Module manager: Dr. Shashank B. Subramanyam
Email: S.B.Subramanyam@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Admission to MSc programme
This module is not approved as an Elective
The module will build on a basic understanding of the behaviour of soil to cover the range of foundations available for structures, including shallow foundations such as strip, pad and raft foundations, deep foundations such as caissons, shafts and piles; and composite foundations such as piled rafts and ground improvement. It will cover the approach to design, analysis and construction of foundations. Soil improvements will be covered. On completion of this module the students should have a knowledge of the range of foundations available for construction, their analysis, construction and performance and be able to select the appropriate foundation for a particular situation.
The objectives of this module are:
1. To learn about the different types of foundations and how they are designed, analysed, and constructed.
2. To understand the principles of geotechnical and foundation design, the relevant codes, design philosophies and applicable safety factors.
3. To learn how to evaluate the load-bearing capacity of shallow foundations in different types of soil and using a variety of methods, and to estimate settlements.
4. To develop an understanding of piled foundations (single piles and groups of piles) and the methods to estimate their capacity in different soil conditions.
5. To develop an understanding of and design ground improvement schemes to improve difficult ground conditions.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. The ability to apply a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of scientific principles and methodology of foundations for structures, their performances during construction and in service; (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M1);
2. Apply a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of scientific and engineering principles of geotechnical hazards and how they affect design decisions for temporary and permanent works for foundations. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M1);
3. Ability to extract and evaluate pertinent data and to apply engineering analysis techniques in the solution of complex and unfamiliar problems (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M2);
4. Ability to both select and apply appropriate engineering analysis methods for solving complex foundation problems and to assess their limitations (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M3);
5. Apply knowledge, understanding and skills to work with information that may be incomplete or uncertain, quantify the effect of this on the design adjusting where appropriate (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M2);
6. Apply advanced problem-solving skills, technical knowledge and understanding, to establish rigorous and creative solutions for foundations including the selection of appropriate materials and technologies while recognising their limitations (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M13);
7. Ability to work with technical uncertainty;
8. Design complex foundations solutions that demonstrate originality and consideration of environmental aspects. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M5).
This module contributes to the AHEP4 learning outcomes M1, M2, M3, M5 and M13.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
Academic:
a). An ability to extract and evaluate pertinent data and to apply engineering analysis techniques in the solution of foundation problems;
b). An ability to identify geotechnical hazards and assess the risk of them occurring;
c). An ability to assess the forces acting on a foundation and the response of the soil to those forces;
d). An ability to produce engineering solutions to foundation problems.
Digital:
e). The ability to find, evaluate, organise and share information across a variety of formats, ensuring the reliability and integrity both of the sources used;
f). The ability to use digital technology and techniques to create digital items (e.g. spreadsheets for foundation analysis), and the willingness to engage with new practices and perspectives to solve problems, make decisions and answer questions.
Enterprise:
g). The ability to search for, evaluate and use appropriate and relevant information sources to help strengthen the quality of academic work and independent research.
Sustainability Skills:
h). Understands and evaluates multiple outcomes; their own visions for the future; applies the precautionary principle; assesses the consequences of actions; deals with risks and changes; uses scenario planning;
i). Applies different problem-solving frameworks to complex sustainable development problems; develops viable, inclusive and equitable solutions; utilises appropriate competencies to solve problems; develops innovative and creative solutions.
Work ready:
j). The ability to prioritise, work efficiently and productively and to manage your time well in order to meet deadlines;
k). The ability to take a logical approach to solving problems; resolving issues by tackling from different angles, using both analytical and numerical skills. The ability to understand, interpret, analyse and manipulate analytical and numerical data.
1.Review of the behaviour of granular and cohesive soil, drained and
undrained loading, consolidation and compression characteristics.
2. The design process covering methods to deal with uncertainty, design
and load combinations, assumptions, the design procedure and
decision criteria.
3. Actions on and analysis (ultimate limit state and serviceability limit
state) of:
- Shallow foundations - pad, strip and raft
- Deep foundations – caissons, shafts and piles
- Composite foundation – piled rafts, basements and ground
improvement.
Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 11 | 2 | 22 |
| Seminars | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Independent online learning hours | 4 | ||
| Private study hours | 113 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 33 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Leading up to the coursework submission, the students will have two formative submissions where they will be given feedback on the hazards identified, loads and load combinations, the assumptions and conceptual foundation designs. In addition, the students can request feedback on their progress during the tutorials or scheduling a meeting (in-person or online) regarding their coursework or clarify any other questions relating to the module.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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