LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to provide students with the basic knowledge of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology: a) analysis and classification of rocks and soils; b) subsurface investigations; c) in-situ geotechnical tests, laboratory testing for soils and rocks; d) slope monitoring methods (main outlines); e) basic concepts of hydrogeology.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, the student should demonstrate to know the basic aspects concerning Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology. In particular, the student gains the following skills and abilities: a) characterization of geological materials (i.e., soils and rocks); b) estimation of physical and mechanical properties of soils and rocks; c) estimation of hydrogeological properties of soils and rock masses; d) recognition and characterization of aquifers; d) analysis of groundwater flow patterns and identification of the most suitable solutions for groundwater exploitation.

TEACHING METHODS

The course is based on lectures and laboratory activities.

Attendance to lectures and laboratory activities is strongly recommended

Lectures are performed through multimedia presentations dealing with theoretical arguments.

Laboratory activities aim at applying theoretical knowledge by solving practical problems. They include both individual tasks and tutorials carried out and discussed with the teacher.

In particular, the following activities will be developed:

- Tutorials concerning soil identification and classification, lithostatic stress calculations for different stratigraphic settings; interpretation of data deriving from in situ and laboratory tests.

Please refer to the specific AulaWeb application of this course for any update due to possible changes in the health and epidemiological situation.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course deals with the following topics:

Elements of soil mechanics: soil description and classification; hydraulic conductivity and seepage processes; effective stresses, consolidation, shear strength.

Elements of hydrogeology: introduction to the hydrologic cycle; hydrological behaviour of soils and rocks; hydrogeological parameters of soils, rocks and aquifers; Darcy's law and principles of groundwater flow in porous material; hints of unsaturated materials, classification of springs; water table and potentiometric surface maps; wells and principles of groundwater resource exploitation.

Methods and techniques for subsoil investigation: design of field surveys; preliminary studies; wells and boreholes.

In-situ geotechnical tests: strength and stiffness tests; permeability tests; geotechnical equipment and device.

Landslides: landslide predisposing and triggering factors; landslide types and processes; engineering-geological investigations in landslide areas; hints of landslide monitoring techniques.

Elements of rock mechanics: physical and mechanical properties of rocks; stress and strain; strength and stiffness of intact rocks and discontinuities; strength and stiffness of rock masses; geomechanical characterization of rock masses; geomechanical classifications (RMR and SMR indices).

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Learning material provided during the course and available on Aulaweb.

The suggested bibliography for any further information is the following:

Casadio M., Elmi C. (1995) – Il Manuale del Geologo. Pitagora Editrice, Bologna.

Cestari F. (2005) – Prove geotecniche in sito. Ed. Geo-Graph. 3^ Ed.

Civita M. (2005) – Idrogeologia applicata e ambientale. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.

Colombo P., Colleselli F. (1996) – Elementi di geotecnica. II^ Ed. Zanichelli, Bologna.

Gonzalez de Vallejo L. (2005) - Geoingegneria. Pearson – Prentice Hall Ed.

Gattinoni P., Pizzarotti E., Scattolini E., Scesi L. (2004) – Stabilità dei pendii e dei fronti di scavo in roccia. Edizioni PEI.

Scesi L., Papini M., Gattinoni P. (2006) – Geologia Applicata. Il rilevamento geologico – tecnico. Vol. 1, II Ediz. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.