Undergraduate Teaching 2025-26

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Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4D5: Deep Foundations and Underground Construction, 2024-25

Module Leader

Prof S Haigh

Lecturer

Prof S Haigh

Lecturer

Prof G Viggiani

Timing and Structure

Michaelmas term. 14 lectures. Assessment: 100% exam

Prerequisites

3D2 assumed

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

  • introduce the challenges of foundation design and examine possible solutions from simple pad footings, through piles and caissons.

Objectives

As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:

  • assess the design requirements of a foundation;
  • deduce appropriate soil properties for foundation design from site investigation data;
  • decide whether to use a shallow or deep foundation;
  • design shallow and deep foundations against collapse;
  • design shallow and deep foundations against excessive settlement;
  • explain the difference between drained and undrained response;
  • recognise mechanisms which contribute to generating deformations and load capacity; and
  • back-analyse observed foundation performance.

Content

All civil engineering structures from houses to tethered oil and gas platforms require foundations.

The module begins by examining the requirements of a foundation; the applied loading, the acceptable deformations and the derivation of appropriate soil properties for each aspect of design.

The module then builds on material from 3D2 (geotechnical engineering) to examine theoretical solutions for the capacity (strength) and settlement (stiffness) of shallow and deep foundations under simple loading conditions in idealised soils. Strength is dealt with using plasticity. Stiffness is dealt with using elasticity. These theoretical solutions are then extended to more complex loading conditions and less idealised soils. 

Obtaining Geotechnical Data

  • Site investigation methods;
  • Field measurements of soil stiffness;
  • Laboratory assessment of soil strength and stiffness parameters; and
  • Small strain stiffness of soils.

Foundation Design

  • Foundation types;
  • Loading conditions;
  • Relevant soil behaviour and soil models; and
  • Selection of design soil properties.

Shallow Foundations

  • Strength: undrained failure of strip footings: vertical (V), horizontal (H) and moment (M) capacity;
  • Strength: drained failure of strip footings: V-H-M capacity, superposition of surcharge and self-weight effects;
  • Effects of footing shape and embedment, and soil heterogeneity;
  • Stiffness: elastic settlement of shallow foundations: drained and undrained; and
  • Stiffness: settlement of shallow foundations on non-linear soil.

Deep Foundations

  • Deep foundation types and construction methods; piles and caissons.
  • Pile strength: axial and lateral capacity;
  • Pile stiffness: axial and lateral deformations;
  • Piles: load testing, influence of installation method on performance; and
  • Pile groups: mutual influence, block behaviour, differential settlement.

Booklists

Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

 
Last modified: 31/05/2024 10:04

Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4D5: Deep Foundations and Underground Construction, 2023-24

Module Leader

Prof S Haigh

Lecturer

Prof S Haigh

Timing and Structure

Michaelmas term. 14 lectures. Assessment: 100% exam

Prerequisites

3D2 assumed

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

  • introduce the challenges of foundation design and examine possible solutions from simple pad footings, through piles and caissons.

Objectives

As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:

  • assess the design requirements of a foundation;
  • deduce appropriate soil properties for foundation design from site investigation data;
  • decide whether to use a shallow or deep foundation;
  • design shallow and deep foundations against collapse;
  • design shallow and deep foundations against excessive settlement;
  • explain the difference between drained and undrained response;
  • recognise mechanisms which contribute to generating deformations and load capacity; and
  • back-analyse observed foundation performance.

Content

All civil engineering structures from houses to tethered oil and gas platforms require foundations.

The module begins by examining the requirements of a foundation; the applied loading, the acceptable deformations and the derivation of appropriate soil properties for each aspect of design.

The module then builds on material from 3D2 (geotechnical engineering) to examine theoretical solutions for the capacity (strength) and settlement (stiffness) of shallow and deep foundations under simple loading conditions in idealised soils. Strength is dealt with using plasticity. Stiffness is dealt with using elasticity. These theoretical solutions are then extended to more complex loading conditions and less idealised soils. 

Obtaining Geotechnical Data

  • Site investigation methods;
  • Field measurements of soil stiffness;
  • Laboratory assessment of soil strength and stiffness parameters; and
  • Small strain stiffness of soils.

