Geotechnical Engineering
Specialization (4): Geotechnics
All civil engineering constructions are in continuous contact with the ground, and, as such, interact with it. While the ground supports the structure, it may also be the source of loading and risk, as in earthquakes, earth pressures, and subsidence-induced stressing. Geotechnical Engineering is a central branch of civil engineering that deals with the design and construction of foundation systems, retaining walls, embankments, excavations, and tunnels, under various cyclic and static loading conditions, and through consideration of soil-structure interaction. It deals with the stressing and deformation of ground and associated structures such as piles, walls, pipelines, and tunnels.
The list of associated programme-specific courses required for fulfilling this specialisation is:
| 12421 | Advanced Soil Mechanics | 5 | point | Autumn E2B (Thurs 8-12) |
| 12422 | Advanced Geotechnical Engineering | 5 | point | Spring F4A (Tues 13-17) |
| 12431 | Principles of Rock Mechanics | 5 | point | Autumn E3A (Tues 8-12) |
| 12451 | Pavement Mechanics | 5 | point | Autumn E1B (Thurs 13-17) |
Other relevant courses, though not needed for receiving the specialisation, include: (i) Numerical Modelling in Soil Mechanics; (ii) Principles of Rock Mechanics; (iii) Mineral Resources; (iv) Concrete Technology; (v) GPS, GIS and Surveying; (vi) Dynamics of Structures – Theory and Analysis; (vii) Seismic and Wind Engineering; and (viii) Probabilistic Modelling in Civil Engineering.
Specialisations are merely recommended ways of choosing courses from the curriculum. Applicants are not admitted to a specialisation but to the programme, and they can choose among all the courses in the curriculum (according to the directions given). However, if the specialisation requirements have been fulfilled, the specialisation title may be added to the diploma.