AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Geotechnics - Module 1

The aim of the unit is to provide the student with the fundamentals of Geotechnical Engineering, with particular attention to the physical and mechanical characterization of soil as well as to the analysis of its mechanical behavior. The aim of the course is therefore to introduce the theoretical approaches related to the mechanical response of the soil in order to provide a solid basic knowledge for dealing with analyses in the geotechnical engineeing field.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Evaluation of initial and induced stress states and their possible evolution over time. Analysis of filtration phenomena in steady state in the two-phase porous medium. Problems related to strength and deformability in the geotechnical field: knowledge of the more general methods of analysis and their applicability.

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 School of Engineering Libraries)

R. Berardi (2020), Fondamenti di Geotecnica, 4a 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

DOMENICO GALLIPOLI (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

23 September 2019

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

PLEASE NOTE: For the academic year 2020/2021, the examination methods indicated below may undergo changes, in relation to the evolution of the health emergency and its consequences on standard teaching methods. In particular, since the lessons of the first semester (Module 1) are delivered online, the assessment partial test relating to this Module can also be modified. Students will be informed by the teachers. Similar considerations apply to Module 2, as the methods for delivering the lessons of the second semester are not yet known.

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