GEOTECHNICS
cod. 02007

Learning objectives

Provide the fundamental knowledge of soil mechanics, to enable the students to face and analyze, from a quantitative point of view, the most common and important challenges in geotechnical engineering.

Prerequisites

Course unit content

The course deals with the fundamental aspects of soil mechanics, related to the moste recurrant engineering applications. In details, the course will focus on aspects such as soil characterization, bearing capacity o and settlements of soils induced by the application of external actions. Morovever, loads on retaining structures and their geotechnical verifications will be explored as well.

Full programme

Identification and classification of soils – structural characteristics, relations between the various components, Atterberg limits, grain size distribution analysis, classification systems
Effective stress principle and state variables – Saturated and unsaturated soils, stress path and state of stress representation
Mechanics of solids – stress and strain analysis, constitutive laws (elasticity and plasticity theory)
Steady state seepage – Darcy’s law, equation of seepage flow and Laplace equation’s solution
Consolidation processes – consolidation pressure, oedometer tests and condition, mono dimensional consolidation theory, secondary settlements, behaviour in presence of drains

Shear strenght and stiffness – draining conditions, laboratory tests (direct shear, Triaxial tests), mechanical behaviour of cohesive and non cohesive soils, shear strenght parameters
On site tests – instruments and planning for the survey, drilling and sampling techniques, pore pressure measurements, shear strenght and permeability
Verification- Retaining structures, interaction soil and structures, retaining structures forces, stability verifications

Bibliography

Renato Lancellotta - "Geotecnica" - Zanichelli, 2° e 3° ed.

Teaching methods

The teaching activity is divided in theoretical lessons and exercises

Assessment methods and criteria

The exam is divided into two sections: a written solution of a geotechnical problem and atheoretical oral examination.
The written test will be characterized by the solution of one or two exercises, similar to those that were faced during the exercises in classroom. This test is intended to verifiy the ability of the student to apply the fundamentals of soil mechanics for the determination of the initial, and final, underground state of stress, as well as, the determination of the actions induced by the soil on a retaining structures. The evaluation of the written test will constitute the 50% of the final score.
During the oral examination, some questions regarding the theoretical principles of soil mechanics will be asked. Depending upon the results of the written test, some clarifications may be asked as well. The aim of this oral examination is to ascertain the knowledge level of the students and their ability to apply the such knowledge for the solution of practical problems. The oral discussion will constitute the remaining 50% of the final score.

Other information

2030 agenda goals for sustainable development