PRACTICUM GUIDE

Faculty of Engineering and

Faculty Technology

Department Civil Engineering

Postgraduate Diploma in Civil

Course Engineering
Geotechnical Engineering V
Title (ECGTE5A)

Compiled By Mr Mohale LM

Year 2025

NQF Level 8

Credits 20
CONTENTS
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Word of Welcome ......................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Undertaking/Disability, Diversity, and Inclusivity Statement .................................................. 3
1.3 How to Use This Guide ................................................................................................................ 3
SECTION 2: ORGANISATIONAL COMPONENT ........................................................................... 4
2.1 Contact Persons ........................................................................................................................... 4
2.1.1 Contact details .............................................................................................................. 4
2.1.2 Staff availability ............................................................................................................. 4
2.3 Work Planner................................................................................................................................. 5
2.4 Code of Conduct ........................................................................................................................... 5
2.4.1 Class attendance – Contact and Online ................................................................... 5
2.4.2 Classroom behaviour ................................................................................................... 5
2.4.3 Laboratory behaviour ................................................................................................... 5
2.4.4 Usage of cell phones in classes ................................................................................. 5
2.4.5 Responsibilities of students ........................................................................................ 5
2.4.5.1 All classes must be attended .................................................................................. 6
2.4.5.2 Writing of tests and submission of assignment/ projects ................................... 7
2.4.5.3 Test and examination instructions ......................................................................... 7
2.4.5.4 Penalties for irregularities during summative events .......................................... 8
2.4.5.5 Plagiarism .................................................................................................................. 9
2.4.6 Appeals and Grievances ........................................................................................... 10
SECTION 3: PRESCRIBED AND RECOMMENDED RESOURCES ........................................ 10
3.1 Prescribed Resources ............................................................................................................... 10
3.2 Recommended Resources........................................................................................................ 10
3.3 Copyright Warning ...................................................................................................................... 11
SECTION 4: LEARNING COMPONENT ........................................................................................ 11
4.1 Rationale of the Module............................................................................................................. 11
4.2 Purpose Statement of the Module ........................................................................................... 11
4.3 Course Objectives ...................................................................................................................... 12
4.4 How to Be Successful in This Module ..................................................................................... 12
4.5 Articulation and Relation to Other Modules. ........................................................................... 13
4.6 Knowledge Areas ....................................................................................................................... 13
4.7 Time Allocation ........................................................................................................................... 14
4.8 HEQSF CREDIT CALCULATION FOR THE MODULE ....................................................... 14
4.9 TEACHING METHODS AND ACTIVITIES EMPLOYED IN THIS MODULE .................... 15
4.10 ASSESSMENT AND FINAL MARK CALCULATION ........................................................ 15
4.11 ASSESSMENT OF GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES ............................................................... 16
4.11.1 Consequences and Remedial Action of Failing the Graduate Attribute ................ 18
SECTION 5: REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PRACTICALS .......................................................... 18
5.1 Practical requirements that need to be addressed ....................................................... 18
SECTION 6: CONTENT .................................................................................................................... 19
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Word of Welcome

The Department of Civil Engineering welcomes you as a student to the Faculty of
Engineering at the Vaal University of Technology.
The department strives towards integration of existing knowledge with new knowledge
and to afford the learner the ability to:
• Think logically
• Plan
• Research
• Apply technical knowledge
• Analyse
• Discuss and recommend and Design

1.2 Undertaking/Disability, Diversity, and Inclusivity Statement

"The VUT Department of Civil Engineering, is committed to embracing all students as
individuals and recognise the complexity of diversity. If, as a student, in class or
elsewhere, you have a recognised and diagnosed learning or physical disability, kindly
and freely discuss this with me how I can best accommodate your learning needs. I
am committed to creating an active learning environment for all learning styles.
However, I can only achieve this successfully if you discuss your requirements with
me in advance of the classes, practical, and all forms of assessment in this
subject/module. I will maintain the confidentiality of your learning needs. If appropriate,
you should contact the Social Justice and Transformation Unit, as well as the Student
Support and Development Unit of the University, for more information on
accommodating disabilities in VUT".

