Soil Dynamics module (CE51036)

You will learn about the behaviour of soils under dynamic loading. Dynamic loading involves the application of rapid or cyclical loads.

You will cover topics like:

• the concepts of wave transmission within continua
• fatigue behaviour in soils
• liquefaction

You will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to model the effects of dynamic loading within the ground on various receptors. This includes people and Civil Engineering infrastructure.

You will be able to assess the hazards they pose and design appropriate remedial measures.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• learn when consideration of soil dynamics needs to be applied
• learn about safety requirements regarding vibrations and workers on site
• learn about the origins of our current understanding of soil dynamics. You will learn about its historical basis. You will also learn about the degree to which techniques are based on theoretical and/or empirical considerations
• explore why and how soil behaviour under dynamic loading is different to static loading
• study topics such as:
  • the transmission of waves through soils
  • cyclic soil behaviour
  • liquefaction
  • site response
  • rate effects

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• determine appropriate parameters for evaluating dynamic response from laboratory data
• select and apply appropriate constitutive models for dynamic behaviour
• assess the impact of dynamic behaviour both qualitatively and quantitatively
• assemble, analyse, assess, and order data from a wide range of sources, in order to solve practical problems
• write accurate, brief design reports
• work with a team to solve practical problems and present findings as a single team submission, both written and orally

Assignments / assessment

• coursework (40%)
• exam (60%)

Teaching methods / timetable

• in-person lectures
• laboratories
  • testing soil samples to assess seismic risk