Course Title: Test and evaluate soils
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2016
Course Code: CIVE5683
Course Title: Test and evaluate soils
School: 130T Vocational Engineering
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6093 - Advanced Diploma of Engineering Design
Course Contact: Program Manager
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4468
Course Contact Email: engineering-tafe@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Dr Bishwajit Chowdhury
Ph: +61 3 9925 8054
Email: Bishwajit.Chowdhury@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 40
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
CIVE5658 (EDX130B) Use technical mathematics (basic).
CIVE5654 (EDX010B) Communicate and apply standard industry precedures and policies in an engineering design office.
Course Description
This unit of competency deals with the skills and knowledge required to correctly classify soils and carry out standard tests in order to evaluate soils.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
EAC120B Test and evaluate soils |
Element: |
1. Classify soils using standard classification systems, tests and various soil parameters. |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 The processes from which soils are formed and transformed are examined and soil classification systems established. |
Element: |
2. Perform a compaction test. |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 A standard or modified compaction test is performed. |
Element: |
3. Determine soil properties from the results of triaxial and direct shear tests. |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 The operation of the triaxial and the direct shear test is examined. |
Element: |
4. Demonstrate understanding of the behaviour of engineering soils. |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 The main groupings of soils are understood including the types, origins, constituents and properties. |
Learning Outcomes
.
Details of Learning Activities
You will be involved in the following learning activities to meet requirements for this course.
• Lectures/Tutorials
• Practicals/Discussions
• Journals/Research Work/Team Work
• Self-Directed Learning
• Site Visit/Excursion/Guest Speaker (TBA)
Teacher-led :
- The origin and the process of soil formations are explained.
- Parameters related with soil are explained.
- Atterberg limits test is explained and demonstrated.
- Sieve analysis test is performed and explained.
- Soil particle density test is demonstrated.
- Compaction test is explained and demonstrated.
- Parameters associated with the compaction test are explained.
- The principles of CBR test are examined.
- The operation of the triaxial and the direct shear tests are examined.
- Parameters related with triaxial and direct shear tests are explained.
- The main groupings of soils are explained.
- Soil stability, soil stabilisation and related parameters are examined.
- Site exploration methods, sampling and testing techniques and equipment are described.
- Relations between soil and structures are described.
Student-based problem-solving :
- Participate in individual problem solving activities completed to industry standard related to typical engineering workplace problems requiring:
- Calculate all parameters related to soil.
- Calculate and complete test work sheets for sieve analysis, soil particle density, Atterberg limits, compaction and CBR.
- Determine cohesion and the angle of internal friction by using Mohr’s circle.
Lab works
- Observe soil particle density test.
- Perform sieve analysis test.
- Perform Atterberg Limits test.
- Perform compaction test (standard/modified).
- Observe CBR test.
- Observe triaxial and direct shear tests.
Teaching Schedule
The proposed teaching schedule for this competency is detailed below:
Week | Topics Delivered | Element / Performance Criteria | Assessment task |
1 | Classification of Soils | 1.1 | |
2 | Classification of Soils | 1.4 - 1.5 | |
3 | Classification of Soils | 1.2 - 1.3 | Soil Particle Density Asn. (Report due week 4) |
4 | Classification of Soils | 1.6 | |
5 | Classification of Soils | 1.7 | Atterberg Limits Prac. (Report due week 6) |
6 | Classification of Soils | 1.8 | Sieve Analysis Prac. (Report due week 7) |
7 | Classification of Soils | 1.9 - 1.10 | |
8 | Compaction Test | 2.1 - 2.2 | |
9 | Compaction Test | 2.3 - 2.4 | |
10 | Compaction Test | 2.5 - 2.6 | Compaction Test Prac. (Report due week 11) |
11 | Compaction Test | 2.7 - 2.8 | C B R Asn. (Report due week 12) |
12 | Determination of soil properties from the results of Triaxial and Direct Shear Tests | 3.1 - 3.2 | |
13 | Determination of soil properties from the results of Triaxial and Direct Shear Tests | 3.3 - 3.4 | Triaxial and Direct Shear Asn. (Report due week 14) |
14 | The behaviour of engineering soils | 4.1 - 4.2 - 4.3 | |
15 | The behaviour of engineering soils | 4.4 - 4.5 - 4.6 | |
16 | The behaviour of engineering soils | 4.7 - 4.8 | |
17 - 18 | Course feedback Final Assessment |
1.1 - 1.3 - 1.4 - 1.6 - 1.7 - 1.8 - 1.9 - 1.10 - 2.2 - 2.3 - 2.4 - 2.5 - 2.6 - 2.7 - 2.8 - 3.2 - 3.3 - 3.4 - 4.1 - 4.2 - 4.3 - 4.4 - 4.5 - 4.6 - 4.7 - 4.8 |
Written Test. (Due week 17 / 18) |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Students will be able to access information and learning materials through myRMIT and may be provided with additional materials in class. List of relevant reference books, resources in the library and accessible Internet sites will be provided where possible. During the course, you will be directed to websites to enhance your knowledge and understanding of difficult concepts.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment are conducted in both theoretical and practical aspects of the course according to the performance criteria set out in the National Training Package. Students are required to undertake summative assessments that bring together knowledge and skills.