1.3 How to Use This Guide

This study guide provides the student with all the essential information on this subject
(Geotechnical Engineering – ECGTE5A). Section 1 serves as an introduction and
Section 2 addresses organisational matters. Section 3 indicates the prescribed and
recommended resources for this subject. Section 4 addresses the subjects’ learning
component itself and provides you with the learning plan, learning outcomes and
references to the textbook to enable you to do the required preparation for lectures
and self-study. Section 4 also includes all the information relating to assessments in
this subject. This will enable you to prepare for all the assessment tasks and to
complete assignments and other work according to requirements. You are required to
familiarise yourself with the content in this study guide to ensure that you are aware of
the requirements and expectations. Section 5 provides the details about all the
Graduate Attributes that you need to be competent in to graduate with your
Postgraduate Diploma in Civil Engineering.
SECTION 2: ORGANISATIONAL COMPONENT

2.1 Contact Persons

2.1.1 Contact details
CONTACT DETAILS
Title and Surname Office Number Telephone number and email
address
Lecturer: Mr L.M. Mohale RE310 016 950 7746
montshom@vut.ac.za
Technologist: Mr M. Smit RE315 016 950 9241
marinuss@vut.ac.za
Administrator: Ms R.N. Tlakeli RE320 016 950 9241
rosaliat@vut.ac.za
Cluster Group Prof G.M. Ochieng’ RE320 016 950 9241
Leader: rosaliat@vut.ac.za
Head of Prof G.M. Ochieng’ RE320 016 950 9241
Department: rosaliat@vut.ac.za
NB: Please send emails to make appointments with the HOD to the Administrator

2.1.2 Staff availability

Throughout this semester, consultations will be available to all students registered for
this subject. If, after attending a class and making every effort, the student still has an
issue with understanding key concepts or principles or their application, the lecturer is
available for consultation. The student may choose to make appointments if they are
still having problems with understanding or applying the knowledge.

To allow the lecturer to plan their diary, it is important to make an appointment with the
lecturer. Do not make assumptions that if the lecturer is in his/her office that that you
can expect consultation even if it is during the consultation times allocated by the
lecturer.

Appointments must be made well in advance.

The following times are set aside for consultation.

CONSULTATION TIMES
Day Time
Mondays 09:00 to 16:00
Tuesdays Not available
Wednesdays Not available
Thursdays 09:00 to 16:00
Fridays 11:00 to 14:00
How to make an appointment: Send an email to the lecturer requesting one of the
allocated consultation time slots. The lecturer will confirm if the appointment is made.

When you have made an appointment, it is your responsibility to be punctual for the
appointment and to be prepared with your questions. Take all the needed paperwork
(notes, textbooks, etc.) and stationary (pens, notepads, calculators, etc.) to the
 appointment. This saves time during the consultation. For easy and meaningful
contributions during consultations, students are required to come prepared with proof
of attempts made is solving problems in the relevant sections the student is
experiencing difficulties in. No blanket approaches and unpreparedness will be
entertained.

2.3 Work Planner

LEARNING UNIT ESTMATED
LEARNING HOURS
1. Soil testing for foundation design 72
• Grading analysis
• Atterberg Limits
• Strength parameters
• Bearing capacities
• etc

2.4 Code of Conduct

Please take note of the following regulations. These regulations are in addition to the
standard rules and regulations as determined by the VUT. Please familiarize yourself
with the VUT rules and regulations (Provide a link for the students to access the
General Prospectus + Rules and Regulations).

2.4.1 Class attendance – Contact and Online

Regular attendance of the (ECGTE5A) lectures is of primary importance. It is the
learner’s responsibility to sign the register each day. A minimum attendance of 80% is
mandatory for all courses. Refer to attendance policy for more information. Refer to
Annexure 1.

2.4.2 Classroom behaviour

Students are required to arrive on time for lectures and laboratory sessions.
Instructions on the use of equipment must be followed. In the laboratory, you are
required to leave all workstations neat at the end of a session.

2.4.3 Laboratory behaviour

Instructions on the use of equipment must be followed, and you are required to leave
all workstations neat at the end of a session.

Always comply with the safety regulations of the various labs. Make sure that you are
wearing the correct clothing and that you are using the required safety equipment

2.4.4 Usage of cell phones in classes

During class sessions, all cell phones must be switched off. The same rule applies
during tests and examination sessions.

