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 to provide theoretical and practical knowledge of engineering-geological, geomechanical, and hydrogeological data acquisition and processing for the characterization of soils and rock masses, as well as for the development of geological and geotechnical models. Students will acquire expertise in data collection through both field and laboratory investigations, processing of engineering-geological data obtained using traditional and innovative methodologies, and the preparation and interpretation of thematic maps.

Upon completion of the teaching unit, students will be able to:

i) describe and assess the main engineering-geological characteristics of soils and rock masses in different geological and geomorphological settings and at different spatial scales;

ii) design and plan engineering-geological investigation programmes;

iii) develop geological and geotechnical models to support the design of engineering structures and urban planning activities, in compliance with building codes and planning regulations.

The teaching unit also aims to develop students’ ability to exercise independent and critical judgement when addressing engineering-geological problems and to interact effectively with experts from different disciplines within multidisciplinary decision-making processes.

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 delivered through multimedia presentations covering both theoretical concepts and relevant case studies.

Laboratory activities and tutorials are aimed at applying theoretical knowledge to practical problems, including the use of specialized software. They involve both individual assignments and guided exercises carried out and discussed with the lecturer.

Field trips provide students with the opportunity to apply engineering-geological survey techniques introduced during the lectures.

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. Cristina Carbone (cristina.carbone@unige.it) for DISTAV).

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The teaching unit covers the following topics:

• Introduction to the objectives of engineering-geological surveys within the framework of civil engineering design and urban planning.
• Brief overview of the main criteria for the planning and implementation of engineering-geological investigation campaigns in accordance with current guidelines and regulations (e.g., building codes and urban planning legislation).
• Engineering-geological investigations applied to the analysis of slow-moving landslides and rapid shallow landslides involving slope debris.
• Principles of slope stability analysis.
• Engineering-geological investigation methods for subsoil characterization and modelling in support of foundation design and retaining structures.
• Engineering-geological investigation methods for the characterization and modelling of rock masses and heterogeneous, structurally complex formations (e.g., flysch, mélanges, and block-in-matrix rocks), in support of underground excavations and slope stability analyses.
• Photogrammetric and LiDAR techniques for engineering-geological characterization and modeling.

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 examination requirements and the expected level of knowledge for each topic will be provided during the lectures.

The examination is aimed at assessing the student's ability to apply the concepts covered in the course to address basic engineering-geological problems.

The oral examination is also intended to evaluate the student's critical reasoning skills in the context of engineering-geological applications, as well as their ability to use appropriate technical terminology.

FURTHER INFORMATION

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