Complex Engineering Problem CE405

1. Course Code: CE-405

2. Course title: Foundation Engineering

3. Title of Complex Engineering Problem:

Designinig an efficient and optimum solution for the improvement of the bearing
capacity of the soil.

4. Statement of Problem:
A multi-storey building has been proposed to be constructed near Warsak dam, KPK.
The area is heavily waterlogged due to which the Bearing Capacity of building
foundation is low. The foundation of the building has to carry heavy loads. The
position of the building is such that it cannot be changed. Soil improvement
technique could be used to improve the bearing capacity.
Propose an optimum solution for the said problem and Design the improved bearing
capacity.

Knowledge Profile Complex Problem Complex Engineering

Solving Activities
KP-3 CPS-2 CEA-3
A systematic, theory-based Involve wide-ranging or Require resolution of
formulation of engineering conflicting technical, significant problems
fundamentals required in engineering and other arising from interactions
the engineering discipline. issues. between wide ranging or
conflicting technical,
engineering or other issues.

KP-5 CPS-3 CEA-4

Knowledge that supports Have no obvious solution Involve creative use of
engineering design in a and require abstract engineering principles and
practice area. thinking, originality in research-based knowledge
analysis to formulate in novel ways.
suitable models.

5. Assessment Domains

The students will be assessed in Cognitive.

6. Tasks

The main tasks the students should perform are;

 Study literature about soil properties and types of soil

  Identification of suitable soil properties for proposed site

 Conduction of experiments for the determination of shear strength parameters

 Development of solution based on different alternatives

 Submission of report completed in all respect

7. Complex Engineering Report Format

The report should include the following sections:

a) Problem Definition/Identification:

This is a statement of the problem to be investigated. It provides overall direction for

problem understanding as well as its incorporation in design. The student should rephrase
the stated problem in his own words that can display his understanding of the problem.

b) Identification of Strategies:
This should identify different strategies that in your judgement lead towards the solution.
The strategies identified must be clearly supported by steps necessary from performing
them. It also includes thorough methodology used for reaching towards a sustainable
solution.

c) Propose Solution/Hypothesis:
This is a statement which should provide a clear solution to the said problem. The student
should clarify why this option was proposed. This must include the technique or the
method of designing the bearing capacity and the source from where the technique was
employed.

d) Data Collection:
This should include the following:

What data is required?

Source of data or from where the data is collected?

e) Evaluate Outcome of Data Analysis:

This should include the following:

How do you interpret this data?

Include all calculations including soil strength parameters, graphs etc if used.
 f) Conclusions:
Discuss any questionable data or surprising results.

Explain the possible source of any error or questionable results.

Rubrics of Complex Engineering Problem

The rubrics of this problem are provided below:

Zero marks if report not submitted:
Unsatisfactory Satisfactory Good Very Good Comprehensive
0 1 2 3 4
Problem Demonstrates an Demonstrates a Begins to demonstrate Demonstrates the ability to Demonstrates the ability to
Definition/Intr inability in identifying a limited ability in the ability to construct construct a problem construct a clear and
oduction problem statement or identifying a a problem statement statement with evidence of insightful problem statement
related contextual problem statement with evidence of most most relevant contextual with evidence of all relevant
factors. or related relevant contextual factors, and problem contextual factors.
contextual factors. factors, but problem statement is adequately
statement is detailed.
superficial.
Identify Cannot Identify one or Identifies one or Identifies only a single Identifies multiple Identifies multiple
Strategies more approaches for more approaches approach for solving approaches for solving the approaches for solving the
solving the problem for solving the the problem that does problem, only some of problem that apply within a
that do not apply problem that do not apply within a specific which apply within a specific context.
within a specific apply within a context. specific context.
context. specific context.
Propose Proposes a Proposes a Proposes one Proposes one or more Proposes one or more
Solutions/Hypo solution/hypothesis solution/hypothesis solution/hypothesis solutions/hypotheses that solutions/hypotheses that
theses that is difficult to that is difficult to that is “off the shelf” indicates comprehension of indicates a deep
evaluate because it is evaluate because it rather than individually the problem. comprehension of the
vague or does not is vague or only designed to address Solutions/hypotheses are problem.
addresses the problem indirectly addresses the specific contextual sensitive to contextual Solution/hypotheses are
statement. the problem factors of the problem. factors as well as the one sensitive to contextual
statement. of the following: ethical, factors as well as all of the
logical, or cultural following: ethical, logical, and
dimensions of the problem. cultural dimensions of the
problem.
Evaluate Does not reviews Reviews results Reviews results in Reviews results relative to Reviews results relative to
Outcomes results in terms of the superficially in terms of the problem the problem defined with the problem defined with
problem defined with terms of the defined with little, if some consideration of thorough, specific
no consideration of problem defined any, consideration of need for further work considerations of need for
need for further work. with no need for further work. further work.
consideration of
need for further
work.