Foundation Design

  • Foundation types;
  • Loading conditions;
  • Relevant soil behaviour and soil models; and
  • Selection of design soil properties.

Shallow Foundations

  • Strength: undrained failure of strip footings: vertical (V), horizontal (H) and moment (M) capacity;
  • Strength: drained failure of strip footings: V-H-M capacity, superposition of surcharge and self-weight effects;
  • Effects of footing shape and embedment, and soil heterogeneity;
  • Stiffness: elastic settlement of shallow foundations: drained and undrained; and
  • Stiffness: settlement of shallow foundations on non-linear soil.

Deep Foundations

  • Deep foundation types and construction methods; piles and caissons.
  • Pile strength: axial and lateral capacity;
  • Pile stiffness: axial and lateral deformations;
  • Piles: load testing, influence of installation method on performance; and
  • Pile groups: mutual influence, block behaviour, differential settlement.

Booklists

Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

 
Last modified: 29/09/2023 09:23

Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4D5: Deep Foundations and Underground Construction, 2022-23

Module Leader

Prof Giulia Viggiani

Lecturers

Prof G Viggiani and Dr S Haigh

Timing and Structure

Michaelmas term. 14 lectures. Assessment: 100% exam

Prerequisites

3D2 assumed

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

  • introduce the challenges of foundation design and examine possible solutions from simple pad footings, through piles and caissons.

Objectives

As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:

  • assess the design requirements of a foundation;
  • deduce appropriate soil properties for foundation design from site investigation data;
  • decide whether to use a shallow or deep foundation;
  • design shallow and deep foundations against collapse;
  • design shallow and deep foundations against excessive settlement;
  • explain the difference between drained and undrained response;
  • recognise mechanisms which contribute to generating deformations and load capacity; and
  • back-analyse observed foundation performance.

Content

All civil engineering structures from houses to tethered oil and gas platforms require foundations.

The module begins by examining the requirements of a foundation; the applied loading, the acceptable deformations and the derivation of appropriate soil properties for each aspect of design.

The module then builds on material from 3D2 (geotechnical engineering) to examine theoretical solutions for the capacity (strength) and settlement (stiffness) of shallow and deep foundations under simple loading conditions in idealised soils. Strength is dealt with using plasticity. Stiffness is dealt with using elasticity. These theoretical solutions are then extended to more complex loading conditions and less idealised soils. 

Obtaining Geotechnical Data

  • Site investigation methods;
  • Field measurements of soil stiffness;
  • Laboratory assessment of soil strength and stiffness parameters; and
  • Small strain stiffness of soils.

Foundation Design

  • Foundation types;
  • Loading conditions;
  • Relevant soil behaviour and soil models; and
  • Selection of design soil properties.

Shallow Foundations

  • Strength: undrained failure of strip footings: vertical (V), horizontal (H) and moment (M) capacity;
  • Strength: drained failure of strip footings: V-H-M capacity, superposition of surcharge and self-weight effects;
  • Effects of footing shape and embedment, and soil heterogeneity;
  • Stiffness: elastic settlement of shallow foundations: drained and undrained; and
  • Stiffness: settlement of shallow foundations on non-linear soil.

Deep Foundations

  • Deep foundation types and construction methods; piles and caissons.
  • Pile strength: axial and lateral capacity;
  • Pile stiffness: axial and lateral deformations;
  • Piles: load testing, influence of installation method on performance; and
  • Pile groups: mutual influence, block behaviour, differential settlement.

Booklists

Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

 
Last modified: 18/01/2023 21:19

Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4D5: Foundation Engineering, 2021-22

Module Leader

Dr S Stanier

Lecturers

Dr S Stanier and Dr C N Abadie

Timing and Structure

Michaelmas term. 14 lectures. Assessment: 100% exam

Prerequisites

3D2 assumed

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

  • introduce the challenges of foundation design and examine possible solutions from simple pad footings, through piles and caissons.

Objectives

As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:

  • assess the design requirements of a foundation;
  • deduce appropriate soil properties for foundation design from site investigation data;
  • decide whether to use a shallow or deep foundation;
  • design shallow and deep foundations against collapse;
  • design shallow and deep foundations against excessive settlement;
  • explain the difference between drained and undrained response;
  • recognise mechanisms which contribute to generating deformations and load capacity; and
  • back-analyse observed foundation performance.