To successfully complete this course you will be required to demonstrate competency in each assessment tasks detailed under the Assessment Task Section.
Your assessment for this course will be marked using the following table
NYC (<50%)
Not Yet Competent
CAG (50-59%)
Competent - Pass
CC (60-69%)
Competent - Credit
CDI (70-79%)
Competent - Distinction
CHD (80-100%)
Competent - High Distinction
Assessment Tasks
Assessment Tasks
There are six assessments for learning elements and a final written test in the last session covering two hours. The seven assessments all contribute to the final result for this course. There are no extensions to assessment tasks.
Assessment 1: Soil Particle Density Test (Assignment-Practical Test)
Weighting towards final grade (4%):
This practical assessment (in the class) will focus on your practical ability to solve problems, complete work-sheet and report results of the soil test. This practical exercise will have a weighting of 2% of the final overall assessment mark.
Assessment 2: Atterberg Limits Test (Laboratory Test)
Weighting towards final grade (12%):
This practical assessment (in the laboratory) will focus on your practical ability to conduct the test, solve problems, complete work-sheet and report results of the soil test. This laboratory exercise will have a weighting of 10% of the final overall assessment mark.
Assessment 3: Sieve Analysis Test (Laboratory Test)
Weighting towards final grade (12%):
This practical assessment (in the laboratory) will focus on your practical ability to conduct the test, solve problems, complete work-sheet and report results of the soil test. This laboratory exercise will have a weighting of 10% of the final overall assessment mark.
Assessment 4: Compaction Test (Laboratory Test)
Weighting towards final grade (12%):
This practical assessment (in the laboratory) will focus on your practical ability to conduct the test, solve problems, complete work-sheet and report results of the soil test. This laboratory exercise will have a weighting of 10% of the final overall assessment mark.
Assessment 5: CBR Test (Assignment-Practical Test)
Weighting towards final grade (5%):
This practical assessment (in the class) will focus on your practical ability to solve problems, complete work-sheet and report results of the soil test. This practical exercise will have a weighting of 2% of the final overall assessment mark.
Assessment 6: Triaxial / Direct Shear Test (Assignment-Practical Test)
Weighting towards final grade (5%):
This practical assessment (in the class) will focus on your practical ability to solve problems, complete work-sheet and report results of the soil test. Provide written assignment regarding Triaxial and Direct Shear tests. This practical exercise will have a weighting of 10% of the final overall assessment mark.
Assessment 7: Written Test
Weighting towards final grade (50%):
A two hour exam will be held to assess the learning outcomes listed under the elements / performance criteria. The final assessment is a closed book written test. This assessment will have a weighting of 56% of the final overall assessment mark.
Assessment Matrix
Assessment vs EAC120B Elements & Performance Criteria.
EAC120B Elements & Performance Criteria | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assessments |
1.1 |
1.2 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.10 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 2.3 | 2.4 | 2.5 | 2.6 | 2.7 | 2.8 | 3.1 | 3.2 | 3.3 | 3.4 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.8 |
Assignments X 2 | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Lab tests X 3 | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | |||||||||||||||||
Test | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x |
Other Information
Student directed hours involve completing activities such as reading online resources, assignments, individual student-teacher course-related consultation. Students are required to self-study the learning materials and complete the assigned out of class activities. The estimated time is minimum 20 hours outside the class time.
You need to obtain minimum PASS from ALL assessment tasks, failing one or more assessment task will result in failing the course.
Credit Transfer and/or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
You may be eligible for credit towards courses in your program if you have already met the learning/competency outcomes through previous learning and/or industry experience. To be eligible for credit towards a course, you must demonstrate that you have already completed learning and/or gained industry experience that is:
• Relevant
• Current
• Satisfies the learning/competency outcomes of the course
Please refer to http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit to find more information about credit transfer and RPL.
Study and Learning Support:
Study and Learning Centre (SLC) provides free learning and academic development advice to you. Services offered by SLC to support your numeracy and literacy skills are:
• Assignment writing, thesis writing and study skills advice
• Maths and science developmental support and advice
• English language development
Please refer to http://www.rmit.edu.au/studyandlearningcentre to find more information about Study and Learning Support.
Disability Liaison Unit:
If you are suffering from long-term medical condition or disability, you should contact Disability Liaison Unit to seek advice and support to complete your studies.
Please refer to http://www.rmit.edu.au/disability to find more information about services offered by Disability Liaison Unit.
Late Submission:
If you require an Extension of Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) for seven calendar days or less (from the original due date) and have valid reasons, you must complete an Application for Extension of Submittable Work (7 Calendar Days or less) form and lodge it with the Senior Educator/ Program Manager.
The application must be lodged no later than one working day before the official due date. You will be notified within no more than two working days of the date of lodgement as to whether the extension has been granted.
If you seek an Extension of Submittable Work for more than seven calendar days (from the original due date), you must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form under the provisions of the Special Consideration Policy, preferably prior to, but no later than two working days after the official due date.
Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) submitted late without approval of an extension will not be accepted or marked.
Special Consideration:
Please refer to http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration to find more information about special consideration.
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is a form of cheating and it is very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the university.
Please refer to http://www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity to find more information about plagiarism.
Email Communication:
All email communications will be sent to your RMIT email address and you must regularly check your RMIT emails.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview