GTE2PRA/101/0/2015

Tutorial letter 101/0/2015

Geotechnical Engineering II ( Practical)

GTE2PRA
Year Module
Name of Department

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
This tutorial letter contains important information
about your module.

Open Rubric

CONTENTS
Page
1

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 3

PURPOSE OF AND OUTCOMES FOR THE MODULE............................................................... 3

2.1

Purpose ........................................................................................................................................ 3

2.2

Outcomes .....................................................................................................................................4

LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS................................................................................... 5

3.1

Lecturer(s) .................................................................................................................................... 5

3.2

Department ................................................................................................................................... 5

3.3

University ...................................................................................................................................... 5

MODULE-RELATED RESOURCES ............................................................................................. 6

4.1

Prescribed books .......................................................................................................................... 6

4.2

Recommended books ................................................................................................................... 6

4.3

Electronic Reserves (e-Reserves)................................................................................................. 6

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE MODULE ............................................................... 6

MODULE-SPECIFIC STUDY PLAN ............................................................................................. 7

MODULE PRACTICAL WORK AND WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING .................................. 10

ASSESSMENT ........................................................................................................................... 11

8.1

Assessment plan ........................................................................................................................ 11

8.2

General assignment numbers ..................................................................................................... 11

8.2.1

Unique assignment numbers ...................................................................................................... 11

8.2.2

Due dates for assignments ......................................................................................................... 11

8.3

Submission of assignments ........................................................................................................ 11

8.4

Assignments ............................................................................................................................... 13

OTHER ASSESSMENT METHODS ........................................................................................... 24

10

EXAMINATION ........................................................................................................................... 24

11

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ........................................................................................ 24

12

SOURCES CONSULTED ........................................................................................................... 24

13

CONCLUSION............................................................................................................................ 24

14

ADDENDUM ............................................................................................................................... 24

GTE2PRA/101/0/2015

INTRODUCTION

Dear Student
1.1

Tutorial matter

Some of this tutorial matter may not be available when you register. Tutorial matter that is not
available when you register will be posted to you as soon as possible, but is also available on
myUnisa.

PURPOSE OF AND OUTCOMES FOR THE MODULE

2.1

Purpose

To impact students with the fundamental principles of compaction and methods of increasing
the density of soil masses
To enable students to determine the hydraulic conductivity of different types of soil in the
laboratory or on site.
To determine the seepage loss through pervious homogeneous soil volumes under
impermeable structures and through earth dam walls using flow nets.
Students will also be able to deal with sample cases of anisotropic soil, and will know to apply
basic criteria to design graded filters.
To be able to distinguish between total normal stress, effective normal stress and neutral stress,
and determine the effects of gravity, seepage, and a variety of applied surface loads on the
vertical compressive normal stress at any position in a soil profile
To enable students to perform consolidation test on clay, interpret the results, and determine
the various compressibility coefficients of the clay.
Students will be able to calculate the primary and secondary consolidation settlement of a
foundation, and the time required for the process.

To teach the principles of a shear strength. After completion of the contents students should
know how drainage condition affects the shear behaviour of soil, how the shear strength of
coarse and fine-grained soils differs, and how stress changes influence pore water pressure.
Students should be able to perform calculations involving shear strength and determine the
shear strength parameters of soil by means of laboratory and on-site tests.
Students will be able to plan and execute a site investigation and subsurface investigation
program, including sampling of soils and coring rocks.
Students will also know how to perform a variety of in situ tests and derive approximate soil
properties from the results.
Students will be able to calculate lateral earth pressure on near vertical interfaces for the at rest
condition, as well as for the limiting active and passive condition, using the theories by Rankine
and Coulomb.
Students will also know how to evaluate the factors that have to be taken into account in the
analysis of a particular slope, decide on appropriate methods of analysis, and to assess its
stability

2.2

Outcomes

SOIL COMPACTION
MOVEMENT OF WATER THROUGH SOIL
STRESSES IN SOIL MASS
CONSOLIDATION SETTLEMENT
SHEAR STRENGTH OF SOIL
SUB-SURFACE EXPLORATION
LATERAL EARTH PRESSURE
SLOPE STABILITY
SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS
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GTE2PRA/101/0/2015
RETAINING WALLS
DEEP FOUNDATIONS

LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS

3.1

Lecturer(s)

Your lecturer is Mr H Ndlovu

Tel nr: 0735178896
E-mail: hosanam@tswane.gov.za

3.2

Department

Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering

Unisa (Florida Campus)
Private Bag x6
Florida
1710

Phone: 011 471 2048/3132

E-mail address: civil&chemical@unisa.ac.za

3.3

University

http://www.unisa.ac.za

MODULE-RELATED RESOURCES

4.1

Prescribed books

South African Geology for Mining, Metallurgical and Civil Engineering.

By: Lurir, J
Lupin Publishing
ISBN: 0620277971

Standard Methods of Testing Road Construction Materials: TMH1

By: Comm State Road Authorities
Dept of Transport
ISBN: 0798836539

4.2

Recommended books

There are no recommended books

4.3

Electronic Reserves (e-Reserves)

All course materials are available on myUnisa https://my.unisa.ac.za under the module course
code under Materials. Discussion forums are set up by your lecturer and available for
discussions with your peers https://my.unisa.ac.za . Some additional electronic resources are
available from the Library site (via www.unisa.ac.za).You may electronically post or upload your
assignments in line with the guidelines explained in the booklet:

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE MODULE

Important information appears in your my Studies @ Unisa brochure.

GTE2PRA/101/0/2015

MODULE-SPECIFIC STUDY PLAN

Use your my Studies @ Unisa brochure for general time management and planning skills.

VENUE OPTIONS

Learners have a choice of two options as to where they want to attend the practicum.

OPTION 1: THE PREFERRED OPTION

VAAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AND CAPE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

UNISA has entered into an agreement with the Vaal University of Technology and Cape
University of Technology, whereby UNISA learners may attend practicums at predetermined
dates.

Annexure E contains a road map to the VAAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AND CAPE
UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY.

OPTION 2: THE NON-PREFERRED OPTION

ALTERNATIVE INSTITUTION
In the event of learners not being able to attend the Practicum at the Vaal University of
Technology OR Cape University of Technology the practicum may be performed at any other
University of Technology or similar institution, should facilities exist to carry out the practical
work.

OPTION 2 - APPROVAL OF ALTERNATIVE INSTITUTION

Submission of documentation to alternative institution

Should the learner choose Option 2, the following documents must be submitted to the relevant
institution for their perusal and action:

Annexure A Practical Guide and Experiments

Annexure D Registration Form for Practicum Assignment 1

Learners must complete the personal information section, and provide the name of the
institution where they intend to do the practicum, as well as the contact name and telephone
number of the responsible laboratory staff member.
It is the sole responsibility of the learner to verify that the alternative institution have sufficient
facilities to effect the practicum and to comply with the UNISA practicum requirements.

Approval of institution by UNISA.

After submission of the registration form in Annexure D the learner must enquire from the
Lecturer
(Practicum) whether his application is approved.
Approval of an alternative institution is given on condition that no cost implication to UNISA is
applicable.

Rules for the practicum attendance and participation

The following rules for the practicum attendance and participation must be adhered to:
The code of conduct as specified in Annexure B
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GTE2PRA/101/0/2015
The Practical Indemnity Form in Annexure C must be completed and returned to the lecturer
as part of Assignment 1.
The laboratory assistant or manager must verify your physical attendance and participation in
the workshop by signing the front page of your report. Failure to adhere to this requirement will
render your submission null and void.
To pass the practicum, the learner must obtain a sub-minimum of 50%
The learner must be directly involved in carrying out the practical work. In instances where the
number of learners attending a practical session necessitates in group-participation, each
learner of this group must do a specific section of the particular practicum and the task split
must be given in the learners report. Note your group number, if applicable.
The learner must record all relevant answers on the respective answer sheet for each
experiment.

Submission of Practicum Report

OPTION 1: THE PREFERRED OPTION

Vaal University of Technology AND Cape University of Technology

On completion of the practicum, the practicum report must be submitted to the lecturer or
laboratory assistant for assessment. The Vaal University of Technology will forward all
assessed practicals to UNISA.

OPTION 2: THE NON-PREFERRED OPTION

ALTERNATIVE INSTITUTION
On completion of the practicum, the practicum report must be submitted to the manager or
laboratory assistant for assessment.
In the event of students not being able to attend the practical at the Vaal University of
Technology or Cape University of Technology, the practical may be carried out at any other
University of Technology or similar institution, should facilities exist to carry out the practical
work as outlined in this tutorial letter, and UNISA approves the institution.
Students must complete the personal information section, and provide the name of the
institution where they intend to do the practical. The responsible laboratory staff member must
enter their name, contact number, e-mail address, the list of experiments that can be conducted
and sign the document.
Approval of an alternative venue is on condition that the required practical work can be carried
out in full at the laboratory chosen at no cost to UNISA. All costs incurred by the student in
attending the practical at an alternative venue will be for the students personal account. UNISA
will not get involved in any monetary matters between a student and a third party.

If you are employed in a similar discipline, you may request to do the practical under the
auspices of a mentor from your company.

The mentor must be a registered professional

person, such as a professional engineer, technologist etc. If in doubt, contact your lecturer.
The institution must also mark the completed Practical Report and you must submit the
marked practical by the due date stated in this tutorial letter. It is your sole responsibility to
verify that the chosen institution has adequate facilities to carry out the practical as outlined in
annexure A.

MODULE PRACTICAL WORK AND WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING

This is a practical module .

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GTE2PRA/101/0/2015

ASSESSMENT

8.1

Assessment plan

This is a year course. Use youre my Studies @ Unisa brochure for general time management
and planning skills.

8.2

General assignment numbers

Assignments are numbered consecutively per module, starting from 01

8.2.1 Unique assignment numbers

Assignment 1

570934

Assignment 2

570984

8.2.2 Due dates for assignments

8.3

Assignment 1

03 March 2015

Assignment 2

30 October 2015

Submission of assignments

Note: The cut off dates given here are the official, last dates on which a given assignment may
be submitted. Students must adhere to these dates only. All other dates referring to cut-off
submission dates for assignments, as may be posted on myUnisa or elsewhere, refers to
administrative dates as managed by the Assignments Department and does NOT influence or
change the above dates

Website
11

Please note that the department has a web site where additional information on the department
and the modules are available.
The address is:
http://www.unisa.ac.za/Default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=19740

Tutorial Letters are available from the myUnisa website. (See my Studies @ Unisa)
Should you encounter any problems in submitting an assignment on myUnisa, you may contact
the help line at myUnisaHelp@unisa.ac.za

Plagiarism
An assignment is designed to be a product of your own study and your own thought. It is not
intended to be a piece of work which merely reproduces details, information or ideas from a
study guide, from books or articles, or from the Internet.
If you do this, you commit plagiarism. Plagiarism is the act of copying word for word with or
without acknowledgment from study sources (e.g. books, articles, the Internet). In other words,
you must submit your own ideas in your own words, sometimes interspersing relevant short
quotations that are properly referenced.
Yes, simply copying a few pages from the prescribed book is plagiarism. Pasting paragraphs
from Wikipedia into your assignment is plagiarism. And it does not stop being plagiarism if you
mention the source.
Skilled scientific writers can use direct block quotations to make a specific point. They know
what they are doing. You still need to develop your own voice, your own style of arguing the
point. Do not plagiarise.
Note that you also commit plagiarism if you copy the assignment of another student. We do
encourage you to work together and form study groups, but you are expected to prepare and
submit your own assignments.
When we receive two or more identical assignments, we are not able to work out who copied
from whom. We will therefore penalize both students.

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GTE2PRA/101/0/2015
If you commit plagiarism you will be penalized and given no marks for your assignment.
This will have a serious effect on your chances to succeed in your studies because you
will have no semester mark.
Furthermore, you may be penalised or subjected to disciplinary proceedings by the University.
Plagiarism is also an offence in terms of the law.

A Signed Declaration
Every essay-type assignment we receive must include the following declaration along with your
name and the date:

I declare that this assignment is my own work and that all sources
quoted have been acknowledged by appropriate references.

We will subtract marks if this declaration is absent from your assignment, just as we will
subtract marks if your assignment does not have a Table of contents, List of references cited,
and so on.

8.4

Assignments

This practical module has two (2) assignments. Both assignments are compulsory.
Assignment 1: Practical Indemnity Form (Annexure C)
Registration Form for Practicum (Annexure D)
Assignment 2: The Practicum (Annexure A)
Submit both assignments in the assignment covers provided.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING POINTS REGARDING
ASSIGNMENTS:
IT IS COMPULSORY TO SUBMIT ALL TWO (2) ASSIGNMENTS IN ORDER TO OBTAIN
EXAMINATION ENTRANCE.
13

 NO LATE ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

KEEP A CLEAR COPY OF THE ASSIGNMENT FOR YOUR OWN REFERENCE. THIS IS
IMPORTANT, AS ASSIGNMENTS DO GET LOST.

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GTE2PRA/101/0/2015
ANNEXURE A
PRACTICUM

SECTION 1:

LABORATORY TESTS

The learner shall carry out the following tests on materials as prescribed in TMH1 Standard
methods of testing road construction materials.

Method A1 (a & b): Sieve analysis of gravel, sand and soil samples:

The determination of the liquid limit of soils by the flow curve method
The determination of the plastic limit and plasticity index of soils.
The determination of the percentage of material passing the 0,075 sieve in a soil sample
The determination of the grain size distribution in soils by means of a hydrometer.

SECTION 2:

SOIL CLASSIFICATION

The learner will classify the soil sample used, according to both the USC system and AASHTO
System.

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ANNEXURE B

PRACTICAL LEARNING - CODE OF CONDUCT

PREAMBLE

Co-operative education is an educational approach that integrates practical sessions into the
educational programme in order to ensure applied competence of graduates. Practical
sessions, whatever form they take, are an equally important component to the formal learning
components of the programme. No tuition provider can provide co-operative education on its
own. A collaborative effort between UNISA (as tuition provider); employers or community
settings (practical session providers) and learners (the learner) is necessary in order to
succeed.

UNISA will provide guidelines in order to provide for a high level of learning at the institution
where the learner undergoes practical sessions. The practical sessions form part of the overall
educational programme and offer an opportunity for learners to verify, in a practical way, what
they have learned and serve as fertile ground for sowing the seed for learning that will follow.

The objective of this code is to publicly state what conduct is expected from UNISA learners
during periods of practical sessions.

RIGHTS OF LEARNERS

Learners, like any member of a community, have both rights and obligations, for example:

A right to equal education, that does not discriminate among learners on the basis of race,
sex, colour, disability, religion or national origin. However, because practical sessions take
place at another institution, UNISA cannot be held accountable.
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GTE2PRA/101/0/2015
A right to be informed of UNISA policies and academic programme requirements.

A right to privacy of personal matters and possessions.

A right to freedom of expression, within the parameters of the law.

A right to fair disciplinary procedures, which includes the right to know what they are accused
of and the right to respond with their side of the situation.

OBLIGATIONS OF UNISA LEARNERS

An obligation is a responsibility, which among others, ensures that the rights of others are
protected. The following obligations are not an exhaustive list, but serve as code of conduct of
what is expected from UNISA learners with regard to periods of practical sessions.

1. Registration
It is incumbent upon every learner who registers with UNISA to familiarise her/himself about the
practical session's components of the programme registered for and to comply with the
procedures and requirements of UNISA in this regard.

2. Assessment and progression

Each learner is responsible for compliance with the requirements pertaining to the practical
sessions of her/his educational programme and to follow the relevant procedures with regard to
assessment of practical sessions.

3. Compliance with employers policies, rules and regulations

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Learners are required to observe and uphold the policies, procedures and rules of the institution
that provide practical session opportunities. This includes, but is not limited to, being present for
laboratory sessions as per agreement with the institution, no absence without leave, punctuality,
and respecting the person and property of the institution and fellow learners.

4. Expected to participate actively and positively UNISA expects enthusiasm from its learners
Learners should actively engage in the practical session situation, learn from practical work
undertaken and ask questions to optimise their learning. Information necessary in order to
complete practical reports should be actively pursued. Materials necessary to complete reports
should be actively sought and legitimately obtained.

