Geotechnics and Laboratory
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to equip students with basic soil mechanics knowledge, to be able to analyse and solve from a quantitative point of view the most typical geotechnical engineering problems.
Expected learning outcomes
· Understand the key continuum mechanics tools to model the hydro-mechanical behaviour of porous media
· Assess pore pressure distribution in 2D seepage problems
· Use results obtained from the most common laboratory and insitu tests to obtain soil strength and deformability parameters, in view of the specific geotechnical problem at hand
· Calculate shallow foundation settlements for both fine- and coarse-grained soils and their time evolution
· Assess the safety of foundations in compliance with current design standards
· Assess the safety of the main types of retaining structures in compliance with current design standards
· Assess pore pressure distribution in 2D seepage problems
· Use results obtained from the most common laboratory and insitu tests to obtain soil strength and deformability parameters, in view of the specific geotechnical problem at hand
· Calculate shallow foundation settlements for both fine- and coarse-grained soils and their time evolution
· Assess the safety of foundations in compliance with current design standards
· Assess the safety of the main types of retaining structures in compliance with current design standards
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Main topics covered include:
· Nature and classification of soil, phase relationships, index tests
· Field equations for porous media
· Calculation of geostatic stress state
· 2D seepage and soil fluidisation
· One-dimensional soil behaviour
· Shear behaviour of fine- and coarse-grained soil
· Calculation of shallow foundation settlements on fine-grained soil
· One-dimensional consolidation theory
· Calculation of shallow foundation settlements on coarse-grained soil
· Bearing capacity of shallow foundations and safety check according to current design standards
· Construction technology and bearing capacity of deep foundations
· Lateral earth pressure and stability analysis of retaining walls according to current design standards
· Geotechnical design of flexible retaining structures
· Nature and classification of soil, phase relationships, index tests
· Field equations for porous media
· Calculation of geostatic stress state
· 2D seepage and soil fluidisation
· One-dimensional soil behaviour
· Shear behaviour of fine- and coarse-grained soil
· Calculation of shallow foundation settlements on fine-grained soil
· One-dimensional consolidation theory
· Calculation of shallow foundation settlements on coarse-grained soil
· Bearing capacity of shallow foundations and safety check according to current design standards
· Construction technology and bearing capacity of deep foundations
· Lateral earth pressure and stability analysis of retaining walls according to current design standards
· Geotechnical design of flexible retaining structures
Prerequisites for admission
Students are free to choose this course regardless of their previous study program.
Teaching methods
The course involves both traditional lectures and problem-solving workshops.
Teaching Resources
· R. Lancellotta - Geotecnica - Zanichelli
· R. Nova - Meccanica delle costruzioni geotecniche - CittàStudi Edizioni
· C. Viggiani - Fondazioni - Hevelius Edizioni
· Course handouts/slides
· R. Nova - Meccanica delle costruzioni geotecniche - CittàStudi Edizioni
· C. Viggiani - Fondazioni - Hevelius Edizioni
· Course handouts/slides
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final exam is composed of two parts:
(1) the submission (1 week before the exam date) of a report, where a set of assignments given during the course have been completed by the student;
(2) an oral exam, where the outcome of the report is discussed and the student is asked additional questions to assess his/her (both theoretical and practical) knowledge of the subject.
(1) the submission (1 week before the exam date) of a report, where a set of assignments given during the course have been completed by the student;
(2) an oral exam, where the outcome of the report is discussed and the student is asked additional questions to assess his/her (both theoretical and practical) knowledge of the subject.
ICAR/07 - GEOTECHNICS - University credits: 9
Practicals: 36 hours
Lessons: 48 hours
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Cecinato Francesco
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
by appointment
Via Mangiagalli 34 (Milano), Level III, or online via MS Teams