Base Knowledge
Soil mechanics and Foundations
Teaching Methodologies
The teaching methodology is based on theoretical–practical classes in which, after the presentation of the main theoretical concepts, regulations, or platforms, students are invited to debate the subject through the discussion of practical and real examples.
Research work is encouraged through the presentation of research topics, with the oral presentation of the main results being mandatory, as well as through the resolution and discussion of practical examples.
Learning Results
By the end of the course unit, students are expected to be able to:
– identify the main pathologies of foundations (shallow and deep) through visual inspection of their effects;
– recognize the various origins of foundation pathologies;
– distinguish soil improvement and reinforcement techniques as solutions for foundation strengthening;
– understand the available construction processes for carrying out foundation strengthening and rehabilitation interventions, being able to adapt design methodologies already acquired in previous study cycles as well as implement newly introduced solutions;
– understand the advantages and limitations of two of the most commonly used strengthening techniques.
Program
Soil characterization. Soil compressibility. Stress increase due to surface loading.
Shear strength of soils.
Site characterization through field tests.
Types of foundations. Bearing capacity.
Deep foundations.
Foundation strengthening techniques: micropiles, jet-grouting, and hydro-expansive resins.
Soil improvement and reinforcement techniques.
Analysis of pathologies: phases of analysis and methodology, symptoms, problems in old foundations.
Integrated structural and foundation diagnosis: visual and instrumental inspection (benchmarks, piezometers, load tests), monitoring of deformations, cracking, and vibrations.
Fundamentals of foundation–structure interaction: rigid vs. flexible models; simple vs. numerical models; performance criteria, load redistribution; examples with frames and slabs.
Soil–structure interaction under seismic conditions. Connection with Eurocode 5 (timber structures) and Eurocode 8 (seismic design). Influence of structural typology on foundations.
Technical debate: seismic damping in foundations (base isolation, seismic pads) vs. building systems (viscous dampers, tuned mass dampers – TMDs). Cost–benefit evaluation and applicability in rehabilitation.
Student presentations, questions, suggestions, and critical debate.
Case studies: national and international projects with successful strengthening solutions.
Curricular Unit Teachers
João Pedro Camões LourençoInternship(s)
NAO
Bibliography
Brito, J., Silvestre, J. D., & Gomes, R. C. (2021). Tecnologia de contenções e fundações. LIDEL.
Mazo, C. O. (2018). Manual de patología geotécnica: Recalce y refuerzo del terreno. Grupo de Proyectos de Ingeniería, Universidade Politécnica de Madrid.
Milititsky, J., Consoli, N. C., & Schnaid, F. (2005). Patologia das fundações. Oficina de Textos.
Bapir, B., Abrahamczyk, L., Wichtmann, T., & Prada-Sarmiento, L. F. (2023). Soil-structure interaction: A state-of-the-art review of modeling techniques and studies on seismic response of building structures. Frontiers in Built Environment, 9, 1120351. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2023.1120351
Forcellini, D. (2022). The Role of Soil Structure Interaction on the Seismic Resilience of Isolated Structures. Applied Sciences, 12(19), 9626. https://doi.org/10.3390/app12199626
Han, Y. (2007). Case study for elevated foundation of reciprocating compressor (Paper No. GC-134-1). In Proceedings of the CSCE 2007 Annual General Meeting & Conference / Congrès annuel et assemblée générale annuelle SCGC 2007 (Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada). Canadian Society for Civil Engineering.