2.4.5 Responsibilities of students

It is your responsibility to make a success of learning in this course. To this end you
are encouraged to attend class, write set tests and hand in your
assignments/projects/practical reports on the set due dates.
NB: Please note that the PGD in Civil Engineering is a full-time programme and all the
subjects are offered in a structured format to deliver full-time programme outcomes.
Therefore, save by special permission of the lecturer due to unavoidable extenuating
circumstances, NO student is permitted to miss scheduled assessments sittings and
submissions (projects, practicals and practical reports, tests, and examinations) on
account of a busy schedule at work or attending to other work-related assignments.
On application all students commit to abiding by the programme rules and regulations
of VUT. Please read the VUT Rules and Regulations document to familiarise yourself
with conditions that qualify as “Extenuating Circumstances”

You are expected as a diligent student to do self-study as far as possible with the notes
posted on VUTela. Work through all the examples and exercises given to ensure you
understand the unit/chapter, using the learning outcomes and assessment criteria as
guidelines. Make sure to list any question or query you have on the work studied before
you consult the lecturer during the assigned consultation times. The on-line contact
sessions will be used for general discussion and further explanation, where necessary.
To ensure success, it is essential that you plan your study times carefully to cover all
the subjects you enrolled for. If you still have problems with understanding key
concepts or principles or their application, lecturers are available for consultation via
email or as specified by the individual lecturer. It is important that you keep to the
consultation times as stipulated.
The following points must be adhered to:
• Should the student be absent from a lecture, the responsibility is on the student
to enquire from other students what was done on that day and work/ tasks/
information will not be repeated to any student.
• It is the students’ responsibility to verify that the marks captured on ITS
corresponds to the marks indicated on the assessments.
• It is also thus the responsibility of the student to verify if the final mark is
captured correctly BEFORE the final marks are published. NO CHANGES will
be made after the Final Marks have been published.
• In fairness to all registered students, NO negotiations for better marks will be
entertained. The mark that you achieved in your assessments is the mark that
you will be awarded.

2.4.5.1 All classes must be attended

(This section is to be read in conjunction with Annexure 1.)

• Students are required to sign an Attendance Register which will constitute proof of
the student’s attendance of that class. Online class attendance is taken
automatically by VUTela. Please note that a login and logout within a set time will
determine your “full period” attendance
• Only under special circumstances a minimum class attendance of 80% might be
accepted.
• No Final Mark will be awarded for a class attendance under 80%.
• A student will be deemed to have attended a class if the attendance register is
signed by the student and is present when the attendance is verified.
• It is the obligation of the student to ensure that the Attendance Register is signed.
2.4.5.2 Writing of tests and submission of assignment/ projects
• If a student “misses” / do-not-write a test (do not submit an assignment or project
on time), a mark of zero (0) will be awarded for that test, assignment, or project –
unless the student produces a valid proof of an extenuating circumstance indicating
that the student was unfit / unable to write the test, present, submit a report or an
assignment during the time in question. This proof of an extenuating circumstance
must be handed to the lecturer within the timeframes stipulated in the VUT Rules
and Regulations immediately after or before the test or assignment/ project was
written (or handed in). Note that the validity of the proof document will be verified
with the relevant authority/practitioner issuing such a proof document (please
familiarise yourself with the conditions that qualify as extenuating circumstances
and the timeframes allowed to present proof of an extenuating circumstance to be
eligible for a reprieve).
• If a valid proof document has been issued for a missed submission or written test,
alternative arrangements will be made by the Lecturer to make up for the missed
assessment opportunity. For fairness in assessments and to maintain the quality
and integrity of the qualification, the year mark will then be calculated comprising
the same number and quality of assessments including the weights as set in the
assessment schedule of the subject.

2.4.5.3 Test and examination instructions

Note: For the purposes of these instructions, any reference made to examinations also
applies to tests (summative events).

• Unless instructed otherwise, candidates are not allowed to have any books, notes,
paper, or any other stationary items, except that which is issued to you or items
such as calculators and specified drawing instruments which are required for
answering certain papers, in their possession in the examination room. VUT regard
items in your pockets, pencil case or under and around your desk as in possession.
Notes or drawings on any of your body parts are strictly forbidden. Items not allowed
in the examination room must be left outside or handed over to the presiding officer.
Only one calculator of the type indicated on the examination paper, will be allowed.
Data in the memory of programmable calculators must be cleared, unless otherwise
stated on the examination paper.
• Cellular phones, iPad, tablets, or any other data storage devices must be switched
off in and during examinations.
• All work must be handed in before you leave the examination venue. If you do not
want any part of your work to be examined, draw a line through it.
• Write neatly and clearly, using both sides of paper - leave margins for use by
examiner.
• Clearly write your student number, which appears on your student card, in the space
provided. Your number must also be written at the top right-hand corner of each
loose sheet of writing paper, squared paper or drawing paper.
• You need not start each new answer on a fresh page of the answer book. After
completing an answer, draw a line across the page; then at the beginning of your
new answer, write the number of the question as given on the question paper. Keep
 the answers to sub-sections of a question together; indicate the break between sub-
sections by leaving a space on drawing a short line.
• Read the questions carefully and calmly and answer only what is asked of you.
Write legibly and set out your work systematically; marks will be deducted for bad
handwriting, untidy work, and poor spelling. Irrelevant answers and “padding” will
be ignored by the examiner. On completion of the paper, read through your answers
critically and where necessary, make neat corrections.
• You may not, under any circumstances, communicate with another candidate or
seek outside assistance.
• You will render yourself liable to disqualification if you address personal remarks to
the examiner. The writing or drawing of any offensive matter on examination
material supplied to you will disqualify you.
• You are not allowed to leave the examination room without the permission of the
presiding officer. Only if you have a valid reason, will you be allowed to leave the
examination room temporarily under supervision of an authorised person.
• No explanation of examination questions may be asked or will be given. Make your
own assumptions, write it down and continue with answering the question.
• The presiding officer may disqualify any candidate for irregularities or unsatisfactory
conduct.
• No borrowing of correction fluid (tipex1), pencils, erasers, rulers, calculators, or other
items, from other students are allowed because it breaks the student’s
concentration.

The following arrangements will apply for all test sessions:

• Read the instructions on the front page of the answer papers carefully and sign.
• Visit the toilets before the test, not during the test.
• Please be seated at least one (1) seat apart.
• No books, notes, etc. allowed on desk.
• No cell phone, iPad, or any other electronic device allowed.
• Please sign the attendance register.
• Please do not use correction fluid (TIPEX).

2.4.5.4 Penalties for irregularities during summative events

• If found guilty, the student will be suspended from the University for a minimum
period of 12 months as from the day of the irregularity. He / she may not register
for any module or write any other assessment for the entire duration of his / her
suspension.
• The assessment in the relevant subject and remaining subjects in the assessment
period after occurrence of the irregularity will be considered null and void. The
student retains all subject credits accrued up to the date when the irregularity
occurred.
• An assessment irregularity code will be included on the student’s statement of
results.

1 In general, the use of correction fluid (TIPEX) is strongly advised against.

• The University retains the right to provide information on suspension to outside
parties.

2.4.5.5 Plagiarism
VUT has a ZERO Tolerance to Plagiarism.

Plagiarism, which is defined as the representation of another person’s work, without

acknowledgement of the source, as the student’s own for the purposes of satisfying
formal assessment requirements. Examples of plagiarism include:

• The use in a student’s own work of more than a single phrase from another
person’s work, without the use of quotation marks and acknowledgement of the
source.

• The use of ideas or intellectual data of another person without acknowledgement

of the source, or the submission or presentation of work as if it were the student’s
own, which are substantially the ideas or intellectual data of another person.

• Copying the work of another person.

• The submission of work, as if it were the student’s own, which has been obtained
from the internet or any other form of information technology.

• Submission of coursework making significant use of unattributed digital images

such as graphs, tables, photographs, etc. taken from books/articles, the internet
or from the work of another person.
Allowing or being involved in allowing, either knowingly or unknowingly, another
student to copy another’s work, including physical or digital images.

Instances of plagiarism will be met with a heavy penalty of a Zero Score for the
plagiarised work. In the case where work is copied from one student by another, a
mark of zero will be awarded to both students. NO reassessment/ second opportunity
will be given in this instance.

You may have up to a maximum of 20% similarity BUT NOT VERBATIM reproduction
of a second or third party’s work (remember similarity does not equate in verbatim
reproduction of another people’s work). In short, you must not be guilty of plagiarism.

You are strongly advised that you ‘research’ the VUT’s Plagiarism Policy and
requirements, understand and adhere to it. No plagiarism will be allowed, and that the
University Library (and VUTela) Turnitin facility will be used to detect plagiarism.

Students found guilty of plagiarism will be given 0% (zero) for the assessment in which
the plagiarism was committed. All parties involved in the plagiarism will be penalised
(the person who copied as well as the one who was copied from). NO reassessment/
second opportunity will be given in this instance.
 IN THE CASE OF IRREGULARITIES AN OFFICIAL DISCIPLINARY HEARING
WILL TAKE PLACE.

