Course coordinator
Dr Jurij Karlovsek
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Civil Engineering School
All structures such as buildings, roads, bridges, airports are supported on the ground. A knowledge of the strength of ground and its deformation is essential for the design of infrastructure. In this course, students will learn how ground reacts when a load is applied on it, and what happens when it is saturated with water. This is an introductory level course in which you will learn about characterisation and classification of soils; principles of water flow in porous media; consolidation; effective stress; strength of soils; and testing procedures. The knowledge from this course will be used for Geotechnical engineering and Structural engineering and further study in courses such as Geotechnical design (CIVL3210), Geotechnical investigation (CIVL4270) and Integrated Structural Design (CIVL3350).
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of soil mechanics theory and the hydraulic behaviour of soils, with applications in civil engineering design. Soil mechanics provides a common language for describing the nature and engineering behaviour of soils, offering both theoretical and empirical frameworks essential for geotechnical engineering design. This course is crucial for designing various aspects of the built environment, whether soils serve as the foundation for structures or as building materials for embankments, dams, cuttings, roads, channels, railways, mining infrastructure, or waste disposal facilities.
Course requirements
Assumed background
ENGG1010, MATH1052
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
(ENGG1400 or ENGG1700) and (MATH1052 or MATH1072)
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Jurij Karlovsek
Professor Alexander Scheuermann
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Students must attend two compulsory laboratory classes during the semester. All necessary apparatus and tools for the laboratory exercises will be provided. Please refer to the lab class timetable on the Blackboard site. Students must only attend the laboratory classes to which they have been assigned.
Students are required to attend at least five out of seven workshops. While it is highly recommended to attend all workshops, the minimum requirement of five allows students some flexibility. Attendance will be monitored to ensure student engagement.
Aims and outcomes
To introduce fundamental elements of soil mechanics and provide a sound basis for futureﾠcontinued study of foundations and geotechnical engineering.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Describe and manipulate phase relationships for soils.
LO2.
Describe soil classification systems and apply them to characterise soil samples.
LO3.
Test the compaction and field density of soils.
LO4.
Determine the hydraulic conductivity of soils in the laboratory and in the field.
LO5.
Analyse seepage flows through saturated soils.
LO6.
Explain the concept and importance of effective stress in soil mechanics theory.
LO7.
Determine and describe the strength of soils from tests and basic theories.
LO8.
Apply the concept of consolidation of fine-grained soils and testing methods used.
LO9.
Successfully work in teams in a professional manner to complete laboratory exercises, participate in workshops, and prepare a group report.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution |
Workshop attendance
|
5% |
22/07/2024 - 21/10/2024
Throughout the semester. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration |
Laboratory Practical 1 & 2
|
15% |
Lab 1 5/08/2024 - 16/08/2024 Lab 2 30/09/2024 - 11/10/2024
Each laboratory is worth 7.5% and is due at 4pm two weeks after the laboratory. |
| Examination |
In-Semester Examination
|
30% |
In-semester Saturday 31/08/2024 - 14/09/2024 |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Workshop attendance
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 5%
- Due date
22/07/2024 - 21/10/2024
Throughout the semester.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09
Task description
Importance and Structure of Workshops
The course integrates workshops alongside traditional lectures throughout the semester, providing an interactive and engaging learning experience. Attendance at these workshops is mandatory, with students required to attend at least five out of seven sessions. This structure offers flexibility for students to manage their schedules while ensuring active participation. The workshops facilitate a deeper exploration of course material through interactive discussions, group activities, problem-solving exercises, and case studies. These sessions provide a collaborative and practical approach to learning, reinforcing concepts covered in traditional lectures.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Not a submissible item.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Students need to complete 5 out of 7 workshops. Solutions must be submitted and released at the end of each workshop on the same day.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Students need to complete 5 out if 7 workshops.
Laboratory Practical 1 & 2
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
Lab 1 5/08/2024 - 16/08/2024
Lab 2 30/09/2024 - 11/10/2024
Each laboratory is worth 7.5% and is due at 4pm two weeks after the laboratory.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09
Task description
Students will undertake 2 (two) laboratory exercises and prepare a group report.
A laboratory report must be submitted 2 weeks after the completion of each laboratory exercise (details will be given in the lecture).
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Assessment must be submitted through the course BlackBoard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
In-Semester Examination
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
In-semester Saturday
31/08/2024 - 14/09/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The in-semester exam will include problem solving questions. The exam will be held on a Saturday in the mid-semester exam block as per https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/exam-timetables-and-venues/important-exam-dates.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | One A4 sheet of handwritten or typed notes, double sided, is permitted Unannotated bilingual dictionary, compass, straight ruler, protractor, triangle ruler |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Final Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
The final exam will include problem solving questions.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
To receive an overall grade of 4 or more, a student must achieve at least 45% on the final exam.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | One A4 sheet of handwritten or typed notes, double sided, is permitted Unannotated bilingual dictionary, compass, straight ruler, protractor, triangle ruler |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 19.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates no understanding of Soil Mechanics concepts, ideas, theories, and calculations. |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates little understanding of Soil Mechanics concepts, ideas, theories, and calculations. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Demonstrate an inadequate understanding of Soil Mechanics concepts, ideas, theories, and calculations. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrate an adequate understanding of Soil Mechanics concepts, ideas, theories, and calculations. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrate a good understanding of Soil Mechanics concepts, ideas, theories, and calculations. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrate a very good understanding of Soil Mechanics concepts, ideas, theories, and calculations. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrate an excellent understanding of Soil Mechanics concepts, ideas, theories, and calculations. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| PPE | own item needed |
Additional learning resources information
SAFETY REQUIREMENTSﾠ
Refer to Policies and Guidelines for mandatory safety requirements.ﾠ
Prior to the commencement of practical classes, students MUST ensure they have:
- Steel capped Safety Boots
Additional costs
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
$100 |
Steel capped boots |
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Workshop |
Workshops Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 3 To Week 11 |
Practical |
Laboratories Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:
- Laboratory Occupational Health and Safety
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: