OVERVIEW

The engineering-geological survey is aimed at collecting, in the field and in laboratory, and through several methods, geomechanical, geotechnical and hydrogeological data, to produce technical outputs (e.g., geological and geotechnical models, thematic maps) supporting the design of civil engineering structures and urban planning.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course is aimed at providing concepts regarding both traditional and innovative methods for collecting and analysing engineering geological, geomechanical and hydrogeological data. At the end of the course the student gains skills that will be useful in addressing geological issues in the frame of engineering geological design and territorial planning. Starting from the fundamental knowledge provided during the basic courses dealing with Engineering Geology, complementary theoretical notions will be provided, combined with field and laboratory activities, which will allow the student to undertake a practical-oriented training path.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching unit aims at providing theoretical and practical knowledge concerning engineering-geological, geomechanical and hydrogeological data survey and processing for soil and rock mass characterization and for geological and geotechnical model definition. Know-how regarding data collection through both field and laboratory surveys and measurements, processing of engineering-geological data, acquired with both traditional and innovative methodologies, elaboration and analysis of thematic maps will be provided.

At the end of the teaching unit, the student gains skills useful to: i) describe and assess the main engineering-geological features of soils and rock masses, also in relation to different geological and geomorphological settings and at different spatial scales; ii) schedule engineering-geological investigation programs; iii) develop geological and geotechnical models to support the design of engineering constructions and urban planning, also in compliance with building codes and urban planning regulations.

The teaching unit also aims at providing both independent and critical judgment to tackle engineering-geological issues during participatory processes with other experts.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of Physics, Structural and Stratigraphic Geology, Geomorphology, Engineering Geology, Soil and Rock Mechanics, Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching unit is based on lectures, tutorials, laboratory activities and field trips.

Lectures are performed through multimedia presentations dealing with theoretical arguments and the presentation of relevant case histories.

Laboratory activities and tutorials are aimed at the application of theoretical knowledge by solving practical problems, also using specific softwares. They include both individual tasks and tutorials carried out and discussed with the teacher.

Field trips include the application of some geological-technical survey techniques learned in the classroom.

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs), disabilities or other educational needs are invited to contact the teacher and the School's contact person for disability at the beginning of teaching to agree on possible teaching arrangements that, while respecting the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning patterns. Contacts of the School's disability contact person can be found at the following link Comitato di Ateneo per l’inclusione delle studentesse e degli studenti con disabilità o con DSA | UniGe | Università di Genova (Prof. Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it) for DISTAV).

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The teaching unit deals with the following topics:

• Introduction to engineering-geological survey purposes in the framework of the design of civil engineering constructions and of urban planning.
• Brief reminder regarding the most important criteria aimed at the definition and scheduling of engineering-geological survey campaigns according to official guidelines and regulations (i.e., building codes and urban planning laws).
• Engineering-geological surveys applied to the analysis of slow-moving landslides and of rapid shallow-landslides involving slope debris.
• Principles of slope stability analysis.
• Methods for engineering-geological survey applied to subsoil characterization and modelling to support the design of foundations and of retaining works.
• Methods for engineering-geological survey applied to both the characterization and modelling of rock masses and heterogeneous and structurally complex formations (e.g., flysch, mélanges, block in matrix rocks) to support the design of underground excavations and slope stability analysis.
• Hints of engineering-geological survey for applications in the field of hydrogeology.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Learning material and supplementary documents provided during the teaching unit and available on Aulaweb.

• Casadio M., Elmi C. (1995) – Il Manuale del Geologo. Pitagora Editrice, Bologna.
• Cestari F. (2005) – Prove geotecniche in sito. Ed. Geo-Graph. 3^ Ed.
• Gonzales de Vallejo L.I. (2005) - Geoingegneria. Pearson Education Italia editore
• Gattinoni P., Pizzarotti E., Scattolini E., Scesi L. (2004) – Stabilità dei pendii e dei fronti di scavo in roccia. Edizioni PEI.
• Hencher S.R. (2012) - Practical engineering geology. Spon Press, Taylor & Francis, Oxon
• Scesi L., Papini M., Gattinoni P. Longoni L. (2015) - Geologia Tecnica. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
• Scesi L., Papini M., Gattinoni P. (2006) - Geologia applicata – il rilevamento geologico-tecnico (vol. 1). Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
• Scesi L., Papini M., Gattinoni P. (2003) - Geologia applicata – applicazioni ai progetti di ingegneria civile. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs), disabilities or other educational needs are invited to contact the teachers for supplementary learning material.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The lessons timetable is available at the following link: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of both a practical and an oral test. The practical test is based on the analysis and resolution of a simple practical case involving the application of engineering-geological survey for the definition of subsoil geological and geotechnical models in the framework of engineering geological applications. The oral examination is based on a discussion concerning the practical test along with questions on the topics dealt with during the teaching unit.

The practical test is passed with a mark greater than or equal to 18/30. The final mark is given by the average between the marks of the two tests.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on how to prepare for the exams and the level of detail required for each topic will be provided during lectures.

The examination process is aimed at verifying the student's capability to apply the concepts covered within the course in order to address simple issues related to engineering-geological applications.

The oral exam is aimed at evaluating the level of critical reasoning in the frame of engineering geological issues, along with the correct use of technical terminology. 

FURTHER INFORMATION

Attendance to lectures, tutorials, laboratory and field activities is strongly recommended.