Flexible Retaining Structures

Soil Mechanics and Foundations.

In Theoretical-Practical lessons the expository and inquisitive method is used during the explanation of the theoretical subjects and exercises are solved in groups and individually.
Students should perform a practical group assignment of scientific and technical interpretation and research.
In Tutorial classes one follows a methodology based on skills and group learning (teamwork). In addition, students will be supervised, through the clarification of theoretical doubts, exercises resolution and guidance of the practical assignment. Experts will be invited to give seminars and field trips will be held whenever possible.

Objectives: Technology and design of earth supporting structures in urban construction in depth.
Generic skills: Application of knowledge and understanding; Judgment accomplishment and decision making; Communication; Self learning;
Specific skills: Acquiring knowledge and capacity of understanding in the field of earth supporting structures used in urban construction in depth, on what concerns calculation methodologies, constructive processes and response to seismic actions; Skills for design, supervision and conducting works.

1. Flexible supporting structures: Elementary principles; Definitions; Legislation and standards; Types; Sheet pile walls; “Berlin ” and “Munich” type walls; Diaphragm walls; Pile walls; Aspects and constructive processes; Self standing structures, mono and multi supported;
2. Design: Classical methods; Method of Rowe; Stability in the short and long term; Use of numerical calculation; Trench supporting; Terzaghi and Peck diagrams; Apparent pressure diagram envelopes; Eurocodes;
3. External stability: Stability of the trench bottom; Excavations in clays: methods of Terzaghi and Bjerrum and Eide; Excavations in sand; Global stability; Kranz method;
4. Anchoring: Elementary principals; Mechanical behaviour; project; reception tests;
5. Behaviour during earthquakes: Response to the vibration of the ground; Mononobe Okabe theory; Culmann procedure; Saran and Prakash method; Point of application of seismic thrust; Evaluation of seismic coefficients; Eurocode 8.

NAO