1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key engineering principles that underpin current geotechnical and environmental engineering together with potential future developments

- Apply engineering principles to solve geotechnical and hydraulic engineering problems

- Recognise the important role geotechnical/hydraulic engineering has in the wider global context of sustainable development with consideration of environmental, social and risk issues

- Use creativity to solve geotechnical and environmental engineering problems

- Design and adapt civil engineering solutions that are fit for purpose whilst recognising the importance of sustainability and environmental risk issues

- Adapt to changing technology and techniques

- Prepare and present proficient written technical reports

The main Nottingham-Derby railway line was subjected to severe flooding during the winter of 2012. As such, an embankment is proposed to be built along one side of the line. In order to accommodate the predicted 1 in 200yr flood an embankment of 3.5m is required. The railway line runs at an average elevation of 22.04m AOD, between Nottingham and Derby there is an overall 0.94m total elevation change along its length.

A 2.6m wide pavement is to be constructed along the top of the embankment to promote cyclists and walkers to the area. The pavement will be suitable for light traffic to assist with future maintenance requirements. As such the embankment will be subjected to an imposed load of 650kN along its entire length.

For one 5m length of the railway, there is insufficient room to construct the required embankment and thus a concrete retaining wall has been proposed for this section (Figure 1). The current design suggests the wall will need to be laid to a depth of 1.4m below ground level, be 800mm deep with a 1600mm*400mm toe and maintain the same height of the embankment. It can be assumed that there is no pavement provided along this section.

Following a desk study an initial ground investigation has estimated the existing soil conditions to be as follows. Due to financial and time constraints only one location was investigated.

2. Output Requirements

You work for a geotechnical consultancy and have been tasked to produce a 1000 word (max) report advising a client on the geotechnical issues relating to a proposed flood defence. You will need to advise the client on the geotechnical issues relating to the embankment and retaining wall design. This may include and is not limited to:

Settlement of the embankment

The overturning and sliding forces acting on the retaining wall.

Your report should discuss the feasibility of the proposed embankment and retaining wall, including any recommendations for alteration to the design or for further investigation.

Your report should be a stand alone document with all calculations included in the appendix for reference only. A thorough review of the calculations should not be necessary to understand how the design has been progressed.