Description

Theory/Practice
2

Laboratory
2

Instructors

Elisabete Costa Esteves

Contents

1.Consolidation (CP1 - 25%)
1.1. Stress-strain relationships in soils subjected to loading under lateral confinement conditions
1.2. Overconsolidation in clay masses
1.3. Settlement due to consolidation
 

2. Shear Strength (CP2 - 15%)
2.1. Soil failure mechanisms
2.2. Laboratory tests for shear strength characterization of soils
2.3. Peak and residual (or critical state) strength
2.4. Peak friction angle and constant volume friction angle (or residual, or critical state)
 

3. Earth Pressures; Retaining Structures (CP3 - 25%)
3.1. Earth pressure calculation: Rankine, Coulomb, and Caquot-Kérizel methods
3.2. Design of retaining walls
3.3. Practical considerations for the design and construction of retaining walls
 

4. Shallow Foundations (CP4 - 25%)
4.1. Definition of failure
4.2. Load-bearing capacity
 

5. Soil Compaction (CP5 - 10%)
5.1. Compaction equipment
5.2. Other compaction methods
5.3. Compaction curves; Compaction tests

Learning Outcomes

The student should be able to:
Solve practical problems related to (OB1):
-Soil compressibility and consolidation;
-Soil shear strength;
-Earth pressures and retaining structures;
-Shallow foundations;
-Soil compaction.
Identify the necessary tests for soil characterization and prepare the corresponding reports. Select the appropriate methodologies and standards for each test (OB2).
Develop and conduct geotechnical characterization studies (OB3).
Prepare and execute geotechnical studies for characterization and engineering works, particularly foundations (OB4).
Integrate knowledge to develop solutions and make informed assessments in geotechnical project execution (OB5).