651-4033-00L  Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering

SemesterAutumn Semester 2016
LecturersM. Perras, A. Wolter, M. Stolz
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish


AbstractThe course presents the principles of soil mechanics and soil behaviour characteristics and its applications in geotechnical structures and systems. It is based on more descriptive courses on Engineering Geology within the BSc Geol. Program and is a compulsory prerequisite for other courses within the MSc Eng. Geol. program.
ObjectiveUnderstanding the principles of soil behaviour and the fundamentals of geotechnical practices in soils.
Ability to communicate with geotechnical engineers.
ContentSoil Mechanics:
Fundamental concepts of strength and deformation of different soils. Introduction to geotechnical calculations
Significance of (ground)water
Geotechnical Engineering in Soils:
Evaluation of geotechnical scenarios, handling of forecast uncertainities, relation of soil properties and soil composition, interactions between soil and building,
standard construction methods in soils (foundations, slopes, dams and levees),
requirements for the geotechnical prognosis
Lecture notesThis lecture is supported by the textbook: "Geotechnical Engineering" by Donald P. Coduto, 2nd edition, 2011; ISBN-13: 978-0-13-135425-8
Prerequisites / NoticeCourses must be completed:
Introduction to Engineering Geology (BSc level)
Introduction to Groundwater
Sedimentology and Quaternary deposits
Principles of Physics

Courses recommended:
Eng Geol Site Investigations
Eng Geol Field Course I (soils)
Clay Mineralogy