Content

All civil engineering structures from houses to tethered oil and gas platforms require foundations.

The module begins by examining the requirements of a foundation; the applied loading, the acceptable deformations and the derivation of appropriate soil properties for each aspect of design.

The module then builds on material from 3D2 (geotechnical engineering) to examine theoretical solutions for the capacity (strength) and settlement (stiffness) of shallow and deep foundations under simple loading conditions in idealised soils. Strength is dealt with using plasticity. Stiffness is dealt with using elasticity. These theoretical solutions are then extended to more complex loading conditions and less idealised soils. 

Obtaining Geotechnical Data

  • Site investigation methods;
  • Field measurements of soil stiffness;
  • Laboratory assessment of soil strength and stiffness parameters; and
  • Small strain stiffness of soils.

Foundation Design

  • Foundation types;
  • Loading conditions;
  • Relevant soil behaviour and soil models; and
  • Selection of design soil properties.

Shallow Foundations

  • Strength: undrained failure of strip footings: vertical (V), horizontal (H) and moment (M) capacity;
  • Strength: drained failure of strip footings: V-H-M capacity, superposition of surcharge and self-weight effects;
  • Effects of footing shape and embedment, and soil heterogeneity;
  • Stiffness: elastic settlement of shallow foundations: drained and undrained; and
  • Stiffness: settlement of shallow foundations on non-linear soil.

Deep Foundations

  • Deep foundation types and construction methods; piles and caissons.
  • Pile strength: axial and lateral capacity;
  • Pile stiffness: axial and lateral deformations;
  • Piles: load testing, influence of installation method on performance; and
  • Pile groups: mutual influence, block behaviour, differential settlement.

Booklists

Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

 
Last modified: 20/05/2021 07:48

Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4D5: Foundation Engineering, 2020-21

Module Leader

Dr S Stanier

Lecturers

Dr S Stanier and Dr C N Abadie

Timing and Structure

Michaelmas term. 14 lectures. Assessment: 100% exam

Prerequisites

3D2 assumed

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

  • introduce the challenges of foundation design and examine possible solutions from simple pad footings, through piles and caissons.

Objectives

As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:

  • assess the design requirements of a foundation;
  • deduce appropriate soil properties for foundation design from site investigation data;
  • decide whether to use a shallow or deep foundation;
  • design shallow and deep foundations against collapse;
  • design shallow and deep foundations against excessive settlement;
  • explain the difference between drained and undrained response;
  • recognise mechanisms which contribute to generating deformations and load capacity; and
  • back-analyse observed foundation performance.

Content

All civil engineering structures from houses to tethered oil and gas platforms require foundations.

The module begins by examining the requirements of a foundation; the applied loading, the acceptable deformations and the derivation of appropriate soil properties for each aspect of design.

The module then builds on material from 3D2 (geotechnical engineering) to examine theoretical solutions for the capacity (strength) and settlement (stiffness) of shallow and deep foundations under simple loading conditions in idealised soils. Strength is dealt with using plasticity. Stiffness is dealt with using elasticity. These theoretical solutions are then extended to more complex loading conditions and less idealised soils. 

Obtaining Geotechnical Data

  • Site investigation methods;
  • Field measurements of soil stiffness;
  • Laboratory assessment of soil strength and stiffness parameters; and
  • Small strain stiffness of soils.

Foundation Design

  • Foundation types;
  • Loading conditions;
  • Relevant soil behaviour and soil models; and
  • Selection of design soil properties.

Shallow Foundations

  • Strength: undrained failure of strip footings: vertical (V), horizontal (H) and moment (M) capacity;
  • Strength: drained failure of strip footings: V-H-M capacity, superposition of surcharge and self-weight effects;
  • Effects of footing shape and embedment, and soil heterogeneity;
  • Stiffness: elastic settlement of shallow foundations: drained and undrained; and
  • Stiffness: settlement of shallow foundations on non-linear soil.

Deep Foundations

  • Deep foundation types and construction methods; piles and caissons.
  • Pile strength: axial and lateral capacity;
  • Pile stiffness: axial and lateral deformations;
  • Piles: load testing, influence of installation method on performance; and
  • Pile groups: mutual influence, block behaviour, differential settlement.

