Base Knowledge
Soil Mechanics.
Teaching Methodologies
In Theoretical-Practical lessons an expository and inquisitive method is used for the explanation of theoretical subjects and there will be individual and group resolution of exercises. Students should perform an individual project of stability of a slope through specialized software and a laboratory compaction test performed by groups of 2/3 students.
In Tutorial classes the methodology is based on skills. The software is trained and the students are supervised, through the clarification of doubts, problems resolution and guidance of the practical tasks. Field visits will be held when possible.
In Laboratory Practice classes the students carry out tests working as a team and watch to a demonstration of soil seepage in a reduced model.
Learning Results
The goals of the unit are the technology and design of excavations, embankments, percolation of water in the soil, downgrading of groundwater level and reinforced soil structures.
Generic skills: Application of knowledge and understanding; Judging and decision making; Self-learning; Analysis and interpretation of results.
Specific skills: Analyze and design structures and geotechnical works, such as natural and excavation slopes, compaction, percolation of water, reinforced soil and use of geosynthetics. Use of software for stability analysis of geotechnical works. Recognize, diagnose and prevent pathologies in earth works. Skills for designing, supervision, conduction and repair of earth works.
Program
1. Soil seepage: One-dimensional; Stresses; Equivalent permeability; Two-dimensional; Flow networks with and without isotropy; Flow equation; Flow Rate; State of stress; Hydraulic instability; Piping and hydraulic lift.
2. Stability of slopes: Types; Geomorphological evolution; Erosion; Movement; Influence of geology; Hydrogeology; Causes of collapse, internal and external; Stabilization works; Infinite slopes; Circular slips; Total stress analysis; Fellenius and Bishop methods; Taylor and Bishop and Morgenstern stability numbers. Landfills and excavations in clays and soft soils; Eurocode 7.
3. Compaction: Energy; Curves. Cohesive and non-cohesive soils; Proctor test; Types; Procedures; Equipment.
4. Soil Reinforcement: Reinforced earth; Principles; Design; Materials; Constructive process; Geosynthetics: Types; Functions and features; Walls and embankments reinforced with geosynthetics; Design and constructive details.
5. Trenches support: Standards; Accidents, risks and ….
Internship(s)
NAO