AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Geotechnics - Module 2

Once the basic knowledge on the mechanical behavior of soil has been acquired in Module 1, the objective of this unit is to provide the student with the application tools necessary to face engineering problems consistent with the professional profile of a three-year graduate. The course aims to provide the knowledge and methods for the experimental characterization of soils, for performing filtration analyses in steady-state and transient conditions, for the geotechnical design of shallow foundations and gravity retaining walls.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Planning and control of geotechnical investigations (laboratory and in situ tests). Assessment and use of soil parameters in geotechnical analyses. Choice of shallow foundation types. Routine design methods for shallow foundations and for gravity retaining walls. Knowledge and application of the technical standards (Norme Tecniche per le Costruzioni: D.M. 17/1/2018 - EC7).

TEACHING METHODS

This module uses lectures, tutorial exercises, case histories, coursework exercises and (at least) a Geotechnical Laboratory visit.

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Federico Scarpa (federico.scarpa@unige.it), the Polytechnic School's disability liaison.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Geotechnics –Module 1

• Introduction to geotechnical engineering.
• General features of soils and geological processes.
• Description, identification and classification of soils.
• Stress states in soils. Stress history.
• Pore pressure, effective stress and drainage.
• Steady and Transient flow in soil.
• Stress-strain and Strength characteristics. Critical State. Non-linear soil behaviour.

Geotechnics –Module 2

• One–dimensional consolidation theory and applications.
• Laboratory testing: compression; strength; stiffness.
• In situ testing
• Shallow foundations : stability and  settlements
• Retaining walls: earth pressure and design methods.
• Outlines on deep foundations and on the load capacity of a single pile.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Reading lists (available at  School of Engineering Libraries)

R. Berardi (2020), Fondamenti di Geotecnica, 4a ed .Città Studi, De Agostini Scuola

L. Tonni, G. Gottardi (2010), Esercizi di Geotecnica, Soc. Editrice Esculapio, Bologna

R. Lancellotta (2008) Geotechnical Engineering, 2nd edition, Taylor & Francis.

R. Lancellotta (2004), Geotecnica, 3a ed., Zanichelli

R. Lancellotta, J. Calavera (1999), “Fondazioni”. McGraw-Hill

C. Viggiani, (1999) “Fondazioni”. Hevelius Ed.

G. Berardi (1974), “Ingegneria delle Fondazioni”. Enciclopedia dell’Ingegneria, ISEDI

Web resources

Set of lectures and exercises (AulaWeb)

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

DOMENICO GALLIPOLI (President)

LEONARDO MARIA LALICATA

AGOSTINO WALTER BRUNO (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/8715/p/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

PLEASE NOTE: For the academic year 2020/2021, the examination methods indicated below may undergo changes, in relation to the evolution of the health emergency and its consequences on standard teaching methods. In particular, since the lessons of the first semester (Module 1) are delivered online, the assessment partial test relating to this Module can also be modified. Students will be informed by the teachers. Similar considerations apply to Module 2, as the methods for delivering the lessons of the second semester are not yet known.

Final oral exam.

Two Partial Written Tests shall be assigned at the end of each Module. The resulltings of these Partial Tests, as evaluated by the Teachers, shall not have any effect on the final exam evaluation. The aim of these Partial Written Test is to allow the Students to judge on their reached level of knowledge and, furthermore, to consent the Examiners to eventually verify if the Students had fixed the outcome lackings during the final exam preparation.

The oral exam is unique, complexive and can be taken immediately after the end of the second semester period, following the dates as stated on the specific calendar.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The themes of the two partial written tests shall focus on some of  the contents developed in the didactic periods prior to the test itself.

The oral test consists of questions on the program developed during the two didactic cycles and, eventually, on a discussion of the written tests.

Exam schedule