Booklists

Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

 
Last modified: 01/09/2020 10:32

Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4D5: Foundation Engineering, 2019-20

Module Leader

Dr S Stanier

Lecturers

Dr S Stanier and Dr C N Abadie

Timing and Structure

Michaelmas term. 14 lectures. Assessment: 100% exam

Prerequisites

3D2 assumed

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

  • introduce the challenges of foundation design and examine possible solutions from simple pad footings, through piles and caissons.

Objectives

As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:

  • assess the design requirements of a foundation;
  • deduce appropriate soil properties for foundation design from site investigation data;
  • decide whether to use a shallow or deep foundation;
  • design shallow and deep foundations against collapse;
  • design shallow and deep foundations against excessive settlement;
  • explain the difference between drained and undrained response;
  • recognise mechanisms which contribute to generating deformations and load capacity; and
  • back-analyse observed foundation performance.

Content

All civil engineering structures from houses to tethered oil and gas platforms require foundations.

The module begins by examining the requirements of a foundation; the applied loading, the acceptable deformations and the derivation of appropriate soil properties for each aspect of design.

The module then builds on material from 3D2 (geotechnical engineering) to examine theoretical solutions for the capacity (strength) and settlement (stiffness) of shallow and deep foundations under simple loading conditions in idealised soils. Strength is dealt with using plasticity. Stiffness is dealt with using elasticity. These theoretical solutions are then extended to more complex loading conditions and less idealised soils. 

Obtaining Geotechnical Data

  • Site investigation methods;
  • Field measurements of soil stiffness;
  • Laboratory assessment of soil strength and stiffness parameters; and
  • Small strain stiffness of soils.

Foundation Design

  • Foundation types;
  • Loading conditions;
  • Relevant soil behaviour and soil models; and
  • Selection of design soil properties.

Shallow Foundations

  • Strength: undrained failure of strip footings: vertical (V), horizontal (H) and moment (M) capacity;
  • Strength: drained failure of strip footings: V-H-M capacity, superposition of surcharge and self-weight effects;
  • Effects of footing shape and embedment, and soil heterogeneity;
  • Stiffness: elastic settlement of shallow foundations: drained and undrained; and
  • Stiffness: settlement of shallow foundations on non-linear soil.

Deep Foundations

  • Deep foundation types and construction methods; piles and caissons.
  • Pile strength: axial and lateral capacity;
  • Pile stiffness: axial and lateral deformations;
  • Piles: load testing, influence of installation method on performance; and
  • Pile groups: mutual influence, block behaviour, differential settlement.

Booklists

Please see the Booklist for Group D Courses for references for this module.

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

 
Last modified: 23/08/2019 09:04

Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4D5: Foundation Engineering, 2018-19

Module Leader

Dr G Biscontin

Lecturers

Dr G Biscontin and Dr S K Haigh

Timing and Structure

Lent term. 14 lectures. Assessment: 100% exam

Prerequisites

3D2 assumed

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

  • introduce the challenges of foundation design and examine possible solutions from simple pad footings, through piles and caissons.

Objectives

As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:

  • assess the design requirements of a foundation.
  • deduce appropriate soil properties for foundation design from site investigation data.
  • decide whether to use a shallow or deep foundation.
  • design shallow and deep foundations against collapse.
  • design shallow and deep foundations against excessive settlement.
  • explain the difference between drained and undrained response.
  • recognise mechanisms which contribute to generating deformations and load capacity.
  • back-analyse observed foundation performance

Content

All civil engineering structures from houses to tethered oil platforms require foundations.

The module begins by examining the requirements of a foundation; the applied loading, the acceptable deformations and the derivation of appropriate soil properties for each aspect of design.

The module then builds on material from 3D2 (geotechnical engineering) to examine theoretical solutions for the capacity (strength) and settlement (stiffness) of shallow and deep foundations under simple loading conditions in idealised soils. Strength is dealt with using plasticity. Stiffness is dealt with using elasticity. These theoretical solutions are then extended to more complex loading conditions and less idealised soils. 