2.4.6 Appeals and Grievances

If the student feels unhappy about the lecturer or the module, the following process to
address the matter needs to be followed:

• Discuss the matter directly with the lecturer. The student can set up an
appointment with the lecturer during consultation times, either to be a face-to-
face meeting or request an online meeting using VUTela Collaborate Ultra.
• If the case cannot be resolved with the lecturer, the student can take the matter
further with the Cluster Group Leader.
• If the case cannot be resolved with the Cluster Group Leader, the student can
take the matter further with the Head of Department.
• If the case cannot be resolved with the Head of Department, the student can
take the matter further with the Dean of Faculty.

Do not skip any of the above-mentioned steps. If you have a problem with someone
or something, sort it out immediately with the relevant person or department. Delays
can make matters worse.

SECTION 3: PRESCRIBED AND RECOMMENDED

RESOURCES

3.1 Prescribed Resources

The following table indicates what literature and other resources that are essential for
successful completion of this module. You are strongly advised to acquire all the
prescribed resources.

PRESCRIBED LITERATURE
CATEGORY AUTHOR NAME PUBLISHER ISBN NUMBER
Book Braja M. Principles of Cengage 9780357684863
Das Foundation
Engineering,10th
Edition, SI Edition

3.2 Recommended Resources

The following recommended resources will enhance your understanding and
knowledge in this module, and you are encouraged to use the following additional
resources.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
CATEGORY AUTHOR NAME PUBLISHER ISBN NUMBER
Book Muni Budhu Soil Mechanics John Wiley & 139780471431176
and Foundations, Sons, Inc
2nd edition
 RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
RESOURCE AVAILABILITY
Video YouTube and other links
Websites Search the internet
It is highly recommended that the student uses internet sources as much as possible.
This is because some other tasks may be given to the students to consolidate materials
from internet sources. ALL internet sources must be correctly referenced.

3.3 Copyright Warning

The Copyright Act (98 of 1978) governs the making of photocopies or other
reproductions of copyrighted material. Under the provisions of the act, Libraries and
Archive Depots are authorized to supply photocopies or other reproductions. One of
these provisions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be used for any
purposes other than private study or personal or private use. If the user later uses a
photocopy or reproduction for purposes not permitted by the Act, that user may be
liable for Copyright infringement.

SECTION 4: LEARNING COMPONENT

4.1 Rationale of the Module

Geotechnical Engineering 5 is a one-semester subject. Foundation engineering is the
application and practice of the fundamental principles of soil mechanics and rock
mechanics in the design of foundations of various structures. These foundations
include those of columns and walls of buildings, bridge abutments, embankments and
others. It also involves the analysis and design of earth retaining structures such as
retaining walls, sheet pile walls and braced cuts. This module elaborates on the
foundation engineering aspects of these structures. A Civil Engineering Technologist
needs to have a basic understanding of Advanced Geo-mechanics and Foundation
Engineering. The purpose of this module is to introduce the students to the
fundamentals and science of Advanced Geo-mechanics to give the student an
understanding of the formulation, theory, and computer implementation of inelastic
finite elements for pressure sensitive and nearly incompressible materials. The
targeted physical settings will be the coupled behaviour of pore fluids and deformation
of solid materials and the nonlinear elastic-inelastic behaviour of geo-materials. It is
offered via class and on-line lectures and compulsory practical laboratory work. The
course is structured in such a way as to provide a sound foundation for further
specialisation in the Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering disciplines of Civil
Engineering. The course also complements the structural and construction sub-
disciplines in Civil Engineering.

4.2 Purpose Statement of the Module

This module builds on prior knowledge obtained during the diploma and
advanced diploma pertaining to Geotechnical Engineering and Earthworks
 Design. From here, it moves on to foundation analysis. Foundation Analysis
can be divided into two categories: Shallow foundations and deep
foundations. Spread footings and mat foundations are considered shallow
foundations. Piles and drilled shafts are deep foundations. Foundation
analysis will also be performed for all foundation types in problematic soils such
as collapsible soil, expansive soils and sanitary landfills. The theory of lateral
earth support will be further analysed and the designing of retaining walls, sheet
pile walls and braced cuts will be carried out focussing on the general principles
of lateral earth pressure on vertical or near vertical walls based on wall
movement.

