AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Geotechnics - Module 2

Once the basic knowledge on the mechanical behavior of soil has been acquired in Module 1, the objective of the unit is to provide the student with the application tools necessary to face engineering problems consistent with the professional profile of a three-year graduate. The course aims to provide the knowledge and methods for the experimental characterization of soils, for performing filtration analyses in steady-state and transient conditions, for the geotechnical design of foundations and gravity retaining walls.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Planning and control of geotechnical investigations (laboratory and in situ tests). Assessment and use of soil parameters in geotechnical analyses. Choice of foundation types. Routine design methods for shallow and deep foundations and for gravity retaining walls. Knowledge and application of the technical standards.

TEACHING METHODS

This module uses lectures, tutorial exercises, case histories and coursework exercises Laboratory visits and at least one external technical visit will also be organized.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Geotechnics –Module 1

• Introduction to geotechnical engineering.
• General features of soils and geological processes.
• Description, identification and classification of soils.
• Stress states in soils. Stress history.
• Pore pressure, effective stress and drainage.
• Steady and Transient flow in soil.
• Stress-strain and Strength characteristics. Critical State. Non-linear soil behaviour.

Geotechnics –Module 2

• One–dimensional consolidation theory and applications.
• Laboratory testing: compression; strength; stiffness.
• In situ testing
• Shallow foundations : stability and  settlements
• Retaining walls: earth pressure and design methods.
• Pile foundations : load capacity of single pile (outline)

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Reading lists (available at DICCA and School of Engineering Libraries)

R. Berardi (2017), Fondamenti di Geotecnica, 3° ed .Città Studi, De Agostini Scuola

L. Tonni, G. Gottardi (2010), Esercizi di Geotecnica, Soc. Editrice Esculapio, Bologna

R. Lancellotta (2008) Geotechnical Engineering, 2nd edition, Taylor & Francis.

R. Lancellotta (2004), Geotecnica, 3a ed., Zanichelli

R. Lancellotta, J. Calavera (1999), “Fondazioni”. McGraw-Hill

C. Viggiani, (1999) “Fondazioni”. Hevelius Ed.

G. Berardi (1974), “Ingegneria delle Fondazioni”. Enciclopedia dell’Ingegneria, ISEDI

Web resources

Set of lectures and exercises (AulaWeb)

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

RICCARDO BERARDI (President)

ROSSELLA BOVOLENTA

LUDOVICA CAMBIAGGI

LESSONS

LESSONS START

March 2020

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Final written exam (or alternatively partial tests to be taken througout the year, at the end of Modules 1 and 2)+ oral exam.

The delivery of the written test cancels the result (mark) of the partial tests possibly taken.

Partial tests taken during the course with positive marks, replace the written test. Partial tests lose validity if the oral exam is not taken before the first session of the autumn session (September).

The oral exam cannot be taken without having passed the written test or all the partial tests with a predetermined minimum mark.

The oral exam can be taken immediately after the written test or in the following exam session (e.g. written test June, oral June/July; written test July, oral July/September).

ASSESSMENT METHODS

In the written test, some typical problems concerning the entire program of the course must be solved (e.g. evaluation of stress states, steady state filtration problems and one-dimensional consolidation, interpretation of laboratory tests and evaluation of mechanical parameters, assessment of earth pressure, bearing capacity and setllements of shallow foundations, etc.). These are exercises aimed at verifying the learning outcomes of the main theoretical concepts and practical methods and approaches.

The themes of the partial tests focus on the contents developed in the didactic periods prior to the test itself.

The oral test consists of questions on the program developed during the two didactic cycles and possibly on a discussion of the written tests.

Exam schedule