CIVIL 722 - SLOPE ENGINEERING (Formerly Civil 422)

(15 Points, FC 2012)

COURSE CO-ORDINATOR: Dr. J D St George email: j.stgeorge@auckland.ac.nz

Room 1.1108 ext. 88195

OTHER TEACHING STAFF: Dr. R Orense email: r.orense@auckland.ac.nz

Room 1.603 ext. 88437

LECTURES: 3 lectures per week

ASSESSMENT: Examination (2 hrs) 70% Coursework: 30%

Test 10%
Laboratory 10%
Project 10%

PHILOSOPHY AND PURPOSE:

To give a general understanding of the mechanisms of slope processes, the main causative factors and some
skill in analysis.

Main thrust of the course is the linking of geological processes, mechanisms, strength and structure into the
analysis of slopes. Use of software - Slope/W and review of case studies.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Understand basic mechanisms of slope failures
Build on the structural/geological interpretation from Civil220 Introductory Engineering Geology and
develop skills in defining the underlying mechanisms involved.
Build on the concepts of shear strength and groundwater from Geomechanics 1 and 2 and expand this to
deal with more competent materials with structural discontinuities.
Develop analysis skills: manual and computer GeoSuite software
Appreciation of remedial, monitoring and risk management techniques in relation to slopes.
Case studies and a design project will be used to promote the learning goals within this paper.

SYLLABUS:
Slope failure mechanisms, geological controls and classification, shear strength of rock and soil materials.
Groundwater estimation of water pressure, perched and confined aquifers. Laboratory testing of earth
materials for slope stability.

Limit equilibrium techniques -planar, circular non-linear, toppling and wedge. Analytical, numerical and
graphical methods - use of software. Limitations of analytical methods. Landslide risk management -
probability of failure, hazard evaluation and risk management. Use of observational approach, rating systems
and back analysis. General methods of SI, geophysical, drilling and slope monitoring. Slope stabilization and
remediation.