CIVL6455: Semester 1, 2025
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Unit outline_

CIVL6455: Advanced Soil Mechanics

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This is an advanced soil mechanics course. It is concerned with the mechanical stress, strain, strength behaviour and the application of this knowledge in geotechnical engineering. The course includes an introduction to critical state soil mechanics, which is used to assist with the interpretation of soil data, and to enable prediction of ground behaviour. The course uses the critical state framework to provide a firm basis for an understanding of the stress, strain, strength behaviour of all soils, and to enable a rational approach to the selection of parameters for use in geotechnical design.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Civil Engineering
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
CIVL5455
Assumed knowledge
? 

[CIVL2410 or CIVL9410] and [CIVL3411 or CIVL9411]. A knowledge of basic concepts and terminology of soil mechanics is assumed. Experience with geotechnical practice in estimating parameters from field and laboratory data would be useful but not essential

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Itai Einav, itai.einav@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Itai Einav, itai.einav@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Tutorial quiz Quiz 1
In-class assessment. A mix of open-ended questions and multiple-choice questions.
20% Week 04 50 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO2
Assignment AI Allowed Assignment 1
Integrating constitutive models
20% Week 09
Due date: 28 Apr 2025 at 23:59
20 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO7
Small test Quiz 2
Quiz with a combination of open-ended and multiple-answer questions
30% Week 13 During lecture time (1hour)
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO7 LO6 LO4
Assignment AI Allowed Assignment 2
Computational soil mechanics assignment.
30% Week 13
Due date: 26 May 2025 at 23:59
30 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO6 LO4 LO5 LO7
AI allowed = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Assessment Percent Dates Place
Project #1 20% week 9 Online
Project #2 30% week 13 Online 
Quiz #1 20% week 4 Tutorial time
Quiz #2 30% week 13 Lecture time
Late submissions 5% per day (*)  

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Present an oustanding understanding of taught material, and can extend it to new domains

Distinction

75 - 84

Show a solid understanding of taught material, and can draw links to new domains

Credit

65 - 74

Show a solid understanding of taught material, but cannot extend ideas

Pass

50 - 64

Marginally pass the learning outcomes of the unit

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator. 

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions. 

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit. 

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply. 

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

5% per day for late submissions of assignments.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 1. Introduction; 2. Soil state Lecture (3 hr) LO1
Week 02 Working with tensors Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO3
Week 03 Experimental soil behaviour Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Week 04 Soil elasticity Lecture (3 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 05 Elastoplasticity Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4
Quiz #1 Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 06 Clay & Sand elastoplasticity Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO3 LO5
Week 07 Numerical integration Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO3 LO5
Week 08 Soil hypoplasticity Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO3 LO7
Week 09 Soil hydrodynamics Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO7
Week 10 Soil hydrodynamics Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO7
Week 11 Constitutive models in FEM Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 12 Engineering of unsaturated soils Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Week 13 Quiz #2 (Oral quiz) Lecture and tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6 LO7

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. develop an understanding of what determines the state of soil and its behaviour
  • LO2. Describe and manipulate tensorial state variables such as stress and strain
  • LO3. develop an ability to integrate incrementally constitutive models for soil including elasticity, elastoplasticity, and hydrodynamics.
  • LO4. explain how to select models for predicting soil behaviour in practice, and evaluate their limitations
  • LO5. adopt a variety of soil models (Tresca, Drucker-Prager, Modified Cam Clay, etc) to produce meaningful predictions for geotechnical applications
  • LO6. develop an understanding of the role of water in saturated and unsaturated soils
  • LO7. engage with alternative possible interpretations of the same results, critically examine the merits of each and draw appropriate conclusions

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer (UG) - EA
1.1 (L2). Scientific knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
1.2 (L1). Mathematical and computational methods. (Level 1- Contributing to required standard) Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
1.5 (L1). Discipline context knowledge. (Level 1- Contributing to required standard) Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline.
LO2
Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer (UG) - EA
1.1 (L2). Scientific knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
LO3
Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer (UG) - EA
1.1 (L3). Scientific knowledge. (Level 3- Exceeding required standard) Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
1.2 (L3). Mathematical and computational methods. (Exceeding required standard) Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
1.3 (L3). Specialist discipline knowledge. (Level 3- Exceeding required standard) In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
1.4 (L3). Discipline research knowledge. (Level 3- Exceeding required standard) Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline
1.5 (L2). Discipline context knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline
2.1 (L2). Complex problem-solving. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving
2.2 (L2). Use of engineering techniques, tools and resources. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Techniques, tools and resources
LO4
Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer (UG) - EA
1.1 (L2). Scientific knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
1.3 (L2). Specialist discipline knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
1.5 (L3). Discipline context knowledge. (Level 3- Exceeding required standard) Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline
1.6 (L2). Discipline professional practice knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of contemporary engineering practice in the specific discipline.
LO5
Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer (UG) - EA
1.2 (L2). Mathematical and computational methods. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
1.3 (L2). Specialist discipline knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
1.4 (L2). Discipline research knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline
1.5 (L2). Discipline context knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline
1.6 (L2). Discipline professional practice knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of contemporary engineering practice in the specific discipline.
2.1 (L2). Complex problem-solving. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving
2.2 (L2). Use of engineering techniques, tools and resources. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Techniques, tools and resources
2.3 (L2). Engineering design. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
LO6
Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer (UG) - EA
1.1 (L2). Scientific knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
1.2 (L2). Mathematical and computational methods. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
1.3 (L2). Specialist discipline knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
1.4 (L2). Discipline research knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline
1.5 (L2). Discipline context knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline
LO7
Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer (UG) - EA
1.1 (L2). Scientific knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
1.2 (L3). Mathematical and computational methods. (Exceeding required standard) Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
1.3 (L2). Specialist discipline knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard)) In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
1.5 (L2). Discipline context knowledge. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The UoS has been reshaped to offer students with a more mathematical way of understanding the engineering behaviour of soils, while retaining a practical glimpse into how this knowledge could be used using the finite element method. This also better reflects the skills I have as a brand new lecturer of this UoS.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

This unit of study outline was last modified on 03 Mar 2025.

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