Certificate for Module (Soil Mechanics)
Course Code: CP108
Microcredential Course
Programme Code: CP108A
Medium of Instruction: English
Course Fee: HKD $6300
Application Fee: HKD $150
Course Introduction
The programme aims at introducing fundamental description and the classification of soils; mechanical concepts including the effective stress concept, strength of soils, consolidation, settlement and testing procedures.
Course Details
On completion of the programme, students should be able to:
- Describe the basic principles of elasticity and key parameters pertaining to measurement of soil strength and deformation;
- Describe the nature and classification of soils and quantities pertaining to soil;
- Identify the application and limitations of common soil mechanics experiments;
- Analyse elementary geotechnical problems using the effective stress concept.
Syllabus
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Overview
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Introduction to the concept of critical state
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Void ratio, porosity, degree of saturation
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Mass relationships: water content, bulk density, specific gravity and relative density
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Weathering
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Classification of soils
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Soil testing, classification and analyses
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Colours, mass characteristics, particle size analysis, grading curves, effective grain size and uniformity coefficient, limit and plasticity tests
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Properties
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Case study
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State of stress
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Shear strength
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Mohr’s diagram method of stress analysis
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Geostatic stress condition
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Lateral stress coefficient
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Horizontal and vertical stresses
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Failure criterion analysis
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Total head
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Pressure head
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Darcy’s law
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Flow and seepage problems
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Geotechnical seepage problems and solutions
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Overview
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Formation
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Capillary head
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Overviews
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Soil properties and air voids
Entry Requirements
Applicants shall:
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have gained in the HKDSE Examination Level 2 or above in five subjects*^ including English Language and Chinese Language#, Mathematics (Core) and one of the following: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Combined Science or Geography; or
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hold a Diploma in Foundation Studies; or
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hold a Diploma of Applied Education, Diploma Yi Jin or equivalent qualification(s).
Equivalent qualifications will be considered by the College.
Applicants who do not possess the above academic qualifications but who are aged 21 or above with relevant work experience will be considered on individual merit.
“Attained with Distinction (II)” is deemed equivalent to Level 4 or above in the HKDSE Examination;
“Attained with Distinction (I)” is deemed equivalent to Level 3 in the HKDSE Examination; and
“Attained” is deemed equivalent to Level 2 in the HKDSE Examination.
Assessment
Students are required to do a 2-hour written examination, group-based reports and tutorial exercises.
Upon successful completion of the programme, students will be awarded within the HKU system through HKU SPACE a Certificate for Module (Soil Mechanics).