AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module develops skills in ground improvement for geotechnical engineering. Students will gain knowledge of key techniques such as compaction, grouting, soil mixing and geosynthetics, along with the physical mechanisms behind them. They will learn to assess soil behaviour and evaluate intervention effectiveness based on different field scenarios. Emphasis is placed on autonomous judgment in selecting technical solutions and prioritizing interventions considering risks and performance criteria. By the end, students will be able to critically analyse stability conditions and make informed design choices in different geotechnical contexts.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

COURSE AIMS:

1. Acquire advanced knowledge of ground improvement techniques
2. Analyse and design geotechnical retrofitting interventions
3. ​Develop independent judgment skills in selecting technical solutions

​LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Understand and describe in depth the main ground improvement techniques and the physical mechanisms on which they are based
2. Correctly interpret and use the results of in-situ and laboratory tests for the characterization of treated soils
3. Prioritise geotechnical retrofit interventions, assessing their effectiveness through analytical methods and performance criteria
4. ​Critically evaluate geotechnical risks and ground instability conditions before and after the improvement intervention

TEACHING METHODS

The course includes about 40 hours of face-to-face teaching in the English language. It will take place through lectures and practice sessions at times and places which the university services will communicate. 

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1. Objectives and motivations of ground improvement and geotechnical retrofitting
2. Classification of interventions: preventive, corrective and adaptive
3. Criteria for selecting interventions based on geotechnical, structural and environmental conditions
4. Dynamic, static and vibratory compaction
5. In-situ mixing (Soil Mixing) and grouting
6. Geosynthetics: reinforcements, geogrids and drainage membranes
7. Assessment of bearing capacity and stability
8. Consolidation analysis and evaluation of the outcome of the intervention
9. ​Use of in-situ and laboratory testing in design

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

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.