Introduction to geotechnics

Part A

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 the following items :

• Identification and classifications of soils
• Groundwater system
• Stress state in soil
• Compression and consolidation
• Shear strength
• In-situ geotechnical investigation
• Earth pression against wall
• Design of shallow foundations
• Various geotechnical systems (deep foundations, Retaining structures, slope)

Part B

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

Part A

At the end of this teaching unit, the student will be able to:

• Identify and classify a soil from a geotechnical point of view and deduce its general characteristics
• Understand the physical processes related to simple geotechnical and soil mechanics problems
• Comprehend simple case study in geotechnical engineering
• Explain and analyse the behaviour of geotechnical structures
• Partim B: Catch the main protocol of laboratory tests and analyse the results of geotechnical tests in laboratory

Part B

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.

Part A

The theorical lecture is given ex-cathedra while during the exercise sessions, the students solves exercise by them-selves with the help of the teacher or assistant. Those exercise sessions are idal moments to interact with the teacher and ask questions. 
In addition to those sessions, the students following the partim B of the course will have to participate to laboratory sessions during which they will perform classical soil mechanics tests (grain size distribution, Atterberg limit, direct shear test, oedomtric test, triaxial test, proctor test). After each session, student will have to produce a report, to be delivered for the next week, including the objective of the test, the experimental protocole, the obtained results and the interpretation of the results. 

Part B

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.

Part A

Face-to-face course


Additional information:

Lecture and pratical work face-to-face
In addition for partim B: Laboratory session (Laboratory of Geotechnologies)

Part B

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

Part A

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

Part B

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

Part A

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam AND oral exam

Written work / report


Additional information:

For students following only partim A:

The evaluation is based 50% on an oral (closed-book) exam based on the theory and 50% on an written (open-book) exam based on exercise.

For studentrs following partim A and B:

The evaluation is based 45% on an oral (closed-book) exam based on the theory, 40% on an written (open-book) exam based on exercise and 15% on the evaluation of the report delivered after each laboratory session.

Part B

Any session :

- In-person

oral exam

- Remote

oral exam

- If evaluation in "hybrid"

preferred in-person


Additional information:

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.
 

Part A

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

Part B

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

Part A

Bertrand FRANCOIS, Bertrand.francois@uliege.be

 

Part B

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