Teaching Methodologies
In classes, the expository and inquisitive method is used when explaining theoretical subjects. Whenever possible, active student-centered
methodologies will be implemented in classes, namely the flipped classroom. This solution, which requires prior preparation from students,
allows for more effective use of contact hours. During classes, interactive activities are used, through digital pedagogical platforms, aiming
at greater participation and interest of students. Several laboratory moments are planned for an easier assimilation of the physical meaning
of various geotechnical quantities. After identifying an urban problem in the city of Coimbra, or another, the students, through various tasks
included in the problem-based learning methodology, through which the students acquire transversal skills while implementing knowledge
that they acquire throughout the semester, devise practical solutions.
Learning Results
At the end of the semester, students should be able to:
distinguish the main geotechnical aspects of resistance, permeability and compressibility;
reflect the effects of soil sealing;
idealize green infrastructures to solve/mitigate urban problems;
identify and characterize the main urban geotechnical structures;
predict the behaviour of urban geotechnical structures depending on geometric and geotechnical constraints.;
persuade third parties about possible geotechnical risks.
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
Program
Seepage. Soil permeability. One- and two-dimensional percolation. Hydraulic instability.
Soil sealing. Extension of soil sealing in cities. Consequences on the urban water cycle and the urban heat island effect.
Green infrastructures. Types of infrastructures. Benefits and limitations of green infrastructure. Infrastructures on a local, regional and global
scale.
Soil shear resistance. Understanding frictional force and normal to the plane, tangential and normal stress. Failure criteria. Stress-strainresistance
relationship.
Earthworks. Embankments and excavations. Natural and artificial slopes.
Retaining structures. Types of retaining and excavation structures. Notions of external and internal soil stability.
Foundations of urban structures. Shallow and deep foundations. Construction processes.
Deformability and compressibility. Short and long term behavior. Horizontal settlements and deformations.
Internship(s)
NAO
Bibliography
Coelho, S. (1996). Tecnologia das Fundações. Edições EPGE. (cota biblioteca: 7-8-116)
Cruz. F. Mecânica dos Solos – Apontamento teóricos. Elementos pedagógicos da UC.
European Commission (2011), Overview of best practices for limiting soil sealing or mitigating its effects in EU-27 – Final report,
Publications Office
Matos Fernandes, M. (2006). Mecânica dos Solos – Conceitos e Princípios Fundamentais. FEUP Edições (cota biblioteca 7-8-159)
Matos Fernandes, M. (2011). Mecânica dos Solos – Introdução à Engenharia Geotécnica. FEUP Edições (cota biblioteca 7-8-161)
Mooy, J. Green infrastructure primer. A Delaware guide to using natural systems in urban, rural and coastal settings.
Moreira, C. (2008). Dimensionamento de Muros de Suporte. Elementos pedagógicos da UC.
Moreira, C. Estruturas Flexi?veis de Contenc?a?o Perife?rica. Elementos pedagógicos da UC.
Moreira, C. Percolação bi-dimensional da água nos solos. Elementos pedagógicos da UC.