AIMS AND CONTENT

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 this module, the student will acquire skills and abilities regarding the basic aspects of 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

Teaching consists of lectures and classroom/field exercises.

Attendance at lectures and exercises is strongly recommended.

Lectures are performed through multimedia presentations dealing with theoretical arguments.

The exercises are aimed at the practical application of the theoretical knowledge acquired during the frontal lectures. The exercises may involve individual reports and final discussion with the teacher.

In particular, the following will be developed:

- Exercises concerning soil identification and classification, lithostatic stress calculations for different stratigraphic settings; interpretation of data deriving from in situ and laboratory tests; geomechanical survey for rock mass characterization.

Students with a certification of physical or learning disability filed with the University can find information on support services at the web page https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/studenti-disturbi-specifici-apprendimento-dsa, provided by the "Services for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities and with Learning Disorders." They can also contact Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Distav contact for disabilities.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

This module 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

A copy of the presentations used in the lectures and exercises is made 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.

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

ENGINERING GEOLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of a written test (optional) during the course and a final oral exam.

The intermediate (optional) written test consists of some questions on topics dealing with aspects of soils mechanics and hydrogeology.

The oral exam consists of questions asked by the teachers on topics dealt within the module.

The final mark is given by the weighted average of the marks obtained from the written test and the oral exam.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on how to prepare for the exams and the level of detail required for each topic will be provided during lectures.

The optional intermediate test and the oral exam are aimed at verifying the ability to investigate, identify and characterize soils and rocks from an engineering-geological and hydrogeological points of view and to apply the acquired methodologies in the context of simple engineering-geological problems.

The critical reasoning and the ability to describe the topics clearly and with correct terminology will also be assessed.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Attendance is optional.