This module also introduces the fundamentals and science of Advanced Geo-
Mechanics. This introduction will foster an understanding of the formulation,
theory, and computer implementation of inelastic finite elements for pressure
sensitive and nearly incompressible materials. The targeted physical settings
will be the coupled behaviour of pore fluids and deformation of solid materials
and the nonlinear elastic-inelastic behaviour of geo-materials. If time allows,
regularization and extended techniques for special treatment of the localization
and failure of geo-materials will be discussed.

4.3 Course Objectives

• To understand the basis of soil mechanics relating to foundations
• To investigate the different types of foundations and their applications
• To design of shallow foundations in terms of bearing capacities, increase in vertical
stresses and settlement of shallow foundations.
• To appraise the use mat foundations compared to other shallow foundations
• To design the structural components of a mat foundation
• To evaluate and design pile foundations
• To solve foundation engineering related problems through the design of various drilled-
piers and caisson foundations
• To critique on the construction of foundations on problem soils
• To design lateral earth support structures such as retaining walls and sheet pile walls.
• Demonstrate an understanding of implementation of Finite Element Analysis by using
computer applications.
• Analyse kinematics, strain and stress within a soil matrix during the designing of
retaining walls
• Develop and solve governing equations of continua for soil materials.
• Apply Infinitesimal Elasticity Constitutive Theory on soil structures.
• Investigate and apply Poro-elastic Theory
• Apply Iso-parametric Elements and Gauss Integration to soil characteristics

4.4 How to Be Successful in This Module

• When you study (ECGTE5A), you should:
o View the module plan for a bird’s eye view of what the module entails.
o View the list of contents of each learning unit.
o Page through the learning materials to determine the organization, difficulty
level, and volume.
 o Read the learning material according to the instructions provided in the learning
guide and learning outcomes.
o Do all learning activities (exercises) in every learning section (or learning part)
of the study guide.
o Attentively study the outcomes on all levels (module, learning unit, learning
section).
o Be well prepared for all group meetings (discussions) according to the time
schedule, in other words study the sections indicated/listed in the learning
guide to take part in the group discussion.
o Complete all self-evaluation exercises and mark each according to the
answers/instructions/solutions provided.
o Submit fully completed assignments/exercises according to the time schedule.

In summary:

At all times during the study period for this subject, the learner must on a regular
basis, be studying the content, mastering calculations and work on assignments
and the assigned project.

4.5 Articulation and Relation to Other Modules.

Learners entering this module will have demonstrated the following knowledge and
skills:

• Be in Possession of an Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering or BTech: Civil

Engineering
• Interpret given instructions and communicate in English at NQF level 4.

4.6 Knowledge Areas

The credits in the knowledge areas in the table are an indication of the hours that you
will spend in this module. The hours are determined by multiplying the credits with 10.

An average student should spend this total time on this module. This time is further
divided into the different learning activities in Section 4.7.

Knowledge Area Credit Contribution

Knowledge Area Credits

Mathematical Sciences 2

Natural Sciences 3

Engineering Sciences 5

Design and Synthesis 9

Complementary studies 1

Total 20
4.7 Time Allocation
Learning Activity Time Allocation
Learning Activity Time (Hours)
Lectures 84
Tutorials 0
Practical/ laboratory work 72
Other (self-study) 15
Assignments 20
Assessments 6
Total Learning Time 197

4.8 HEQSF CREDIT CALCULATION FOR THE MODULE

HEQSF CREDIT CALCULATION
TYPE OF ACTIVITY TIME UNIT IN HOURS OR CONTACT TIME MULTIPLIER
FRACTION OF AN HOUR
Descript Descriptio Numb Descript Descriptio Numb Descript Descriptio Numb
or n er or n er or n er
L Total 84 TL Duration 0.8 ML Total work 1.25
Lectures of per
lecturing lecture
period period
T Total 0 TT Duration 0.8 MT Total work
Tutorials of tutorial per
period tutorial
period
P Total 72 TP Duration 0.8 MP Total work 1.25
Practicals of per
practical practical
period period
X Total 15 TX Duration 0.75 MX Total work 2
Other of “other” per
Activities period “other”
period
A Total 20 TA Duration 1
Assignmen of
ts non- assignme
contact nt
E Assessme 6 Hours ME Total work 3
nt hours outside L,
outside T, P, X,
time and A per
accounted assessme
for by L, T, nt hours
P, X, and
A
The HEQSF equation to calculate the module credit is:
C = [(Lectures) + (Tutorials) + (Practical) + (Other) + (Assignments) + (Assessments)]/10

