Geotechnics

Introduce students to the study of geotechnical parameters for soils and rocks, their determination via in-situ investigations and laboratory tests, and typical civil engineering applications (seepage, consolidation, retaining walls, shallow and deep foundations). 

To equip them with the geotechnical skills necessary to support the design and management of control and monitoring systems and land protection works. To provide in-depth insight into the theoretical and scientific aspects of mathematics and basic sciences, as well as civil engineering in general—and geotechnical engineering in particular. To learn how to apply this knowledge to interpret and describe complex geotechnical engineering problems, including those requiring an interdisciplinary approach.

 In particular, the following SDGs from the 2030 Agenda will also be addressed:

 Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and disaster resilience; and develop and implement—in line with the "Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030"—holistic disaster risk management at all levels (11.b);

 Goal 13: Climate Action: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries (13.1); Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning (13.2); Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning systems (13.3)

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding

 Upon completion of the course, students will have acquired the theoretical and technical-practical knowledge necessary to address the topics covered in a professional setting and, where necessary, to explore them further.

 Making judgments

 The knowledge acquired and the various experiences gained—including through the discussion of case studies—will enable students to develop the necessary critical tools and the ability to make independent judgments regarding the identification of the best solutions for the problems at hand.

 Communication skills

 Students will be able to use the technical terminology specific to the disciplines covered and to communicate issues and their corresponding solutions clearly and effectively, as well as present information in public with greater confidence.

 Learning skills

 Students will develop the ability to independently update their knowledge by consulting technical-scientific sources, regulations, and industry guidelines.

Written exam and oral exam.

 The written exam will focus on the exercises carried out during the course in relation to the topics covered in the syllabus.

 The oral exam is designed to assess the student's level of understanding of the topics covered in the syllabus.

 Should the course be delivered in a hybrid or remote format, necessary adjustments to the previously stated arrangements may be introduced to ensure compliance with the planned curriculum as outlined in the syllabus.

 Students who have been granted official status as working students, student-athletes, students facing hardship, or students with disabilities—pursuant to Art. 30 of the University's Teaching Regulations and the relevant implementing regulation (Rectoral Decree no. 1598 of May 2, 2018)—may take exams during the special sessions reserved for students who have exceeded the standard duration of their degree program (*fuoricorso*) and will have access to specific academic support activities (such as video lectures, where available).

Knowledge of the fundamentals of mathematical analysis

Introduction: the role of geotechnics in civil engineering. Nature and phases of soils. The principle of effective stresses. The pore pressure build-up due to external loads. Seepage: the D'arcy law; the coefficient of permeability the solutions of the seepage differential equation; seepage in anisotropic and stratified soils; seepage on earth dams; internal erosion control. Consolidation of cohesive soils: solution of the governing equation, evaluation of over consolidation ratio and its variation with space and time. Edometric test for the evaluation of consolidation coefficient; evaluation of consolidation settlements. The shear resistance of soils: direct shear tests, ring shear tests and triaxial tests. Failure criterion for soils. Constitutive equation for soils. Site investigations: borings, dynamic penetration tests, static penetration test, standard penetration test inside boreholes: flat dilatometer test, vane test. Bearing capacity of shallow foundation. Earth trust and retaining walls. Elements of bearing capacity of pile foundations. Elements of slope stability and stability of excavations. Elements of soil-structure interaction.

• Wu T.H “soil mechanics” Ed Allyn & Bacon. 1967
• Lancellotta L. “Geotecnica”. Ed Zanichelli. 1992
• Berardi R. "Fondamenti di geotecnica". 2021
• Colleselli F., Soranzo M. Esercitazioni di geotecnica. Cleup,  Padova

Written exam and oral exam.

 The written exam will focus on the exercises carried out during the course in relation to the topics covered in the syllabus.

 The oral exam is designed to assess the student's level of understanding of the topics covered in the syllabus.

 Should the course be delivered in a hybrid or remote format, necessary adjustments to the previously stated arrangements may be introduced to ensure compliance with the planned curriculum as outlined in the syllabus.

Theory of Consolidation and seepage

 Effective stress principle

 Mohr-Coulomb criterion

 SPT test