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Not currently available in 2020

Unit description

Introduces students to fundamentals of soil mechanics and geology, soils and their behaviour along with investigating soils response to applied loads. This unit presents and discusses the methods of interpreting physical and mechanical properties of soils that are encountered by civil engineers.

Unit content

  • Composition and particle sizes of the soil
  • Phase relationship, physical states and soil classification
  • Determination of liquid limit, plastic limit and linear shrinkage
  • Flow of water in the soil and soil hydraulic conductivity
  • Soil compaction
  • Surface load stresses and principle of effective stress
  • Soil settlement
  • Soil strength

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: Intellectual rigour, GA2: Creativity, GA3: Ethical practice, GA4: Knowledge of a discipline, GA5: Lifelong learning, GA6: Communication and social skills, GA7: Cultural competence
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:GA1GA2GA3GA4GA5GA6GA7
1demonstrate an understanding of the geological and engineering properties of soilsKnowledge of a discipline
2perform laboratory tests on soil samples to the Australian Standards to determine properties required in analysis and understand the need for accreditation of soil laboratoriesKnowledge of a disciplineCommunication and social skills
3demonstrate proficiency in applying analytical methods to determine stresses and strains in soils under loadKnowledge of a discipline
4demonstrate understanding of the movement of water in soils Knowledge of a discipline

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. demonstrate an understanding of the geological and engineering properties of soils
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  2. perform laboratory tests on soil samples to the Australian Standards to determine properties required in analysis and understand the need for accreditation of soil laboratories
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA6: Communication and social skills
  3. demonstrate proficiency in applying analytical methods to determine stresses and strains in soils under load
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  4. demonstrate understanding of the movement of water in soils
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Teaching and assessment

Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every session. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the study session.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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