Geotecnia Ambiental e Sustentabilidade

This course is the first in the field of geotechnics. In this sense, students only need the basic knowledge at secondary education level.

In lessons, the expository and inquisitive method is used during the explanationsubjects. Whenever possible, active methodologies will be implemented in student-centred lessons, notably the flipped classroom. of theoretical . This solution, which requires prior preparation by the students, allows for a more effective utilisation of contact hours. During lessons, interactive activities are used on digital pedagogical platforms to increase student participation and interest. The planned laboratory activities complement the theoretical-practical lessons, providing students with an initial contact with global technical study necessary to ensure sustainable cities. 

At the end of the semester, students should be able to:
explain the themes covered by Geotechnics;
interconnect action-reaction pairs between anthropogenic activities and the consequences on soils and rocks;
describe processes for obtaining natural resources;
distinguish the consequences of anthropogenic activities on soils and rocks and recommend soil remediation techniques;
integrates sustainable geotechnical solutions in cities, taking advantage of the functions and other benefits of soils and rocks.
In terms of transversal skills, students are expected to be able to:
communicate orally and in writing;
search and summarize information from reliable information sources.
work in a team

Introduction to geotechnics
Soils and Rocks: Plate tectonics. Rock cycle. Soils. Recognition and prospecting
Ecosystem functions of soils: The functions of ecosystems. Threats and implications for soil functions. Nature-based solutions.
Earth construction. Potentials and limitations. Construction techniques. Pathologies. Sustainability analysis.
Quarries and sandpits: Portugal’s natural resources and their usefulness. Crushing and extraction processes. Legal requirements.
Renewable energy and geothermal energy. Fossil energy, non-fossil energy and renewable energy. Shallow and deep geothermal.
Sustainable mining: energy transition and its consequences. Ore content in rocks. Deposition of mining tailings.
Soil contamination: main threats to soil. Main contaminants. Soil remediation methods.
Sustainable Geotechnics: geotechnical works. Geotechnical risks. Soil improvement and reinforcement

Two assessment methodologies are prescribed:

Continuous assessment:

There are two assessment moments planned: two evaluation tests during the semester (ET), with dates provided in the first class of the course unit.
The final grade (FG) is obtained through:
FG = (∑ET)/2 (arithmetic mean of the two evaluation tests)

Minimum requirements for assessment:

A minimum grade of 9.5 out of 20 is required in each ET.

Failing to meet the minimum in an ET prevents the student from taking the next assessment moment:

• If the student does not achieve the minimum in the 1st ET, they cannot attend the 2nd ET.
• If the student does not achieve the minimum in the 2nd ET, they will not be admitted to the 1st Call Exam.

Admission to the exam period:

Students who complete both ETs are not eligible to attend the 1st Call Exam.
Students who withdraw from the 2nd ET will be admitted to the 1st Call Exam.
All students have access to the 2nd Call Exam. But they need to register themselves with the academic services.

Final assessment:

Only one assessment moment is scheduled: a final exam during the regular/resit period (FE).
The final grade (FG) is obtained through:
FG = FE

Minimum requirements for assessment:

A minimum grade of 9.5 out of 20 is required in the FE.

Academic Fraud:

The current IPC regulations will be applied to all cases of attempted or committed academic fraud.

Whenever there are doubts about the occurrence of academic fraud, the instructor reserves the right to invite the student to provide clarification in the form of an oral exam. 

NAO