CIV4249 · Foundation engineering

Overview

This unit introduces foundation systems and design principles with reference to the geological context of a project. It also addresses how to determine relevant foundation design parameters from field and laboratory tests. It teaches the detailed design of shallow foundations (isolated footing, raft foundation) for simple and complex ground and load conditions. Finally, the design of single and group pile foundations in soils and rocks subjected to axial and lateral loads are taught including an introduction to pile integrity and load tests.

Areas of study: E3001 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Specialisation: Civil engineering

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Continuous assessment: 50% Final assessment: 50% Assessment in this unit includes a competency hurdle assessment task. The consequence of not achieving the competency hurdle is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Plan and evaluate geotechnical investigations, and interpret subsurface data to establish reliable soil and rock parameters for safe and efficient foundation design.
2. Design shallow foundation systems for lightly loaded structures by applying relevant standards and recognised design methods to meet both ultimate and serviceability limit state requirements based on site-specific geomaterial properties.
3. Analyse and design deep foundations in soils and rocks to support heavily loaded structures using analytical and numerical methods, following relevant standards and performance criteria.
4. Generate professional geotechnical reports that integrate investigation data and design outcomes with sound engineering judgement.

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.