Outline

Overview

The objectives of this unit are to provide an understanding of the factors influencing soil strength, and to give practice in the application of this understanding by exploring the stability of slopes, retaining walls and foundations. At the end of this unit students will be able to: determine the strength parameters appropriate to a range of stability problems, and understand the difference between total and effective stress approaches; evaluate strength parameters from laboratory data; critically analyse foundation stability and slope stability problems; and communicate the results of experiments and analyses using written methods appropriate for professional geotechnical engineers. The syllabus comprises; methods of analysis for gravity and sheet pile retaining walls; reinforced soil; slope stability, including modes of failure, analysis and computer methods; bearing capacity of shallow foundations under general loading, and axial and lateral capacities of deep pile foundations; the mechanical behaviour of sands and clays; the Cam Clay model and the breakage model.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Civil Engineering
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Fundamentals of soil mechanics including effective stress, pore pressure, consolidation and seepage
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Francois Guillard, francois.guillard@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Oral exam	Final oral examination 30 minute preparation followed by 15 minute oral exam, staggered times	40%	Formal exam period	15 minutes (oral)	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Quizzes Regular short quizzes, 5 in total during the semester (4x2%+2x6%).	20%	Multiple weeks	15-60 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Lab report 1 Report on laboratory work and analysis related to soil characterisation.	10%	Week 04 Due date: 20 Mar 2026 at 23:59	Max 5 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assignment Analysis of a slope stability problem analytically and numerically	20%	Week 09 Due date: 01 May 2026 at 23:59	Max 10 pages report and source code	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Lab report 2 Report on laboratory work and analysis related to retaining walls.	10%	Week 11 Due date: 15 May 2026 at 23:59	Max 5 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Cf. assessment table. Hurdle for final oral examination is minimum mark of 45/100.

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
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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:

Follows University of Sydney guidelines.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

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 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. 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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to geotechnical engineering; Stress and strain	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to geotechnical engineering; Stress and strain	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Soil characterisation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Soil characterisation	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Laboratory and in-situ characterisation, soil models.	Lecture (2 hr)
	Laboratory and in-situ characterisation, soil models.	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Soil characterisation: shear box	Practical (2 hr)
	Slope stability: Taylor's charts, wedge method	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	Models of soil mechanics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Models of soil mechanics	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Introduction to slope stability	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Introduction to slope stability	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Slope stability: limit equilibrium	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Slope stability: limit equilibrium	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Slope stability: Taylor's charts, wedge method	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Retaining walls: introduction, limit equilibrium	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Retaining walls: introduction, limit equilibrium	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Retaining walls: Rankine’s method	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Retaining walls: Rankine’s method	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Foundations: general bearing capacity formulations and formulae	Lecture (2 hr)
	Foundations: general bearing capacity formulations and formulae	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Other bearing capacity applications, settlements	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Retaining wall model failure	Practical (2 hr)
Week 11	Other bearing capacity applications, settlements	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Foundations: bearing capacity of piles	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Foundations: bearing capacity of piles	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Conclusion, summary, and revision.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Conclusion of the course, summary and revisions.	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance to lectures, tutorials, and practicals, is compulsory. Missed attendance results in a 0.5pt penalty per unjustified missed class.

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

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Understand the effects of void-ratio, pressure, friction, and dilation on the strength of clays and sands, based on models of soil mechanics
LO2. Determine the strength parameters appropriate to a range of stability problems, and understand the difference between total and effective stress approaches.
LO3. Use charts and software to perform analysis of simple geotechnical design problems
LO4. Communicate the results of analyses using written and visual methods appropriate for professional geotechnical engineers.
LO5. Critically analyse slope and retaining walls stability problems, and shallow foundation and pile stability

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

Assignment structure kept as per student feedback, and lab reorganised.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Follow WHS guideline when accessing the laboratory for practicals.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CIVL9411: Geotechnical Engineering 1

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links