CIVIL 722 – SLOPE ENGINEERING

(15 Points, FC 2017)

COURSE CO-ORDINATOR:A/ProfRolando Orense

(Room 1.1103, ext. 88437)

OTHER TEACHING STAFF:Dr. Ryan Yan

(Room 1.1209, ext. 87015)

Dr. Connor Hayden

(Room 1.1112, ext. 83066)

TIMES: LECTURES:We 9:00AM - 11:00AMRm. 206-202

Fr 12:00PM - 1:00PMRm. 206-202

PHILOSOPHY:

To give a general understanding of the mechanisms of slope processes, the main causative factors and some skills in analysis.

Main thrust of the course is the linking of geological processes, mechanisms, strength and structure into the analysis of slopes. Use of software - Slope/W and review of case studies.

LABORATORY:

There will be one laboratory session using ring shear and/or direct shear apparatus.

ASSESSMENT:

Final Examination3 hours70%

Case Study10%

Design Projects15%

Laboratory5%

Note: A minimum of 50% mark is required in the final examination to pass the course.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

In covering the above materials, it is intended that the students will

understand basic mechanisms of slope failures

build on the structural/geological interpretation from CIVIL220 (Introductory Engineering Geology) and develop skills in defining the underlying mechanisms involved.

build on the concepts of shear strength and groundwater from CIVIL221 (Geomechanics 1) and CIVIL322 (Geomechanics2)and expand this to deal with more competent materials with structural discontinuities.

develop analysis skills: manual and computer - GeoSuite software

appreciation of remedial, monitoring and risk management techniques in relation to slopes.

Case studies and design projects will be used to promote the learning goals within this paper.

COURSE OUTLINE:

Slope failure mechanisms, geological controls and classification, shear strength of rock and soil materials. Groundwater estimation of water pressure, perched and confined aquifers. Laboratory testing of earth materials for slope stability.

Limit equilibrium techniques -planar, circular non-linear, toppling and wedge. Analytical, numerical and graphical methods - use of software. Limitations of analytical methods.

Effects of water and earthquake on slope stability

Landslide risk management - probability of failure, hazard evaluation and risk management. Use of observational approach, rating systems and back analysis. General methods of SI, geophysical, drilling and slope monitoring. Slope stabilization and remediation.

TEXTS:

There is no set text but references will be given in the course materials.

A useful resource is the following text book:

A short course in soil and rock slope engineering, Simons N, Menzies B and Matthews M, Thomas Telford, 2007. This is available as an e-book as well as hard copy.