Geo technology

=GEOTECHNOLOGY =

MODULE UNIT DESCRIPTION
Geotechnology is the study of soils and rocks forming the earths surface.

PURPOSE
This module unit is intended to equip the trainee with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to analyze the properties of soils and rocks for use in construction.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES
At the end of this module unit, the trainee should be able to:
 * 1) Understand the properties of soils and rocks
 * 2) Understand the procedures of carrying out laboratory tests on soils and rocks
 * 3) Use results of test to perform construction works
 * 4) Locate sites for construction

MODULE SUMMARY AND TIME ALLOCATION
=SOIL PROPERTIES AND CLASSIFICATION= =THEORY=

Specific Objectives
Content
 * By the end of the sub-module unit, the trainee should be able to:
 * 1) explain the terms that apply to soil properties
 * 2) describe the tests used to determine basic soil properties
 * 3) describe methods of used to classify soils
 * Terms
 * 1) moisture content
 * 2) void ratio
 * 3) porosity
 * 4) degree of starvation
 * 5) compaction test curve
 * 6) maximum dry density
 * 7) optimum moisture content
 * 8) air rods line


 * Soil properties
 * Soil classification
 * Terminology
 * 1) Theories
 * 2) Effect on stability

=Objectives= =MINERALOGY=
 * Stages
 * Methods
 * Terminologies
 * Rock forming minerals
 * Mineral groups
 * 1) Physical properties
 * 2) Types of minerals
 * 3) Slope stability

=SOIL PROPERTIES AND CLASSIFICATION= =THEORY=

Specific Objectives
By the end of the sub-module unit, the trainee should be able to:
 * 1) explain the terms that apply to soil properties
 * 2) describe the tests used to determine basic soil properties
 * 3) describe methods of used to classify soils

Content
 * Terms
 * 1) moisture content
 * 2) void ratio
 * 3) porosity
 * 4) degree of starvation
 * 5) compaction test curve
 * 6) maximum dry density
 * 7) optimum moisture content
 * 8) air rods line
 * Tests for determining basis soil properties
 * 1) moisture contents
 * 2) particle specific gravity test
 * 3) bulk density test
 * Methods of soil classification
 * 1) coarse analysis test
 * 2) Atterberg limits test
 * 3) Linear shrinkage test

=PRACTICE= =practice=

Specific Objectives
By the end of the sub-module unit, the trainee should be able to carry out soil tests to determine basic soil properties. Content
 * Soil tests for basic soil properties
 * 1) soil classification
 * 2) soil compaction test
 * 3) filed compaction test
 * 4) shear strength test
 * 5) bearing capacity test
 * 6) permeability test

Competences  Ability to:
 * Classify soils for construction purposes
 * Demonstrate use of soil classification apparatus

 Suggested Teaching/Learning Activities
 * Lecture
 * Discussion
 * Demonstration

Suggested Assessment Methods 
 * Oral
 * Written
 * Practical assignment

=LATERAL EARTH PRESSURE= =THEORY=

Specific Objectives
By the end of the sub-module unit, the trainee should be able to:
 * 1) explain terms applied in lateral earth pressure
 * 2) explain the theories for lateral earth pressure

Content


 * Terms
 * 1) active earth pressure
 * 2) passive earth pressure
 * 3) at rest earth pressure theories
 * Lateral earth pressure theories
 * 1) Rankines theory
 * 2) Coulomb’s theory

=PRACTICE=

Specific Objectives
By the end of the sub-module unit, the trainee should be able
 * 1) compute lateral pressure on a retaining structure for its stability
 * 2) analyse the stability of a retaining structure

Content
 * Lateral pressures on retaining structures
 * 1) earth pressures
 * 2) pure water pressure
 * Analysis of stability of a retaining structure against:
 * 1) overturning
 * 2) sliding
 * 3) uplifts
 * 4) tension in joints

Competences

Ability to carry out analysis of stability of retaining structures

Suggested Learning Resources
 * Text books
 * Charts
 * Internet services

Suggested Learning Activities
 * Lecture
 * Discussion

Suggested Assessment Methods
 * Oral
 * Written

=SITE INVESTIGATION= =THEORY=

Specific Objectives
By the end of the sub-module unit, the trainee should be able to:
 * 1) state objectives of site investigation
 * 2) explain stages in site investigation
 * 3) describe methods used in site investigation

