Geotechnical Engineering

This unit develops critical knowledge and problem-solving skills in the analysis and design of geotechnical systems that support civil engineering infrastructure. You will examine the behaviour of soils and rocks under load and learn to design safe, serviceable, and economical foundations, retaining structures, and embankments across varied ground conditions. Emphasis is placed on understanding the principles of bearing capacity, in-ground stress distribution, consolidation, and settlement, and on applying these to the design of shallow and deep foundations, retaining walls, and soil-structure systems.

Through a combination of theoretical instruction, hands-on analysis, and site-based learning, you will build competence in modelling ground behaviour, interpreting geotechnical data, and addressing key construction issues such as dewatering, excavation support, and ground improvement. Practical experience is further developed through site visits to major foundation construction projects, reinforcing the importance of field investigation, safety, and engineering judgement in real-world geotechnical practice. The unit facilitates the development of the tools and reasoning necessary to help deliver geotechnical solutions that are technically sound, contextually appropriate, and aligned with contemporary engineering standards.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Assess and rationalise foundation performance requirements to ensure safe, serviceable, and cost-effective outcomes across diverse ground conditions;
2. Extrapolate and interpret geotechnical data from maps, databases, and field or lab reports to inform engineering design;
3. Collaborate effectively within a team setting to design shallow foundations (e.g. pads, strips, slabs) and deep pile systems for typical structural applications, considering subsurface profiles and geotechnical constraints;
4. Analyse lateral earth pressures and design retaining walls under diverse soil types, moisture states, and loading conditions; and
5. Design dewatering systems and soil improvement solutions and determine suitable geosynthetic materials using fundamental geotechnical principles.