PEC EPE Geological study plan

Map the full Geological Engineering domain into a personal syllabus covering structural geology, rock mechanics, hydrogeology, engineering geology, and site investigation, then assign each subtopic a confidence rating from 1 to 5

Define the core terminology bank (fault, fold, joint, cleavage, foliation, unconformity, permeability, porosity, effective stress, rock mass rating) and write a one-sentence definition for each from memory before checking notes

Sketch and label the three rock classes and their engineering-relevant properties, then explain in writing how each class behaves under loading and weathering

Build a spaced-repetition deck of at least 120 cards covering the week's terminology and classification content, tagged by subtopic

Derive and apply the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion to compute shear strength from cohesion, friction angle, and normal stress for at least ten worked problems

Interpret stereonets and Mohr circles to determine principal stresses and failure planes for given stress states

Explain the Hoek-Brown criterion qualitatively and compare its assumptions against Mohr-Coulomb in a written half-page summary

Solve five numerical problems on in-situ stress, stress ratio, and stress concentration around openings without references open

Classify discontinuities by orientation, spacing, persistence, roughness, and infilling, and compute a Rock Mass Rating and a Q-system value for two synthetic site descriptions

Interpret a discontinuity survey dataset to identify dominant joint sets and describe their implications for slope and foundation design

Explain the Geological Strength Index and state when RMR-based or GSI-based parameters should be preferred

Write a comparison of RMR, Q, and GSI including inputs, outputs, and typical misuse

Apply Darcy's law to compute flow rate, hydraulic gradient, and permeability in one- and two-layer aquifer problems

Construct and interpret flow nets for seepage beneath a dam or sheet pile wall, computing uplift pressure and exit gradient

Evaluate liquefaction susceptibility using grain size, relative density, groundwater level, and standard penetration resistance

Analyze a slope stability problem using the infinite slope and circular failure methods, and state the factor of safety for dry, saturated, and rapid-drawdown conditions

Design a site investigation program for a given structure type, specifying borehole layout, depth, sampling, and in-situ testing methods

Interpret standard penetration, cone penetration, pressuremeter, and plate load test results and state the design parameters each yields

Explain the purpose and limitations of geophysical methods including seismic refraction, electrical resistivity, and ground penetrating radar

Draft a borehole log from supplied field data including lithology, weathering grade, recovery, and RQD

Diagnose ground improvement options for weak or compressible ground, matching method to soil type, and justify each selection

Assess slope failure mechanisms and select remedial measures such as drainage, retaining structures, and reinforcement

Evaluate foundation types for rock and soil sites, distinguishing shallow, deep, and rock-socketed solutions by load transfer mechanism

Analyze a tunnel or underground opening case by describing the ground behavior, support philosophy, and monitoring approach

Complete two full-length timed practice exams under exam conditions and record score and time per section

Categorize every missed question by root cause (knowledge gap, misread, calculation slip, unfamiliar format) and count each cause

Re-teach the three weakest subtopics identified by the practice exams, writing a one-page summary for each from scratch

Memorize and rehearse the standard formulas and unit conversions used in stress, seepage, and slope calculations until recall is immediate

Review the full confidence-rated syllabus and re-rate every subtopic, flagging anything still below a 4

Rehearse the flagged subtopics with targeted problem sets until each is answered correctly twice in a row

Practice explaining key concepts aloud in short timed answers to build recall under pressure

Assemble a final one-page formula and concept sheet to review in the 48 hours before the exam