Geotechnical Engineering

Module code: CEU44A51 · Semester: Semester 1

Resources

• Module descriptor (TCD)

Questions by Year

0 of 12 done · tick papers and add notes as you go

• 2025/26
• 2022/23
• 2021/22
• 2020/21
• 2019/20
• 2018/19
• 2017/18 (old code CE4A51)
• 2016/17 (old code CE4A51)
• 2015/16 (old code CE4A51)
• 2014/15 (old code CE4A51)
• 2013/14 (old code CE4A51)
• 2012/13 (old code CE4A51)

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

Topics

• Effective stress, hydrostatic and artesian conditions LO1
• Soil testing: strength, stiffness, compressibility LO2
• Stresses under foundations LO3
• Elastic and consolidation settlement LO4
• Earth pressures and retaining wall design LO5–6
• Bearing capacity and shallow foundation design LO7
• Slope stability: method of slices LO8

Learning outcomes

1. Predict effective stresses for hydrostatic and artesian conditions
2. Assess tests for soil strength, stiffness and compressibility
3. Find ground stresses under a surface foundation
4. Estimate elastic and consolidation settlement
5. Find at-rest, active and passive earth pressures
6. Design embedded cantilever and gravity retaining walls
7. Calculate bearing capacity and design shallow foundations
8. Analyse slope stability with slip surfaces and the method of slices

Summarised from the module descriptor, checked November 2026.