101-0357-00L  Theoretical and Experimental Soil Mechanics

SemesterAutumn Semester 2016
LecturersI. Anastasopoulos, R. Herzog
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish
CommentPrerequisites: Mechanics I, II and III.

The number of participants is limited to 60 due to the existing laboratory equipment! Students with major in Geotechnical Engineering have priority. Registrations will be accepted in the order they are received.



Courses

NumberTitleHoursLecturers
101-0357-01 GTheoretical Soil Mechanics Special students and auditors need a special permission from the lecturers.
Permission from lecturers required for all students.
This course is offered together with Experimental Soil Mechanics.
2 hrs
Tue12:45-14:30HIL E 3 »
I. Anastasopoulos, R. Herzog
101-0357-02 GExperimental Soil Mechanics Special students and auditors need a special permission from the lecturers.
Permission from lecturers required for all students.
This course is offered together with Theoretical Soil Mechanics.
2 hrs
Fri08:00-09:35HIL E 7 »
I. Anastasopoulos, R. Herzog

Catalogue data

AbstractOverview of soil behaviour
Explanation of typical applications: reality, modelling, laboratory tests with transfer of results to the practical examples
Consolidation theory and typical applications in practice
Triaxial & direct shear tests: consolidation & shear, drained & undrained response
Plasticity theory & Critical State Soil Mechanics, Cam Clay
Application of plasticity theory
ObjectiveExtend knowledge of theoretical approaches that can be used to describe soil behaviour to enable students to carry out more advanced geotechnical design and to plan the appropriate laboratory tests to obtain relevant parameters for coupled plasticity models of soil behaviour.
A further goal is to give students the wherewithal to be able to select an appropriate constitutive model and set up insitu stress conditions in preparation for subsequent numerical modelling (e.g. with finite elements).
ContentOverview of soil behaviour
Discussion of general gaps between basic theory and soil response
Stress paths in practice & in laboratory tests
Explanation of typical applications: reality, modelling, laboratory tests with transfer of results to the practical examples
Consolidation theory for incremental and continuous loading oedometer tests and typical applications in practice
Triaxial & direct shear tests: consolidation & shear, drained & undrained response
Plasticity theory & Critical State Soil Mechanics, Cam Clay
Application of plasticity theory
Lecture notesPrinted script with web support
Exercises
LiteratureLink
Prerequisites / NoticeLectures will be conducted as Problem Based Learning within the framework of a case history
Virtual laboratory in support of 'hands-on' experience of selected laboratory tests

Pre-requirements: Basic knowledge in soil mechanics as well as knowledge of advanced mechanics
Laboratory equipment will be available for 60 students. First priority goes to those registered for the geotechnics specialty in the Masters, 2nd year students then first year students, doctoral students qualifying officially for their PhD status and then 'first come, first served'.

Performance assessment

Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course
ECTS credits6 credits
ExaminersR. Herzog, I. Anastasopoulos
Typesession examination
Language of examinationEnglish
RepetitionThe performance assessment is offered every session. Repetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit.
Admission requirementParticipation in lab exercises.
Mode of examinationwritten 120 minutes
Additional information on mode of examinationThe laboratory exercises in the course experimental soil mechanics count as graded semester performance. The final grade is made up from 40 % of the graded semester performance and 60 % of the session examination about theoretical soil mechanics. If the session examination has to be repeated the graded semester performance does not need to be repeated providing a sufficient grade for the graded semester performance has been achieved.
Written aidsNone
This information can be updated until the beginning of the semester; information on the examination timetable is binding.

Learning materials

No public learning materials available.
Only public learning materials are listed.

Groups

No information on groups available.

Restrictions

General : Special students and auditors need a special permission from the lecturers
Permission from lecturers required for all students

Offered in

ProgrammeSectionType
Civil Engineering MasterMajor in Geotechnical EngineeringW+Information