5. Intellectual property, honesty and individual work

Learners may not intentionally submit for evaluation material (plagiarism) that contains another
person's work. Another persons work may not be copied and submitted as ones own.

6. False information, forgery, alteration or misuse

False information or information furnished with the intent to deceive will not be tolerated. Neither
would forgery, alteration or misuse be tolerated. Learners will not make themselves guilty to any
form of abuse or unauthorised use of computer equipment or systems.

7. Confidentiality
Learners will respect the information of their practical session providers and will not disclose nor
permit or entitle any unauthorised person to have access to the guideline documents of the
institution in their possession or care. If need be, special arrangements may be made between
UNISA and a practical session provider to formally protect confidential or sensitive information.

8. Monitoring own progress (continuous self-assessment)

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GTE2PRA/101/0/2015
Learners are required to progress with their practical session requirements, and ensure that
reports will be submitted on time. Should a learner experience difficulty, he/she should contact
the relevant UNISA staff for assistance or guidelines.

9. Serve as ambassadors of UNISA

Learners serve as ambassadors of UNISA and will refrain from any abusive physical contact or
any disorderly conduct. No form of harassment, sexual or other, will be tolerated. Learners will
not misrepresent or contradict UNISA; however, learners are expected at all times to act in such
a way that it demonstrates respect for the rights and privileges of others

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ANNEXURE C

PRACTICAL SESSIONS INDEMNITY FORM

I, (full names) - ______________________________________, a student of the UNISA hereby

expressly acknowledge that part of my programme of study involves practical sessions in an
appropriate work environment.
Each signatory hereof (be it the student, the parent/guardian and/or spouse) jointly and
collectively exempts, expressly release, acquit and forever discharge UNISA and all of their
members, functionaries, officials, employees, agents, successors and voluntary workers from all
liabilities, from any and all claims for injuries (including death), loss or damages irrespective of
whether such liability, injury, loss or damage arises as result of negligence on the part of any of
the mentioned parties.
Each signatory hereof expressly agree to hold harmless, fully indemnify and exempts UNISA
and all persons herein from all claims lodged by whomsoever or whatever nature and however
resulting while the student is undergoing practical sessions.

Signed on ___ day of _____________ 20___ at _____________________________

Signature of student: ______________________________

(Duly assisted by her/his parent/guardian, as may be required by law)

Signature of parent/guardian: _____________Printed name_____________

(Signed in her/his own capacity and/or as guardian of the applicant, as may be required by law)

Signature of spouse: ________________________

WITNESS: ____________________
WITNESS: _________________________
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GTE2PRA/101/0/2015
ANNEXURE D - REGISTRATION FORM FOR PRACTICUM ASSIGNMENT 1
PLEASE COMPLETE IN CLEAR BLOCK LETTERS AND SUBMIT AS
ASSIGNMENT 1

TO: Mr T Belay
STUDENT INITIAL AND SURNAME: ..................................................................................
STUDENT NO: .........................................
TEL NO: .................................................... (WORK)
CELL: ....
E-MAIL: ......................................................

OPTION 1: Practical at VUT

SUBJECT NAME & CODE

PREFERED PRACTICAL DATE

SIGNATURE

(JUNE OR NOVEMBER)
GEOTECHNICAL
ENGINEERING II
(GTE2PRA)

OPTION 2: Practical at venue of student own arrangement

I confirm that I have discussed all aspects of the practical session with the responsible person
from .(name of institution) and that UNISA will in no way be liable for any
costs with respect to this practical session.
_______________________
SIGNATURE

____________
DATE

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GTE2PRA/101/0/2015
ADDRESS TO THE CPUT CAMPUS

CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY : Bellville campus

SYMPHONY WAY
BELLVILLE SOUTH
ROOM 0.03 on the ground floor
GPS Coordinates
Latitude 3355'48.29"S
Longitude 1838'13.74"E

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OTHER ASSESSMENT METHODS

None

10

EXAMINATION

Use your my Studies @ Unisa brochure for general examination guidelines and examination
preparation guidelines.

11

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The my Studies @ Unisa brochure contains an A-Z guide of the most relevant study
information.

12

SOURCES CONSULTED

N/A

13

CONCLUSION

N/A

14
N/A

24

ADDENDUM