[(𝐿 × 𝑇𝐿 × 𝑀𝐿 ) + (𝑇 × 𝑇𝑇 × 𝑀𝑇 ) + (𝑃 × 𝑇𝑃 × 𝑀𝑃 ) + (𝑋 × 𝑇𝑋 × 𝑀𝑋 ) + (𝐴 × 𝑇𝐴 ) + (𝐸 × 𝑀𝐸 )]
𝐶=
10
[(84 × 0.8 × 1.25) + (0) + (72 × 0.8 × 1.25) + (15 × 0.75𝑋 × 2) + (20 × 1) + (6 × 3)]
𝐶=
10
[216.5]
𝐶=
10
𝐶 = 22

4.9 TEACHING METHODS AND ACTIVITIES EMPLOYED IN

THIS MODULE
To complete this module successfully the following teaching methods and activities will
be used:

• Lecturing of the subject content

• Interactive demonstrations by lecturer
• Individual work by students
• Individual consultations by appointment
• Additional notes on VUTela including quizzes

4.10 ASSESSMENT AND FINAL MARK CALCULATION

The summative assessments will comprise two tests (All tests are done face-to-face in
class,) and practical work leading to a project. The practical work as assessed in
combination with the project has a subminimum of 50% and is compulsory even if you
have done the subject and the practical previously. You need to achieve a
subminimum of 50% for the practical to pass the subject, even if your other 2 marks
are above 50%.

Assessment Weighting
CASS Assessment Assessme Assessment Assessment Comment
1 nt 2 3 4 s
Assessment Test 1 Test 2 Project Exam All
Type assessme
Weighting 20% 20% 60% 100% nts are
of (subminimum compulsor
assessment : 50%) y and
contribute
to the final
mark
 The final mark (FM) will be calculated as follows:
(0.2(T1) + 0.2(T2) + 0.6(Lab work + Design Project)) + Exam mark
FM =
2
A final mark of at least 50% is required for a pass.

4.11 ASSESSMENT OF GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES

Geotechnical Engineering V (ECGTE5A) will assess Graduate Attribute 2
Graduate Attribute 2 is measured in the design project. Raw data from the experiments is
collected during these sessions, and the students are required to use these values and
complete a design project

Graduate Attribute 2: Application of scientific and engineering knowledge

Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science, computing and engineering fundamentals,
and an engineering specialisation to develop solutions to complex problems.
Associated knowledge and attitude profile:
A systematic, theory-based understanding of the natural sciences applicable to the discipline
and awareness of relevant social sciences.
Conceptually based mathematics, numerical analysis, data analysis, statistics and formal
aspects of computer and information science to support detailed analysis and modelling
applicable to the discipline.

A systematic, theory-based formulation of engineering fundamentals required in the

engineering discipline.
Engineering specialist knowledge that provides theoretical frameworks and bodies of
knowledge for the accepted practice areas in the engineering discipline, much of which is at
the forefront of the discipline.
Graduate Attribute 2: Application of Scientific and Engineering Knowledge
Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science, computing and engineering
fundamentals, and an engineering specialisation to defined and applied engineering
procedures, processes, systems or methodologies.
1 2 3 4
INDICATORS
Not Achieved Developing Achieved Fully achieved
Demonstrates
Demonstrates Demonstrates Demonstrates a
minimum or no
some ability to an ability to skilful ability to
ability to
apply apply apply
apply
mathematical mathematical mathematical
mathematical
Mathematical knowledge using knowledge knowledge
knowledge
Methods: formalism using formalism using formalism
using formalism
towards towards towards
towards
engineering engineering engineering
engineering
analysis and analysis and analysis and
analysis and
modelling. modelling. modelling.
modelling.
Demonstrates Demonstrates Demonstrates a
Demonstrates
minimum or no some ability to skilful ability to
an ability to
ability to understand and understand and
understand and
Fundamental understand and apply theory, apply theory,
apply theory,
principles in apply theory, fundamental fundamental
fundamental
engineering fundamental principles and/or principles
principles and/or
science and principles and/or technology in and/or
technology in
technology: technology in complex technology in
complex
complex engineering complex
engineering
engineering problems. engineering
problems.
problems. problems.
Demonstrates Demonstrates Demonstrates
Demonstrates a
minimum or no some ability to an ability to
skilful ability to
ability to apply apply apply
apply
mathematics, mathematics, mathematics,
mathematics,
natural sciences natural sciences natural sciences
natural sciences
and engineering and engineering and engineering
Calculations and engineering
sciences, sciences, sciences,
and sciences,
supported by supported by supported by
Applications supported by
established established established
established
models to solve models to solve models to solve
models to solve
complex complex complex
complex
engineering engineering engineering
engineering
problems. problems. problems.
problems.
Engineering Demonstrates Demonstrates Demonstrates a
Demonstrates
specialist minimum or no an ability to skilful ability to
some ability to
knowledge ability to systematically systematically
systematically
systematically apply apply
apply
apply engineering engineering
engineering
engineering specialist specialist
specialist
specialist knowledge, knowledge,
knowledge,
knowledge, procedures, procedures,
procedures,
procedures, systems and systems and
systems and
systems and methodologies methodologies
methodologies
methodologies to solve to solve
to solve complex
to complex complex complex
engineering
engineering engineering engineering
problems.
problems. problems. problems.
Range statement: Mathematics, natural science and engineering sciences are applied in
formal analysis and modelling of engineering situations, and for reasoning about and
conceptualising engineering problems.
Competence indicators for assessing the GA:
i. Mathematical Methods: Ability to apply mathematical knowledge using formalism
towards engineering analysis and modelling.
ii. Fundamental principles in engineering science and technology: ability to
understand and apply theory, fundamental principles and/or technology in complex
engineering problems.
iii. Calculations and Applications: a skilful ability to apply mathematics, natural
sciences and engineering sciences, supported by established models to solve complex
engineering problems.
iv. Engineering specialist knowledge: ability to systematically apply engineering
specialist knowledge, procedures, systems and methodologies to solve complex
problems.