Obtaining geotechnical data

  • Site investigation methods
  • Field measurements of soil stiffness
  • Laboratory assessment of soil strength and stiffness parameters
  • Small strain stiffness of soils

Foundations Design

  • Foundation types;
  • Loading conditions;
  • Relevant soil behaviour and soil models;
  • Selection of design soil properties

Shallow Foundations

  • Strength: undrained failure of strip footings: vertical (V), horizontal (H) and moment (M) capacity;
  • Strength: drained failure of strip footings: V-H-M capacity, superposition of surcharge and self-weight effects;
  • Effects of footing shape and embedment, and soil heterogeneity;
  • Stiffness: elastic settlement of shallow foundations: drained and undrained;
  • Stiffness: settlement of shallow foundations on non-linear soil.

Deep Foundations (6L)

  • Deep foundation types and construction methods; piles and caissons.
  • Pile strength: axial and lateral capacity;
  • Pile stiffness: axial and lateral deformations;
  • Piles: load testing, influence of installation method on performance;
  • Pile groups: mutual influence, block behaviour, differential settlement;

Booklists

Please see the Booklist for Group D Courses for references for this module.

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

UK-SPEC

This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:

Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.

GT1

Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.

IA1

Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.

IA2

Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.

KU1

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.

KU2

Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.

E1

Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.

P1

A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations and some appreciation of likely new developments.

P3

Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).

US1

A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.

US4

An awareness of developing technologies related to own specialisation.

 
Last modified: 31/05/2018 18:28

Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4D5: Foundation Engineering, 2017-18

Module Leader

Dr G Biscontin

Lecturers

Dr G Biscontin and Dr S K Haigh

Timing and Structure

Lent term. 14 lectures. Assessment: 100% exam

Prerequisites

3D2 assumed

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

  • introduce the challenges of foundation design and examine possible solutions; from simple pad footings, through piles and caissons, to drop-and drag-anchors.

Objectives

As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:

  • assess the design requirements of a foundation.
  • deduce appropriate soil properties for foundation design from site investigation data.
  • decide whether to use a shallow or deep foundation.
  • design shallow and deep foundations against collapse.
  • design shallow and deep foundations against excessive settlement.
  • explain the difference between drained and undrained response.
  • recognise mechanisms which contribute to generating deformations and load capacity.
  • back-analyse observed foundation performance
  • appreciate lessons learnt from field data obtained from case histories.

Content

All civil engineering structures from houses to tethered oil platforms require foundations.

The module begins by examining the requirements of a foundation; the applied loading, the acceptable deformations and the derivation of appropriate soil properties for each aspect of design.

The module then builds on material from 3D2 (geotechnical engineering) to examine theoretical solutions for the capacity (strength) and settlement (stiffness) of shallow and deep foundations under simple loading conditions in idealised soils. Strength is dealt with using plasticity. Stiffness is dealt with using elasticity. These theoretical solutions are then extended to more complex loading conditions and less idealised soils. The course is widely illustrated with case studies from the offshore industry.

Foundations Design (2L)

  • Foundation types;
  • Loading conditions;
  • Allowable deformations;
  • Relevant soil behaviour and soil models;
  • Selection of design soil properties

Shallow Foundations (6L)

  • Strength: Undrained failure of strip footings: Vertical (V), Horizontal (H) and Moment (M) capacity;
  • Strength: Drained failure of strip footings: V-H-M capacity, superposition of surcharge and self-weight effects;
  • Effects of footing shape and embedment, and soil heterogeneity;
  • Stiffness: Elastic settlement of shallow foundations: drained and undrained;
  • Stiffness: Settlement of shallow foundations on non-linear soil.

Deep Foundations (6L)

  • Deep foundation types and construction methods; piles, caissons, drop-anchors;
  • Pile strength: Axial and lateral capacity;
  • Pile stiffness: Axial and lateral deformations;
  • Piles: load testing, influence of installation method on performance;
  • Pile groups: mutual influence, block behaviour, differential settlement;
  • Offshore solutions: caissons, anchors: installation methods and capacity.

Coursework

The preliminary evaluation of three design solutions for an offshore wind turbine foundation.

Booklists

Please see the Booklist for Group D Courses for references for this module.

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

UK-SPEC

This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:

Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.

GT1

Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.

IA1

Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.

