This is a core module for level 5 Civil and Infrastructure Engineering students that builds upon the level 4 Module EG4013, developing the analysis and engineering design in hydraulics and geotechnics. The hydraulics section considers natural river courses and the conveyance of water through pipelines, culverts and canals. The geotechnics section concentrates on engineering geology, emphasising the influence of subsurface conditions on civil engineering design and construction; also covered are principles of effective stress and shear strength as well as their use in design. The analysis of groundwater seepage and the dewatering of below-ground works are linked to other aspects of civil engineering hydraulics. The module is primarily delivered through a programme of interactive sessions supported by an extensive laboratory programme and a week-long residential field trip.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
The module will be delivered through a variety of seminars, workshops and tutorials, along with an extensive laboratory practical programme and a five-day residential field course. Students' learning will be facilitated and supported in an active learning environment that includes problem and enquiry based learning where students will be expected to solve realistic problems using drawing and computation, along with some conceptual design. The practical component of the module is designed to provide students with some 'hands-on' skills required for experimentation in the hydraulics and geotechnics laboratories. Laboratories will also support the
theoretical material and assist students in developing interpersonal skills through group work collaboration and the production of group reports. Students will be expected to improve their skills in sketching and using spreadsheets for data analysis and graphical presentation.
The field course provides an opportunity for students to study the real environment, geological features and built infrastructure in order to deepen understanding of how the natural ground and geological processes affect construction in civil engineering. The module is designed to enhance employability by developing critical thinking, problem solving skills and independent judgment as required in civil engineering practice. All material will be made available on the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) along with further educational materials to guide their independent study.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Interactive sessions including problem and enquiry based workshops Laboratory practicals Residential fieldwork | 92 24 40 |
| Guided independent study | Independent and directed reading, completion of practicals, Use of online learning materials and study notes. | 144 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Summative assessment is through a portfolio of reports (2x25%) based on work in the hydraulics and geotechnics laboratories as well as residential field work. Typically the laboratory reports will comprise data collection, analysis, presentation and discussion, whilst the fieldwork is based on a field book carried out in the field. The module will conclude with a three-hour examination worth 50% of the module marks.
Formative assessment will be provided in the form of quick, regular and detailed feedback on laboratory reports facilitating improvement and feedforward for these reports throughout the academic year after the lab sessions. Final reports will highlight key findings and their practical implications - linking with the current practice. Students are encouraged throughout the module to attend the SEC Academic Success Centre (SASC) with their draft assignments for formative assessment on the academic content of their coursework.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) analyse and design simple pipelines including pipes, valves, pumps and turbines | Laboratory reports / examination |
| 2) analyse open channel flows and seepage flows employing fundamental laws and empirical equations, charts and tables | Laboratory reports / examination |
| 3) describe the structure of the earth, the formation of rocks and soils, as well as geological and geomorphological concepts and their engineering implications | Field course report / examination |
| 4) evaluate the theories of effective stress, shear strength and consolidation including their application to geotechnical design | Examination |
| 5) analyse stresses in the ground due to applied loads and stress-strain relationships for soils | Laboratory reports / examination |
| 6) recognise the environmental and health and safety aspects of hydraulic engineering as well as assess geotechnical risk in construction works | Field course report / examination |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | Written Exam | 50% |
| Portfolio for CW1 | Coursework 1: lab and field work on hydraulics and geotechnics | 25% |
| Portfolio for CW2 | Coursework 2: lab and field work on hydraulics and geotechnics | 25% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Chadwick, A., Morfett, J. and Borthwick, M. (2013), Hydraulics in Civil and Environmental Practice, E&FN Spon.
BS1377 Methods of Testing Soils for Civil Engineering Purposes
Knappett and Craig (2012) Craig's Soil Mechanics, Taylor and Francis Ltd.
Toghill, P. (2004) The Geology of Britain - An Introduction, Airlife
Hamill, L. (2011) Understanding Hydraulics, Palgrave
Clayton C.R.I. (2001) Managing geotechnical risk: improving productivity in UK building construction, DETR, ICE publication, Thomas Telford.
Waltham, T. (2009) Foundations of Engineering Geology. Spon Press
BS EN 1997 Eurocode 7 Geotechnical Design (parts 1, 2)