This introductory course starts from a descriptions of the behavior and phenomena of soils and rocks under near surface loading conditions and their key geotechnical properties. Lab and field methods for the characterization of soils, rocks and rock masses are introduced. Finally practical aspects of ground engineering, including tunneling and landslide hazards are presented.
Learning objective
Understanding the basic geotechnical and geomechanical properties and processes of rocks and soils. Understanding the interaction of rock and soil masses with technical systems. Understanding the fundamentals of geological hazards.
Content
Rock, soil and rock mass: scale effects and fundamental geotechnical properties. Soil mechanical properties and their determination. Rock mechanical properties and their determination. Fractures: geotechnical properties and their determination. Geotechnical classification of intact rock, soils and rock masses. Natural and induced stresses in rock and soil. Interaction of soil masses with surface loads, water and excavations. Slope instability mechanisms and stability analyses. Underground excavation instability mechanisms and rock deformation. Geological mass wasting processes.
Lecture notes
Lecture Material as defined in German PPT Slides of the German Course “651-3525-00L Ingenieurgeologie”.
Literature
For English speakers study chapters 1-3 of Part I of the book “Geological Engineering” (Gonzalez de Vallejo & Ferrer 2011, CRC Press), without groundwater flow, consolidation time, geophysical methods, details of triaxial tests in soils and rocks, details of clay mineralogy.
Prerequisites / Notice
Participate on all exercises of “651-3525-00L Ingenieurgeologie”, Thursday 13-14 pm. Participate in Written Exam together with students of the German Course
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course