IA2

Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.

KU1

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.

KU2

Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.

E1

Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.

P1

A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations and some appreciation of likely new developments.

P3

Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).

US1

A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.

US4

An awareness of developing technologies related to own specialisation.

 
Last modified: 10/10/2017 12:07

Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4D4: Digital Construction, 2024-25

Module Leader

Prof I Brilakis

Lecturer

Prof I Brilakis

Timing and Structure

Lent term - 14 lectures - Assessment: 100% coursework

Prerequisites

3D1, 3D2 & 4D16 useful

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

  • familiarise students with key design and construction aspects of those areas of construction engineering which are commonly encountered in many major civil engineering projects.

Objectives

As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:

  • understand key issues in front-end planning and construction of major civil engineering infrastructure.
  • understand the basics of construction site development, earth removing methods and earth excavation techniques.
  • understand the basics for rock excavation and blasting.
  • understand the practical considerations for loading and hauling operations including productivity estimation, fleet economics and equipment selection.
  • understand the design, construction and operational aspects of compacting, finishing and paving operations for road infrastructure.
  • analyse and evaluate the key principles and concepts of digital construction, including information modelling, monitoring,
  • define the process of designing non-software specific modelling techniques in digital construction.
  • apply critical thinking skills to assess the advantages and limitations of digital technologies in construction projects.
  • evaluate and compare various digital tools and technologies used for project planning, design optimization, and data analysis.
  • critically assess various types of sensors commonly used in construction as well as emerging trends and innovations in IoT and sensor technologies relevant to construction project monitoring.
  • critically analyse a real-world case study involving the deployment of digital technology deployment in construction, to identify key challenges, innovative solutions, and lessons learned, and propose ways to adapt and apply these insights to address simi

Content

This module aims to familiarise students with key design and construction aspects of those areas of construction engineering which are commonly encountered in many major civil engineering projects. In Part 1, this will include earth moving and soil excavation techniques, rock excavation and blasting, road construction and equipment fleet economics. Earthworks are becoming increasingly important as massive rail and road projects are needed to cope with growing traffic.  Rock excavation and blasting, as well as paving operations, provide particular challenges in many civil engineering projects. In Part 2, the students will start by gaining a firm grasp of digital modelling and its practical applications in construction projects. The module provides a deep dive into BIM as a popular exemplar of digital modelling. Students will explore the intricate processes involved in designing and executing BIM projects and learn how BIM extends into the fourth (scheduling) and fifth (cost) dimensions (4D/5D). The students will also gain an appreciation for the role of BIM in facility management (6D). Finally, the students will be provided with an overview of IoT and sensor technologies, discovering how these cutting-edge components can be integrated into construction processes for real-time data collection and analysis. A real-world case study will be used to highlight the transformative impact of these technologies in complex construction scenarios. Part 2 will end with an overview and run-through of the second coursework assignment.
 
Site development & earthmoving materials
Excavation techniques & earth moving methods 
Loading and hauling
Road construction
Fleet economics
Introduction to digital construction and priority outcomes
An introduction to digital modelling
Designing and executing BIM projects
BIM for schedule (4D) and cost (5D) management
BIM for facility (6D) management
Construction monitoring: Internet of things (IoT) and sensor technologies
Case study: digital underground construction
 
14L, Prof I. Brilakis

Coursework

This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:

Toggle showing UK-SPEC areas.

Coursework Format

Due date

& marks

Coursework 1: Earthworks

Construction earthwork and equipment: estimation of excavation soil volumes from drawings, earthwork production, blast design, logistics planning for transporting soils to/from project sites, paving and economics.

 

 Individual Report

anonymously marked

 [30/60]
 

Coursework 2: Digital Construction

Development of a custom rule-based algorithm to automatically segment a specific element from a 3D point cloud (provided to the students) and recover key geometric features. Identification of the key steps involved in creating an IFC schema extension to accommodate custom objects and relationships, and the integration of such extensions into existing IFC-compliant software applications.

 

Individual Report

anonymously marked

 

[30/60]

 

 

Booklists

Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

UK-SPEC

This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:

Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.

GT1

Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.

IA1

Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.

IA2

Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.

KU1

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.

KU2

Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.

E1

Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.

