Geotechnical Engineering unit (ENG336)

Hobart

Introduction

This unit advances students’ knowledge of engineering geology and soil mechanics, focusing on the design and stability analysis of geotechnical structures such as slopes, foundations, retaining walls, and embankments. Students will explore soil behaviour under loading and drainage conditions, using advanced modelling techniques such as Mohr-Coulomb and critical state models. The unit integrates field and laboratory testing methods, numerical analysis techniques, and industry standards for geotechnical design. 

Building on Geology and Soil Mechanics, where students gain foundational knowledge of soil classification, permeability, and effective stress, this unit prepares students for practical geotechnical design in engineering projects. It also complements Structural Mechanics, reinforcing the importance of soil-structure interaction in foundation and slope stability design. Additionally, students will assess long-term serviceability and climate resilience of geotechnical structures, ensuring sustainable design solutions in civil infrastructure, mining, and environmental engineering. 

Through practical fieldwork, laboratory testing, computational modelling, and real-world design projects, students will gain hands-on experience in stability assessment, failure mitigation, and sustainable geotechnical engineering practices. 

Summary

Unit name	Geotechnical Engineering
Unit code	ENG336
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Engineering
Discipline	Engineering
Coordinator	Doctor Hong Liu
Available as an elective?	No
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 2

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	05/07/2027	27/07/2027	30/08/2027	24/10/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the behaviour of engineering soils under typical loading and drainage conditions according to common material models.
• Determine the drained and undrained behaviour of engineering soils in the laboratory and in the field.
• Design typical geotechnical structures according to Australian and international standards.
• Evaluate the stability of geotechnical structures to improve their sustainability and environmental impact.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
030911	$1,235.00	$1,235.00	not applicable

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

ENG206 Geology and Soil Mechanics

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	1 x 2 hour Lecture per week 1 x 2 hour Tutorial per week 4 x 3 hour Labs per semester
Assessment	Mid Semester Test (10%)|Laboratory and Field work (40%)|Design Tasks (50%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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