Geotechnical Engineering unit (ENG336)

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

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

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

2027 fee information will be available in August.

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.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.