651-4072-00L  Engineering Geology of Underground Excavations

SemesterSpring Semester 2021
LecturersS. Löw, O. Moradian
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish
CommentNumber of participants limited to 18.



Courses

NumberTitleHoursLecturers
651-4072-00 GEngineering Geology of Underground Excavations Special students and auditors need a special permission from the lecturers.
Lectures and case study analysis, self study and report writing. A compulsory field visit to the case study area (Kandersteg) and an ongoing excavation.
3 hrs
Tue13:15-16:00NO F 39 »
S. Löw, O. Moradian

Catalogue data

AbstractThis course deals with the geological activities related to underground excavations (field investigations, route selection, geological models and hazards, geotechnical properties, rock mass behavior, groundwater & environmental impacts). The course focuses on problem solving skills (trained in a Lötschberg Base Tunnel case study, including report writing).
ObjectiveIn this course the student shall become familiar with the most important tasks an engineering geologist has to carry out in the context of planning and building an underground excavation or tunnel. The student will learn how to integrate the knowledge gained during the fundamental and methods courses for the design of underground constructions in various project phases (including report writing).
ContentMajor Tasks of Engineering Geologist in Underground Constructions, Project Phases and Logistic Constraints of Various Types Underground Constructions, Ground Behaviour in Underground Constructions (Rock and Soil), Groundwater and Environmental Impacts of Underground Constructions; Exploration Methods. Case Study Lötschberg Base Tunnel.
Lecture notesA script is available in the form of a few review publications.
LiteratureRichard Goodman 1993: Engineering Geology, Rock in Engineering Construction, John Whiley and Sons.
Evert Hoek 2007: Practical Rock Engineering, Course Notes, Link
Prerequisites / NoticeThe Lötschberg Case Study forms a key component of this integration course. Students will learn (1) how to carry out preliminary investigations related to tunnel design, (2) how to select the tunnel route, (3) how the describe the geotechnical and hydrogeological conditions, (4) how to qualitatively and quantitatively assess geological hazards, rock mass behavior and environmental impacts, and (5) how write geological, geotechnical and hydrogeological reports. A day field trip to the study area (March 15) and a tunneling site (May 19) is included in the course.

Performance assessment

Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course
ECTS credits5 credits
ExaminersS. Löw, O. Moradian
Typegraded semester performance
Language of examinationEnglish
RepetitionRepetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit.
Additional information on mode of examinationParticipation in site visit, lectures, workshops and timely delivery of both parts of the case study report. The course evaluation is based on the written case study report.

Learning materials

 
Main linkEngineering Geology of Underground Excavations, Course Website
RecordingEngineering Geology of Underground Excavations, Podcasts
Additional linksTerms and Conditions for Excursions and Field Courses at D-ERDW
Only public learning materials are listed.

Groups

No information on groups available.

Restrictions

General : Special students and auditors need a special permission from the lecturers
Places18 at the most
PriorityRegistration for the course unit is until 18.02.2021 only possible for the primary target group
Primary target groupEarth Sciences MSc (660000)
Waiting listuntil 22.02.2021

Offered in

ProgrammeSectionType
Earth Sciences MasterEngineering Geology: IntegrationOInformation