Soil Mechanics

Module code: CEU33A05 · Semester: Semester 1

Resources

• Module descriptor (TCD)

Questions by Year

0 of 13 done · tick papers and add notes as you go

• 2024/25
• 2023/24
• 2022/23
• 2021/22
• 2020/21
• 2019/20
• 2018/19
• 2017/18 (old code CE3A5)
• 2016/17 (old code CE3A5)
• 2015/16 (old code CE3A5)
• 2014/15 (old code CE3A5)
• 2013/14 (old code CE3A5)
• 2012/13 (old code CE3A5)

Papers open on tcd.ie (sign in to TCD first).

Topics

• Description and classification of soils LO1
• Compaction LO2
• Effective stress LO3
• Seepage: theory and permeability measurement LO4–5
• Shear strength and its measurement LO3–4
• Bearing capacity of shallow foundations LO6
• Stresses in the ground and settlement (elastic theory) LO7
• Undrained slope stability LO8
• Ground investigation and in-situ testing LO9

Learning outcomes

1. Describe and classify soils
2. Analyse compaction to judge a soil as engineering fill
3. Explain effective stress and its link to shear strength
4. Explain how shear strength and permeability are measured
5. Estimate heads, pore pressures and seepage flows
6. Estimate the bearing capacity of shallow foundations
7. Estimate ground stresses and settlements by elastic analysis
8. Assess undrained slope stability
9. Plan a site investigation

Summarised from the module descriptor, checked November 2026.