Geotechnology

Entry requirements

Fluid mechanics.

Aims

To introduce students to geotechnical problems and solutions, with an emphasis on applications associated with water resource management and environmental problems, and to introduce students to the application of geophysical techniques to engineering and environmental problems.

Content

Soil mechanics and rock mechanics: Soil and rock structure and material properties including the effect of water content and movement. Stress fields. Fractures and failure criteria. Deformation and stability. Bearing capacity. Consolidation. Surface, laboratory and borehole investigation methods. Soil mechanical, rock mechanical and other relevant geotechnical applications, including construction in soil and rock, settlement, slope stability and rock quality. Geophysical techniques including seismic, electrical, electromagnetic, gravity, magnetic and radiometric methods, their principles, applications, and instrumentation. Case studies.

Instruction

Lectures, seminars, laboratory work, assignments and field work.

Assessment

Written examination at the end of the course. Obligatory field and laboratory exercises.