Study Programmes 2015-2016
GCIV0603-2  
Geotechnics and infrastructure
Duration :
26h Th, 26h Pr, 0,5d FW, 2h Labo.
Number of credits :
Bachelor in engineering : architecture5
Bachelor in engineering : architecture5
Bachelor in engineering5
Bachelor in engineering5
Master in civil engineering (120 ECTS)5
Master in geology and mining engineering (120 ECTS)5
Lecturer :
Robert Charlier
Coordinator :
N...
Language(s) of instruction :
French language
Organisation and examination :
Teaching in the second semester
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Course contents :
During this course, fist the concepts of soil mechanics will be presented. In the following, they will be used for the design and computation of earth structures. The course will deal with the following subjects :  
  • Soil mechanics: introduction, granular media, physical properties, classification, water in soils, seepage, soil - water interaction, mechanical properties, in situ stress state
  • Slope stability
  • Retaining structures : gravity walls, sheet piles
  • Shallow foundations, deep foundations
  • Roads : design, structural behaviour
The course combines parts exposed by the teacher and the sessions of practical class under the shape of exercises. A visit of the laboratory of geotechnics is also organized to allow the students to confront and to complete their theoretical experiences with practical demonstrations of realization of the main soil tests realized in laboratory and in situ. A visit of construction site in connection with one or several geotechnical works is also organized.
Learning outcomes of the course :
In the term of course, the student will master the fundamental principles and the laws of the soil mechanics. He will be capable of choosing the tests of physical and mechanical characterizations suited to answer a given problem. He will be also capable of interpreting them and of applying them to the sizing of the foundations, retaining structure, slopes and earth dikes. After completing the course the student is expected to
  • Chose a geotechnical testing campaign
  • Interpret the main field and laboratory tests
  • Understand the principles of the main constitutive laws for soils
  • Calculate stress distribution under applied loads
  • Design a foundations for bearing capacity (ULS) and settlement (SLS)
  • Design soil retaining structures (walls, sheet piles, bracing)
  • Verify stability and safety of natural and manmade slopes
  • Design a road structure
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
Solid mechanics
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
The theoretical course bases on presentations ex--cathédra. The notions seen in the theoretical course are illustrated through practical class, under the shape of exercises to be solved by the student by means of managerial employees. These sessions take place in room. A visit of the laboratory of geotechnics and a visit of construction site are also organized. The sessions of exercises and the visits are intended to facilitate the student to master the subject. The presence in practical class is compulsory.   To help the student to autoévaluer in the course of four-month period on the subject seen in the course, an interrogation can be organized by the teacher. This interrogation will concern then the subject seen in the sessions of practical class, going to the week preceding the test. It will be announced at the latest two weeks before the date of the event. The quotation obtained in this interrogation will be taken into account in the calculation of the final quotation.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
Course given face-to-face during the 2nd semester, monday afternoon
Recommended or required readings :
Lectures notes are avalaible at student centrale des cours - AEES. The pdf file and the slides used for the theoretical course are available on MyULg.
Assessment methods and criteria :
Written exam on theory and exercices. The final score will be obtained by mean of scores theory and exercises. The score of the potential interroigation will be taken into account if better tehn the one of the written exam. In that case, it will count for 10%.
Work placement(s) :
Organizational remarks :
During the sessions of practical class, the student will have to arm himself with a calculator, with a ruler  capable of measuring angles and with a compass.
Contacts :
R. Charlier, S. Delvoie