GCIV0620-1 : Introduction to geotechnics

Study Programmes 2015-2016

GCIV0620-1

Introduction to geotechnics

Duration :

30h Th, 20h Pr, 1d FW

Number of credits :

Master in geology (120 ECTS)		5
Master in geography : geomatics and surveying (120 ECTS)		5
Master in geology (60 ECTS)		5

Lecturer :

Robert Charlier

Language(s) of instruction :

French language

Organisation and examination :

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Course contents :

The course presents an introduction to soil mechanics and design of geotechnical works, for students from scientific but non engineering masters. The dimensioning methods are especially summarised.
The course contents follows :

Introduction to solid mechanics
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 given by the teacher, the student presentations and visits of the geotechnical laboratory. These allow students to compare and complete their theoretical knowledge with practical demonstrations for the main soil tests performed in the laboratory (particle size, Atterberg limits, shear box, oedometer, triaxial, proctor) and in-situ (CPT, DPL, plate test, drilling, pressuremeter).

Learning outcomes of the course :

At the course end, a student will be able to present basic soil mechanics concepts, and to explain how geotechnics works proceed. He will be able to shortly analyse current geotechnical works.
He will be able to analyse scientific articles in a short literature review on a topic related to the lecture and present the results in writing and orally in a scientific formalism, clear, accurate and structured. The student will also be able to write reports of laboratory visits clearly and accurately.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills :

Planned learning activities and teaching methods :

The theorical lecture is given ex-cathedra. The laboratory visits are conducted in the geotechnical laboratory. Two practical works sessions are devoted to the calculation of the bearing capacity and settlement of shallow foundations. A briefing on the geotechnical mapping is also provided in which students manipulate various maps and apply it to a specific and pratical geotechnical case.
In addition, the student will perform a series of personal works:

writing reports explaining the tests and techniques illustrated in the laboratory. These reports must be submitted within 8 days of each visit;

a literature revew conducted by each student, based on articles in English and French. The results of this analysis are presented in the form of a written report and a oral presentation (power point) for all students and teachers.

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :

Lecture and pratical work face-to-face + some personal works.