Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit builds on existing knowledge in geotechnical engineering, developing an understanding of how geotechnical infrastructure impacts on and interacts with the environment. The topics covered in this unit include: seepage, static and cyclic liquefaction, slope stability and contaminant transport. The unit also includes an introduction to unsaturated soil mechanics.

Techniques for identifying triggering mechanisms for structural and environmental failures of tailings storage facilities and municipal waste landfills will be presented and solutions to address these potential failures will be investigated. An introduction to proactive environmental geotechnical infrastructure solutions such a rammed earth structures will also be included.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) investigate applicability of ground improvement techniques to particular commercial, environmental and social settings; (2) develop simplified conceptual and numerical models to assist in the design of geotechnical structures; (3) explain the processes involved in the transport of contaminants within the ground; (4) use ill-defined data sets to analyse complex geoenvironmental problems; (5) analyse the stability of various waste disposal facilities such as tailings storage facilities and landfill; and (6) predict the potential environmental impact of waste disposal facilities.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) in-class exercises; (2) individual assignments; and (3) a final exam. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Cristina Vulpe
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in 62550 Master of Professional Engineering (Civil Engineering specialisation, Environmental Engineering specialisation, and Mining Engineering specialisation)
or
Enrolment in
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or an associated Combined Degree
and Successful completion of
120 Points
and GENG2009 Principles of Geomechanics
Advisable prior study
ENSC3009 Geomechanics
or GENG2009 Principles of Geomechanics
Contact hours
54 (lectures: 30 hours
tutorials/workshops: 24 hours)
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.