Competence Level Descriptors:

4.11.1 Consequences and Remedial Action of Failing the Graduate Attribute

In the event that the student does not manage to pass the assessment in which the
Graduate Attribute is measured, a second opportunity of the assessment will be
afforded.
In the event that the second opportunity is again failed, the student must redo the
subject in its entirety (i.e., you have to redo all the assessments and all the coursework
in the next presentation cycle).

SECTION 5: REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PRACTICALS

5.1 Practical requirements that need to be addressed

1. Neat and legible summaries of the test procedures must be compiled by each student
in their handwriting, in preparation for the practical. These summaries must be
submitted to the laboratory technician upon entering the laboratory. The technician will
stamp the summaries and return them to the students during the practical period.
These summaries form part of the final practical report. 50% of your practical mark will
be deducted if you fail to submit your summaries on entering the laboratory.
2. While conducting the test, all data must be recorded in pen on the worksheet provided
in this practicum. After completion of the test, before leaving the laboratory, the
technician must stamp the completed worksheet.
3. If you fail to complete the experiment or experiments in the given time, arrangements
must be made with the technician to complete it in your own time.
4. All equipment must be cleaned and packed away neatly, and the laboratory must be
cleaned after the completion of the experiments. Failing to do this will cause a
reduction of 10% of your practical mark.
 5. Each student must submit a laboratory report, consisting of:
a. Summaries of all the experiments,
b. Data collected,
c. Calculations,
d. Graphs and
e. Conclusions
These practical reports must be handed to the technician one week after the
assigned practical date. Failure to submit your report on time will result in the report
not being marked.
6. Marks obtained for the practicals will be published after the reports are received back
from the moderator.
7. Always take notes during demonstrations or videos. A short, random test may be set
that will count a certain percentage of your practical mark.
8. No marks will be awarded to students not attending the practical sessions.

The evaluation of the reports are as follows:

Percentage of the
Heading Possible marks Marked as
total mark
Objective 3
Apparatus 10
Summary 40%
Method 20
Observations 7
Calculations 20
Calculations and
Interpretation of 20 40%
graphs
results
Conclusion 10 Conclusion 10%
Typing: formatting 2
Table of content 1
Technical language 2
used
Presentation 10%
References used 2
correctly
Reference list in the 2
correct format

SECTION 6: CONTENT
The work to be completed for the practical work is based on the design project that is issued
by the lecturer.
It is your task as a student to identify which tests can be performed on the soil samples to
determine the parameters required in the design project. In saying this, you need to also
identify the Unit Standards that will be used during testing.
You will need to collect a sample of soil that is an adequate in size to perform all the
identified tests.
You have to schedule your work sessions with the Technologist ahead of time to ensure that
the labs are available. Failure to book the laboratory will result in your work being delayed.