LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to analyze some of the main aspects related to soil-structure interaction phenomena that occur in the built environment. Since the focus is on existing buildings, after a first part that deals with the types of foundation and the basic methods used in practice for settlement assessment and bearing capacity calculation, the issues of greatest interest, due to external and natural causes (e.g. slope movements, soil liquefaction, groundwater oscillations, subsidence, etc.) and anthropogenic (e .g. deep excavations, shallow tunnels, etc.), are detailed and studied in depth. The course also provides the knowledge and skills to students on design and intervention guidelines relating to the foundation-soil system, such as the strengthening of foundations, underpinnig and soil improvement.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

-  foundation types (shallow and deep) and methods  for calculating settlements and bearing capacity.

- geotechnical problems of major concern for existing buildings: slope movements due to landslides; actions induced by an earthquake, loss of bearing capacity and settlements induced by soil liquefaction, problems related to deep excavations and shallow tunneling

- knowledge and skill on design guidelines and methods for possible intervention techniques on the foundation-soil system (underpinning, reinforcement and ground improvement).

TEACHING METHODS

This module uses lectures, tutorial exercises, case histories and practice exercises. Technical visits could also be organized.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

- Soil Mechanics : an overview

- Existing buildings: foundation types; settlement and bearing capacity assessment approaches.

- Analysis of geotechnical problems:

• landslides and slope movements,
•  seismic aspects related to geotechnical issues (site effects, pseudo static analyses for  foundation stability problems, soil liquefaction) 
• deep excavations and shallow tunneling
• Damage levels and practical assessment methods.

- Intervention techniques on the foundation-soil system:  underpinning, reinforcement and ground improvement.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Set of Notes  (Aulaweb)

Research Papers suggested by the teacher

Matos Fernandes M. (2020). Analysis and design of geotechnical structures . CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group

Lutenegger A.J.(2019). Soil Geotechnology in Construction. CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group

Barnes G.E. (2000). Soil mechanics: Principles and Practice (2nd ed.) Palgrave