Geotechnics and elements of seismic geotechnics

Learning outcomes

The course is an introduction to the hydraulic and mechanical behavior of soils and to geotechnical tests in the laboratory. The aim is to provide the basic knowledge preparatory to the more advanced courses concerning the design of geotechnical structures.

Course contents

• Physical and mechanical characteristics of soils
• Fundamentals of soil mechanics.
• Modeling of the mechanical behavior of soils.
• On site and laboratory tests: resistance and deformability parameters.
• Permeability and filtration motions.
• pressure on support works.
• Bearing capacity of shallow and deep foundations
• Consolidation theory.

Method of teaching
Lectures, design exercises, field trips/site visits, seminars and individual work.

Prerequisites

Mechanics of solids (theory of stresses and strains, resistance criteria, Mohr circles) and fluid mechanics.

Reading/Bibliography

• Course notes / Lecture notes;
• R. Lancelot. Geotechnics (third edition). Zanichelli.
• Lambe TW, Whitman RV, Soil MechanicsWiley, 1968.
• Colombo-Colleselli: Elements of Geotechnics – Zanichelli 1996 (2nd ed.)
• Viggiani C. Foundations, Hevelius Ed

Assessment methods

The exam includes a written test of 2 hours and an oral test.