Reference no: EM132189852

ASSIGNMNET: ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF GEOTECHNICAL STRUCTURES

A. AIM

The aim of this coursework is to enhance students' analytical skill by setting tailor-made questions wherein they are asked to independently carry out the analysis and design of geotechnical structures/problems, with limited soil data.

B. GENERAL DIRECTION

For this coursework, students are required to submit a coursework report in week 12 to be marked out of 100% (coursework report (45) + proposal (5): 50). Each student is provided with separate soil data (to ensure independent work) and is also required to generate any missing data from the available data. Wherever needed, students are encouraged to apply educated judgment and assumptions.

Moreover, the source(s) of each assumed data should be cited using the CU-Harvard citation format - format adopted by MEC. Generated data, if any, should be discussed in depth. Wherever required, please use sketches to explain your answers.

C. LEARNING OUTCOMES

i. Analyze the stability of retaining structures; how to predict the performance of piled foundations; how to analyze the stability of slopes (including rock slopes); the application of the concept of seepage in permeable ground, the philosophy of Dam Engineering; and the basic concept of critical state soil mechanics.
ii. Solve geotechnical engineering problems and analyze and interpret data.
iii. Analyze the flow of water through soil via the use of flow nets and its effect below structures and through earth-dams; to use appropriate mathematical methods of analyzing geotechnical problems.
iv. Work with limited information to achieve an engineering approach to the solution of problems.

D. QUESTIONS

Q1:
An L-shaped cantilever retaining wall is shown below. Provide structural design of the retaining wall. Use fck = 30 N/mm² and fyk = 500 N/mm²

Q2: Write a short critical note (5-8 pages) on design philosophy of earthen dams that consists of

Introduction

Design aspects (including slope stability check)

Seepage analysis

Seepage management

Q3:

Determine the ultimate load carrying capacity of a group pile in the following scenarios:

a) Piles are 20 m long, 3 by 3 in plan, square in cross section and to be driven into a granular soil
b) Piles are 20 m long, 3 by 3 in plan, circular in cross section and to be driven into saturated clay soil

Q4:

Design a rectangular pad foundation that carries a permanent load of 1800 kN (including footing self-weight) and a variable load of 1200 kN. The allowable bearing pressure on the soil is 280 kN/m2. The top of the footing is to be covered with 1.2 m fill with a unit weight of ------ kN/m3. Assume column size of 400 mm by 300 mm. Material properties: C30 concrete and fyk = 500 N/mm² reinforcement bar.
Note:

a) Use the Eurocode 2 code of practice
b) Compare and contrast your hand calculations against the ‘Staad Foundation' software design outputs and provide your comment on the results.

E. REPORT FORMAT

For paper formats (font type, font size, margins, etc.) refer to the lab report preparation format that had been uploaded earlier.
The structure of the current report is expected to contain at least the following.

1) COVER PAGE
- College name & logo
- Department name
- Student's name and I.D. number
- Semester: Fall 2018

2) TABLE OF CONTENTS
Provide a table of contents with corresponding page numbers.

3) INTRODUCTION
In the introduction part of your report, you are attempting to inform the reader about the rationale behind your work. In other words, you are justifying why your work is an essential component of the module you are taking (Geotechnology 2, CIVL 0016). The introduction is written with the view of introducing the topic of your paper and setting it into a broad context, gradually narrowing down to your learning outcomes. You may also state what type of approach you will be using in your paper for the entire discussion of your topic. Suffice to write a maximum of one page introduction (half page is OK).

4) MATERIALS, METHODS OF ANALYSIS AND RESULTS
This section also covers the data collection and analysis methods, such as computer models (software), mathematical models, questionnaires, interviews, visual observations, etc. Relevant soil parameters and calculations should be shown clearly.

5) DISCUSSION

The purpose of a results section is to present and illustrate your findings. Make this section a completely objective report of the results. The purpose of the discussion section is to provide an interpretation of your results and support for all of your conclusions, using evidence from your calculations and results, literature review and generally accepted knowledge, if appropriate. The significance of findings should be clearly described.

6) CONCLUSION
In academic writing, a well-crafted conclusion can provide the final word on the value of your analysis, research, or paper. Complete your conclusions with conviction! Consider the conclusion from the reader's perspective. At the end of a paper, a reader wants to know how to benefit from the work you accomplished in your paper. Include the following in your conclusion.

- How do the ideas in your report connect to what we have discussed in class, or to what scholars have written in their treatment of your topic?
- What new ideas have you added to the conversation? What ideas do you critique?
- What are the limitations of your data, methods, or results?
- What are the consequences of the strongest idea that comes out of your report?