Introduction to geotechnics

Duration

30h Th, 20h Pr, 1d FW

Number of credits

Lecturer

Robert Charlier

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit 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

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

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.

Recommended or required readings

Lectures notes avalaible at student centrale des cours - AEES. They are also avalaible on MyULg, as well as the slide used during the courses.

Assessment methods and criteria

The evaluation is based 50% on an oral exam and 50% of the production of laboratory visits (directly following the visits and so valid also for the 2nd session) and literature review.
The oral exam focuses on the theory. It is closed book. Two synthesis questions are asked.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

The course is organised during the 1st quadrimester, on Monday morning.

Contacts

R. Charlier, Robert.Charlier@ULg.ac.be

 

Items online