanics and Engineering Geology (A)
Description
This module is an introduction to Soil Mechanics & Geology.
During the course of this module the apprentice will learn to describe the formation and origin of rocks and the processes which result in the formation of
soil. The apprentice will then learn how these processes influence soil behaviour due to external loading or the flow of fluid through the soil.
In this module the apprentice will establish and define the basic principles of the theory of soil mechanics and geology, illustrating their application to
practical situations, and upon completion, will be able to identify and apply these basic principles to the geotechnical design process.
Learning Outcomes
Identify main categories of soil and rock occurring in Ireland and define the engineering properties of soil/rock.
Identify and classify soils and rocks and calculate their phase relations and the stresses in soils under various loading conditions
Specify the essential features and requirements of a site investigation.
Compute coefficients of permeability from standard laboratory tests and compute critical hydraulic gradients.
Demonstrate competence in practical work, recording and analysing the results and presenting them in standard report form.