Learning objectives
Applied Knowledge and understanding:
The purpose of the course, in its first section, is to widen and deepen the notion that were acquired in the course of Applied Geology, with a brief introduction of the methodologies of teaching and learning of the Earth sciences and, in its second section, to analyse the stability of slopes in order to allow the students to better face and manage the geological and environmental problems connected with the mountainous territory, the slope excavations and consolidation intervention in rock and soils.
Judgment autonomy:
There will be theoretical lessons regarding the course, followed by practical exercises during which, using the personal computer, the students will face real problems regarding slope stability analysis in rocks and soils, determination of the hazard limits connected with rock falls and debris flows as well as proposal of remediation measures and evaluation of its effectiveness.
Communication skills:
The student will bring its solved excersices to the exam and will be required to illustrate his/her verification strategies as well as to describe and justify his/her design choices.
Prerequisites
Applied Geology, Geotechnics
Course unit content
Geological and geomechanical survey
Preliminary study, survey devices, on site observations, relation between different geological formations, geological limits, Geomorphological characters, survey of tectonic structures, survey for applied geology studies
Geological subsurface exploration
The borehole suvey: programming and controllino. Restitution, elaboration and interpretation of stratimetric data. The penetrometric tests, Construction of stratigraphic profiles and geotechnical models. Geophisical survey: local seismic response, Seismic prospection on surface. Seismic prospection in boreholes (down hole, cross hole, tomography). Characterization of soils related to the new seismic regulations.
Geomechanical survey and rock mass classification
The geomechanical survey. Survey techniques and discontinuity orientation mapping. Definition of rock mass. Rock mass mechanical features. Rock mass classification and estimate of strength and deformability parameters.
The dynamics of natural slopes
Naming and definitions of landslides. Superficial and in depth controls, the geomorphological risk, Hazard, Exposition, vulnerability. Evaluation of landslide hazard, Prevision, prevention and mitigation of landslide risk. The geomorphological and stability mapping. Methodology for the drainage and consolidation of natural slopes.
Soil slope stability analysis
Analytical and numerical calculation methods. Global Limit Equilibrium methods: theory and application. Introduction to the computerized slope stability analysis. Stability analysis of artificial slopes: embankments and waste disposal sites. Introduction to finite element and finite differences methods for slope stability analysis.
Rock slope stability analysis
Analytical and numerical calculation methods. The key block theory. Global Limit Equilibrium methods for rock slopes. Introduction to the computerized slope stability analysis.
Rock fall and Debris Flows
Triggering and propagation analysis of rock mass phenomena and debris flows. Design indications about consolidation intervention, reinforcing and protection of slopes.
Monitoring Systems
Objectives and usefulness of slope monitoring. Choice of best technologies based on phenomenological differences. Installation techniques. Real time monitoring and early warning systems. Threshold definition.
Full programme
Geological and geomechanical survey
Preliminary study, survey devices, on site observations, relation between different geological formations, geological limits, Geomorphological characters, survey of tectonic structures, survey for applied geology studies
Geological subsurface exploration
The borehole suvey: programming and controllino. Restitution, elaboration and interpretation of stratimetric data. The penetrometric tests, Construction of stratigraphic profiles and geotechnical models. Geophisical survey: local seismic response, Seismic prospection on surface. Seismic prospection in boreholes (down hole, cross hole, tomography). Characterization of soils related to the new seismic regulations.
Geomechanical survey and rock mass classification
The geomechanical survey. Survey techniques and discontinuity orientation mapping. Definition of rock mass. Rock mass mechanical features. Rock mass classification and estimate of strength and deformability parameters.
The dynamics of natural slopes
Naming and definitions of landslides. Superficial and in depth controls, the geomorphological risk, Hazard, Exposition, vulnerability. Evaluation of landslide hazard, Prevision, prevention and mitigation of landslide risk. The geomorphological and stability mapping. Methodology for the drainage and consolidation of natural slopes.
Soil slope stability analysis
Analytical and numerical calculation methods. Global Limit Equilibrium methods: theory and application. Introduction to the computerized slope stability analysis. Stability analysis of artificial slopes: embankments and waste disposal sites. Introduction to finite element and finite differences methods for slope stability analysis.
Rock slope stability analysis
Analytical and numerical calculation methods. The key block theory. Global Limit Equilibrium methods for rock slopes. Introduction to the computerized slope stability analysis.
Rock fall and Debris Flows
Triggering and propagation analysis of rock mass phenomena and debris flows. Design indications about consolidation intervention, reinforcing and protection of slopes.
Monitoring Systems
Objectives and usefulness of slope monitoring. Choice of best technologies based on phenomenological differences. Installation techniques. Real time monitoring and early warning systems. Threshold definition.
Bibliography
Laura Scesi, Monica Papini – Il rilevamento geologico tecnico – CittàStudi Edizioni - Torino.
C. Airò Farulla - Analisi di stabilità dei pendii (2001) - Hevelius Edizioni, Benevento.
Giani G. P. (1996) Rock Slope stability analysis–Balkema, Rotterdam
Giani G. P. (1999) Caduta Massi –Hevelius Edizioni Benevento
EARTH and MIND:: How Geeologists Think and Learn about the Earth. Edited by C.A. Manduca and D.W. Mock.. Special Paper 413 The
Geological Society of America. 2006, 185 pp.
Teaching methods
Theoretical Lessons and computer aided practical excercises.
The didactic material will be made available on the Elly platform before the theoretical lessons, once a month
Assessment methods and criteria
Written and/or Oral 70% including:
- Theoretical questions (knowledge) 75%
- Application of theory and excercises 25%(Applying knowledge )
Max. evaluation 21/30
Verification of the exercise handbook 30% including:
- Theoretical questions (knowledge) 15%
- Original Application of theory (making judgments) 25%
- Illustration of the design choices (communication skills) 60%
Max. Evaluation 9/30
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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