Soil Mechanics and Environmental Geotechnics

MSc
Imperial College London
Student rating

(4.2) 367 reviews

Course description
The MSc courses explore the properties of soils and soft rocks in relation to civil engineering, the theory of geomechanics and
practical geotechnical engineering. All our MSc courses are career-oriented and cover both theoretical background and practical
design considerations. Lectures are given mainly by full-time staff but important contributions are made by visiting professors
and guest lecturers who are eminent industrialists. Many of our students continue their studies to undertake research towards a
PhD.

Study options
STUDY MODE

CAMPUS

DURATION

STARTS

Full time

South Kensington
Campus

1 years

OCT-16

Part time

South Kensington
Campus

2 years

OCT-16

Course fees
View fee details

Modules
Modules (Year 1)
Partly saturated soil behaviour
Laboratory and field techniques
The course describes the techniques used to characterise soil properties and quantify the mechanical behaviour of soils.
Ground profiles and ground investigation
Foundations
To follow on from the material covered in the first term, particularly on the strength and deformation of soils. The objectives of
the course are to provide a revision of the fundamentals of foundation analysis, in particular bearing capacity theory, and then to
introduce students to the most recent developments in foundation analysis and design.
Advanced constitutive modelling
This lecture course extends the basis of soil modelling presented in the Analysis course, by considering additional concepts of
soil plasticity: Double yield surface models; Bounding surface plasticity models; Bubble models. The objective of the course is
to further demonstrate to students the ability of finite element analysis in modelling real boundary problems and make them
aware of the fact that for complex problems simple models of soils behaviour may not be appropriate.
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Laboratory data interpretation

Engineering geology of soils and rocks
Fieldwork
Advanced soil properties
Applied engineering geology coursework
Earth pressures
This course covers the design and analysis of a variety of different earth retaining structures. In particular it considers: types of
retaining structure, design requirements, Rankine states of stress, Coulomb method, approximate methods using current failure
surfaces. Mobilisation of earth pressures. Layered soils. Water pressures. Tension cracks. Earth pressures due to surcharges.
Earth pressures due to compaction. Design of gravity retaining walls. Design of embedded cantilever walls. Design of
propped/anchored embedded cantilever walls, effect of prop position, effect of wall stiffness.
Embankments and earthworks
Strength and deformation
The aim of this course is to explore, in some detail, the mechanical properties of soils and to develop appropriate mathematical
models to describe and predict the engineering behaviour of the ground. By the end of the course you will be familiar with
modern approaches to determining the strength and stiffness of soils and the application of these properties in practice.
Rock strength and failure
Consolidation and seepage
Dissertation
Landfill Engineering
Analysis and constitutive models
The objective of the course is to arm students with sufficient knowledge about finite element analysis so that they can assess
and compare the capabilities of available commercial software, as well as to judge the credibility of numerical results that they
may obtain, or review, in the future.
Geotechnical processes
This course aims to simulate interest and encourage reading round various subjects within the geotechnical field. Depending on
the subject and the lecturer you will be presented with: the theory behind geotechnical processes; the design processes; and
the construction processes. In all instances you will be exposed to state-of-the-art thinking, and supporting case studies.
Stability of slopes
Contaminated land and groundwater

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Imperial College London

Student rating

WHATUNI RANKING
60th / 125

(4.2) 367 reviews

COMPLETE
UNIVERSITY GUIDE
RANKING
4th

TOTAL
UNDERGRADUATE
STUDENTS
8,885

VIEW ALL COURSES

Location
Imperial College London
South Kensington Campus
Kensington and Chelsea
London
SW7 2AZ
United Kingdom

NEAREST TUBE STATION:

Gloucester Road 0.3 miles
away
NEAREST TRAIN STATION:
West Brompton 0.7 miles away
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What students say about Imperial College London

Aaniya Ahmed, Medicine MB BS 29 Feb 16
OVERALL UNIVERSITY RATING
I love university, it's a safe haven where I can feel confident in my own skin and be free to be myself without fear of judgement.
I've had the opportunity to try new things and develop new skills which is great! I'm working towards completing my degree, over
halfway through and it's gone so quickly! Will miss uni a lot, especially imperial south Ken campus!
JOB PROSPECTS
As a medic, my uni has supported me in career choices as a doctor but not much as a healthcare professional with other
interests. All very straight-line single-direction advice! Nothing outside of the box..
COURSE AND LECTURERS
The personalisation and access we have to lecturers outside of the scheduled classes is very useful and makes me feel
supported.
STUDENT UNION
It's good but a lot of activities are alcohol oriented. As a non-drinker this does exclude me from many events
UNI FACILITIES
Excellent!
CITY LIFE
London is the best city to live in as a student in terms of opportunity &adventures! (but it's quite expensive!!)
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

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Great - so much choice. I'm involved in many clubs &socs!

STUDENT SUPPORT
Having said what you have said would you recommend your uni?
Yes
T Ll, Electrical and Electronic Engineering MEng (Hons) 24 Dec 15
OVERALL UNIVERSITY RATING
It's been OK. They could do better to support the student experience, and it often feels like the union are struggling to get their
views across. Feedback generally is very poor.
JOB PROSPECTS
It hasn't prepared me, I have.
COURSE AND LECTURERS
STUDENT UNION
Imperial College Union is great. One of the best in the sector.
ACCOMMODATION
UNI FACILITIES
CITY LIFE
It's London; ' nuff said
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
More societies here than any other students' union!
STUDENT SUPPORT
Having said what you have said would you recommend your uni?
Yes
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