This course introduces students to the methods used in characterising, developing or monitoring geotechnical engineering project sites. Measurements, tools and analyses are described that are relevant to determining the geologic conditions at a site as well as deformations that occur under natural or construction conditions.
Learning objective
This course aims at introducing the general procedures taken during an engineering geological site investigation. Students who complete the course should be able to design a site investigation program of measurements based on information from initial desk studies, and to analyse, integrate and interpret data from the measurement program.
Content
The methods that are routinely employed in site investigations will be described focusing on their applicability in different geologic environments. The limitations of the data in constraining the parameters of interest will be addressed together with problems of interpretation and cost-versus-information value. Specific topics addressed include drilling, coring, sampling, borehole testing, geophysical methods used in engineering geology, satellite, air- and ground-based surface and displacement monitoring (photogrammetry, LIDAR and Radar), and in-situ deformation measurement methods.
Lecture notes
Lecture notes will be available for download 1-2 days before each class.
Repetition only possible after re-enrolling for the course unit.
Additional information on mode of examination
The performance assessments for this course are graded as follows: Exercises (40%), Excursion (10%), written exam (50%). Lecture notes may not be used during the exam.
Performance assessment as a semester course