AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

1) To introduce the various hydro-geological processes and the relevant analytical methods for engineering analysis; 2) To overview the main applications of groundwater flow principles as relevant to geotechnical engineers; 3) To introduce the fundamental aspects of capillarity in soils.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

COURSE AIMS:

1. To introduce the various hydro-geological processes and the relevant analytical methods for engineering analysis
2. To overview the main applications of groundwater flow principles as relevant to geotechnical engineers
3. To introduce the fundamental aspects of capillarity in soils

​LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Apply analytical tools and modelling techniques to the prediction of hydro-geological variables
2. Evaluate the main soil parameters that affect the relationship between rainfall and ground infiltration
3. Evaluate the sustainability of groundwater abstraction schemes with reference to the occurrence of pumping-induced subsidence
4. Understand the effects of suction and capillarity in unsaturated soils

TEACHING METHODS

The course includes about 50 hours of face-to-face teaching in english language. It will take place through lectures and practice sessions to be held at times and places which will be communicated by the University services.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1. Phreatic (unconfined) versus artesian (confined) aquifers
2. Vadose zone and water menisci
3. Surface tension and volume-mass relations
4. Hydraulic head as the driving potential for water flow: Darcy’s law
5. Laplace equation: application to flow nets
6. Methods of measuring and estimating infiltration capacity
7. Transient processes and steady-state processes
8. One-dimensional flow in unconfined aquifers: Dupuit’s theory
9. Steady-state pumping from wells: confined aquifers
10. Steady-state pumping from wells: unconfined aquifers
11. Transient pumping from wells: Theis method and Jacobs method
12. Introduction to site investigation: groundwater and permeability testing
13. Falling head, raising head, constant head and packer (or Lugeon) tests
14. Permeability of fractured rocks

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Wilson, E.M., (1990). Engineering Hydrology, 4th Ed. Macmillan Press
2. Younger, P.L., (2006). Groundwater in the Environment: An Introduction, John Wiley & Sons
3. Viessman, W. & Lewis, G.L., (1995). Introduction to Hydrology, 5th Ed. Pearson
4. Fredlund, D.G. & Rahardjo, H., (1993). Soil mechanics for unsaturated soils, Wiley

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

DOMENICO GALLIPOLI (President)

ROBERTO PASSALACQUA

ROSSELLA BOVOLENTA (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/10720/p/studenti-orario

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination will consist of a single oral test during which the solution of an analytical exercise may also be required.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Assessment will take place by oral examination at the end of the course.

Exam schedule