Learning objectives
Conoscenze e capacità di comprensione:
At the end of the course the student will know the basic elements for an appropriate reading and interpretation of all aspects dealing with the soil, its mechanical behavior and soil-structure interaction, in the design and construction of civil works. The student will demonstrate to understand the technical-scientific terminology in the geotechnical field.
Competenze:
The student will be able to carry out the geotechnical design of a simple shallow foundation and of a retaining wall.
Autonomia di giudizio:
The student will acquire the ability to interpret both field and laboratory geotechnical data and to model a real problem, in order to find the technically sound design solutions.
Capacità comunicative:
The student should have acquired sufficient proper use of the language with regard to the topic specific terminology. The student will be able to write a report dealing with the design of a ahallow foundation.
Prerequisites
The good knowledge of the fundamental of Structural mechanics in strongly recommended.
Course unit content
1. Common problems of geotechnical engineering, with particular reference to the restoration of historical buildings and design of new buildings.
2. Basic elements of soil mechanics. Soil classification. Effective stress principle. General stress state in the soil. Geostatic conditions. K0, OCR, stress state history. Soil deformabilità in oedometric conditions. The oedometer test. Consolidation theory. Results and parameters from an oedometer test. Mechanical behaviour of sand and clay. Strength and deformability parameters.
3. Geotechnical characterization of a soil. Field investigations. Mechanical and hydraulic parameters from Cone Penetration Test (CPT) and Standard Penetration Test (SPT). Field seismic tests. Field measurements in relation with structure serviceability.
4. Soil stresses on retaining structures. Rankine’s theory. Active earth pressure and passive resistance. Retaining structures. Retaining walls and stability tests. Design of gravity walls.
5. Shallow foundations. Foundation types and failure mechanisms. Baring capacity according Terzaghi’s theory. Design of a shallo w foundation in undrained and drained conditions. Structural design of a shallow foundation. Settlements of a shallow foundation on sand and clay.
Full programme
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Bibliography
L. Montrasio “Lezioni di geotecnica”, Ed. Santa Croce (Parma)
Testi di approfondimento:
Renato Lancellotta “Geotecnica”, Zanichelli (presente nella Biblioteca Politecnica)
R. Lancellotta & J. Calavera “Fondazioni”, McGraw-Hill (presente nella Biblioteca Politecnica)
Carlo Viggiani “Fondazioni”, Hevelius (presente nella Biblioteca Politecnica)
J. Bowles "Fondazioni", McGrow-Hill (presente nella Biblioteca Politecnica)
Further material will be available on “Web LEArning in Ateneo” (LEA UNIPR).
Teaching methods
The course consists of a series of lectures and exercises. The exercises are presented and carried out in the classroom.
Assessment methods and criteria
The exam consists in a practical test and a written test.
The practical test deals with the preparation of a project report dealing with the design of a typical shallow foundation. The report will summarize the exercises carried out during the course.
I criteri di valutazione saranno i seguenti:
Project report 40%
- Applying knowledge and understanding (competenza)
- Communication skills (capacità comunicativa)
Written test 60%:
- Knowledge and understanding (conoscenza)
- Applying knowledge of theory and exercises (competenza)
- Original application of the theory (autonomia di giudizio)
Other information
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