Content
 * 1) Objectives of site investigation
 * 2) assess suitability of
 * 3) economic design of structures
 * 4) advise on sites
 * Stages
 * 1) desk study
 * 2) site reconnaissance
 * 3) detailed site exploration and sampling
 * 4) laboratory testing of samples
 * 5) in-situ testing
 * 6) reporting results
 * 7) Methods
 * 8) sampling methods
 * 9) undisturbed sampling
 * 10) disturbed sampling

=PRACTICE=

Specific Objectives
By the end of the sub-module unit the trainee should be able to:
 * 1) carry out site investigation tests
 * 2) carry out geophysical survey on a selected site

Content
 * 1) In-situ testing methods
 * 2) core cutter test
 * 3) sand replacement
 * 4) standard penetration test
 * 5) core penetration test
 * 6) shear vane test
 * 7) plate bearing test
 * 8) california bearing ratio test
 * 9) pile loading test
 * 10) pile loading test
 * Geophysical survey tests methods
 * 1) electrical resistivity methods
 * 2) seismic refraction methods

Competences Ability to: Sample material using suitable tools and equipment
 * Use of tools and equipment in sampling ground material on site
 * Assess ground condition for suitability for construction

Suggested Learning/Teaching Resources Suggested Learning Activities
 * Text books
 * Charts
 * Tools and equipment
 * Internet services
 * Lecture
 * Discussion
 * Demonstration

Suggested Assessment Methods
 * Oral
 * Written
 * Practical assignment

=MINEROLOGY= =THEORY=

Specific Objectives
By the end of the sub-module unit, the trainee should be able to:
 * 1) explain the terms mineral and rocks
 * 2) name rock forming minerals as seen in hand specimens
 * 3) state rock forming mineral groups
 * 4) describe physical properties of minerals

Content
 * Terms
 * 1) mineral
 * 2) rock
 * Major common rock forming minerals
 * 1) quartz
 * 2) calcite
 * 3) feldspar
 * 4) mica
 * 5) clay
 * Rock forming mineral groups
 * 1) silicates
 * 2) carbonates
 * 3) sulphates
 * 4) sulphides,
 * 5) oxides
 * 6) chlorides

=PRACTICE=

Specific Objectives
By the end of the sub-module unit, the trainee should be able to:
 * 1) identify rock forming minerals
 * 2) identify rock-forming mineral groups

Content
 * Rock forming minerals
 * 1) quartz
 * 2) cacite
 * 3) feldspar
 * 4) mica
 * 5) clay
 * Rock forming mineral groups
 * 1) silicates
 * 2) carbonate
 * 3) sulphate
 * 4) sulphides
 * 5) chlorides
 * 6) oxides

Competences Ability to;
 * Identify rock forming minerals

Suggested Learning/Teaching Resources
 * Text books
 * Charts
 * Rock sample/specimens
 * Internet services

Suggested Learning Activities
 * Lecture
 * Visual observation
 * Discussion

Suggested Assessment Methods
 * Oral
 * Written

=PETROLOGY= =THEORY=

Specific Objectives
By the end of the sub-module unit, the trainee should be able to:
 * 1) Explain modes of formation of various types of rocks
 * 2) Explain the characteristics of various types of rocks
 * 3) Describe the texture of various types of rocks:
 * Formation of rocks
 * 1) igneous rocks
 * 2) sedimentary rocks
 * 3) metamorphic rocks
 * Characteristics
 * Texture

Content
 * Mode of formation
 * 1) Extensives
 * 2) Intrusives

=PRACTICE=

Specific Objectives
By the end of the sub-module unit, the trainee should be able to:
 * 1) classify various types of rocks
 * 2) identify various types of rocks

Content ­#texture ­#structure ­#formation ­#characteristics
 * Classification of rocks
 * Identification based on:

Competences

Ability to:
 * Classify various types of rocks
 * Select rocks for given tasks

Suggested Learning Resources
 * Text books
 * Igneous rock samples
 * Internet services
 * Charts
 * Manuals

Suggested Learning Activities
 * Lecture
 * Visual observation
 * Discussion

Suggested Assessment Methods
 * Oral
 * Written