Soil analysis and classification. Stress and strain analysis. Engineering geological laboratory and in situ tests. Engineering geological problems of retaining structures and foundations. Slope stability and landslides. Engineering geological characterization of intact rock, discontinuities and rock masses. In situ stress and groundwater. Geological aspects of the rock excavation, reinforcement and support. Geological problems of tunnels and surface excavations.
Colombo P. & Colleselli F., Elementi di Geotecnica, Zanichelli, Bologna;
Lancellotta R., Geotecnica, Zanichelli, Bologna.
Hoek E., Rock Engineering, (1999);
Hudson J.A. & Harrison J.P., Engineering Rock Mechanics, Pergamon, (1997).
Handouts and training aid supplied on web platform
Learning Objectives
Knowledge acquired:
Geomechanical and technical properties of rocks and soils and methods for their characterization through in situ and laboratory tests. Engineering geological applications in the field of rock and soil engineering works.
Competences acquired: To set up field investigation programs in relationship to the knowledge acquired, as above described, and for the collection, analysis and interpretation of the results of field and laboratory tests. To identify the relevant rock and soil parameters for the design of engineering works, such as foundations, retaining structures, slopes, surface and underground excavation and structures for rock reinforcement and support.
Skills acquired: To solve practical problems in the field of the technical rock and soil characterization for different engineering works. To interpret correctly the results of engineering geological test in situ and in laboratory. To work in a geotechnical laboratory and in the field. To report, orally and in written form, knowledge and competences acquired. To work in team
Prerequisites
Knowledge acquired in the courses of Physics, Mathematics, Engineering Geology
Teaching Methods
Contact class with use of blackboard and PC video-projector; practical lessons for data analysis in computer room. Field trips. Use of the Moodle e-learning platform for exchange of materials with students. Seminars and lessons on specific items by external scientists and researchers.
Further information
12 CFU, attendance of lectures is strongly recommended.
Type of Assessment
Report on exercises carried out during the course, interview or written test evaluation.
Course program
Analysis and classification of soils: index properties, grain size curve, Atterberg limits, soil classification systems. Stress and strain analysis, principle of effective stress. Permeability, soil moisture and capillarity. Lithostatic stress and geological influence on the stress state history. Engineering geological laboratory testing. Compression and consolidation. Shear strength. Engineering geological in situ tests. Engineering geological site investigations. Engineering geological problems of retaining structures. Engineering geological problems of direct and pile foundations. Slope stability and landslides. Technical properties of intact rock. Stereographic projection. Geological-technical characterization of discontinuities in rock. Geomechanical properties of discontinuities. Rock masses. In situ stress. Permeability and seepage in rock masses. Geological aspects of excavation, reinforcement and support of rock masses. Geomechanical classifications. Rock slope stability. Tunneling and related geological problems. Kinematic analysis of block stability. Block Theory.