P1

A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations and some appreciation of likely new developments.

P3

Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).

US1

A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.

 
Last modified: 17/12/2024 10:52

Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4D4: Construction Engineering, 2023-24

Module Leader

Dr B Sheil

Lecturer

Dr B Sheil and Dr I Brilakis

Timing and Structure

Lent term - 14 lectures - Assessment: 100% coursework

Prerequisites

4D16 useful

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

  • familiarise students with key design and construction aspects of those areas of construction engineering which are commonly encountered in many major civil engineering projects.

Objectives

As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:

  • understand key issues in front-end planning and construction of major civil engineering infrastructure.
  • understand the basics of construction site development, earth removing methods and earth excavation techniques.
  • understand the basics for rock excavation and blasting.
  • understand the practical considerations for loading and hauling operations including productivity estimation, fleet economics and equipment selection.
  • understand the design, construction and operational aspects of compacting, finishing and paving operations for road infrastructure.
  • analyse and evaluate the key principles and concepts of digital construction, including information modelling, monitoring,
  • define the process of designing non-software specific modelling techniques in digital construction.
  • apply critical thinking skills to assess the advantages and limitations of digital technologies in construction projects.
  • evaluate and compare various digital tools and technologies used for project planning, design optimization, and data analysis.
  • critically assess various types of sensors commonly used in construction as well as emerging trends and innovations in IoT and sensor technologies relevant to construction project monitoring.
  • critically analyse a real-world case study involving the deployment of digital technology deployment in construction, to identify key challenges, innovative solutions, and lessons learned, and propose ways to adapt and apply these insights to address simi

Content

This module aims to familiarise students with key design and construction aspects of those areas of construction engineering which are commonly encountered in many major civil engineering projects. In Part 1, this will include earth moving and soil excavation techniques, rock excavation and blasting, road construction and equipment fleet economics. Earthworks are becoming increasingly important as massive rail and road projects are needed to cope with growing traffic.  Rock excavation and blasting, as well as paving operations, provide particular challenges in many civil engineering projects. In Part 2, the students will start by gaining a firm grasp of digital modelling and its practical applications in construction projects. The module provides a deep dive into BIM as a popular exemplar of digital modelling. Students will explore the intricate processes involved in designing and executing BIM projects and learn how BIM extends into the fourth (scheduling) and fifth (cost) dimensions (4D/5D). The students will also gain an appreciation for the role of BIM in facility management (6D). Finally, the students will be provided with an overview of IoT and sensor technologies, discovering how these cutting-edge components can be integrated into construction processes for real-time data collection and analysis. A real-world case study will be used to highlight the transformative impact of these technologies in complex construction scenarios. Part 2 will end with an overview and run-through of the second coursework assignment.
 
Site development & earthmoving materials
Excavation techniques & earth moving methods 
Loading and hauling
Road construction
Fleet economics
Introduction to digital construction and priority outcomes
An introduction to digital modelling
Designing and executing BIM projects
BIM for schedule (4D) and cost (5D) management
BIM for facility (6D) management
Construction monitoring: Internet of things (IoT) and sensor technologies
Case study: digital underground construction
 
 
8L, Dr Brian Sheil; 6L, Dr I. Brilakis

Coursework

This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:

Toggle showing UK-SPEC areas.

Coursework Format

Due date

& marks

Coursework 1: Earthworks

Construction earthwork and equipment: estimation of excavation soil volumes from drawings, earthwork production, blast design, logistics planning for transporting soils to/from project sites, paving and economics.

 

 Individual Report

anonymously marked

 [30/60]
 

Coursework 2: Digital Construction

Development of a custom rule-based algorithm to automatically segment a specific element from a 3D point cloud (provided to the students) and recover key geometric features. Identification of the key steps involved in creating an IFC schema extension to accommodate custom objects and relationships, and the integration of such extensions into existing IFC-compliant software applications.

 

Individual Report

anonymously marked

 

[30/60]

 

 

Booklists

Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

UK-SPEC

This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:

Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.

GT1

Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.

IA1

Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.

IA2

Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.

KU1

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.

KU2

Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.

E1

Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.

P1

A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations and some appreciation of likely new developments.

P3

Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).

US1

A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.

 
Last modified: 12/01/2024 11:23

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