Study-unit GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
| Course name | Building engineering and architecture |
|---|---|
| Study-unit Code | A002373 |
| Curriculum | Comune a tutti i curricula |
| Lecturer | Diana Salciarini |
| Lecturers |
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| Hours |
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| CFU | 7 |
| Course Regulation | Coorte 2023 |
| Supplied | 2026/27 |
| Supplied other course regulation | |
| Learning activities | Caratterizzante |
| Area | Analisi e progettazione strutturale per l'architettura |
| Sector | ICAR/07 |
| Type of study-unit | Obbligatorio (Required) |
| Type of learning activities | Attività formativa monodisciplinare |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Contents | The course provides a comprehensive introduction to Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, covering the physical and mechanical behavior of soils, seepage and consolidation phenomena, geotechnical investigations and laboratory testing, and the determination of design parameters. The course also addresses the analysis and design of geotechnical structures, including shallow and deep foundations, retaining structures, and slope stability problems, according to limit state design principles and current technical standards. |
| Reference texts | Recommended references: Tamagnini C. & Salciarini D., Notes of the Geotechnical Engineering Course. Lancellotta R., Geotecnica, Zanichelli. Tamagnini C. & Salciarini D., Design and Limit State Verification of Retaining Structures. Additional scientific papers and technical standards may be provided during the course. |
| Educational objectives | The course aims to provide students with the fundamental principles of Soil Mechanics and the design of geotechnical structures. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: Understand the physical and mechanical behavior of soils as multiphase materials. Analyze geostatic stresses and apply the principle of effective stress. Evaluate soil shear strength, deformability, and hydraulic behavior. Understand seepage phenomena, consolidation processes, and drained/undrained soil response. Plan and interpret site investigations, geotechnical monitoring activities, and laboratory testing programs. Define geotechnical models and determine characteristic and design parameters. Design shallow and deep foundations according to ultimate and serviceability limit states. Analyze and design retaining structures and assess slope stability conditions. Apply national and international standards for the design of geotechnical works. |
| Prerequisites | Students are expected to possess prior knowledge of: Continuum Mechanics; Hydraulics; Structural Mechanics and Strength of Materials. Successful completion of courses equivalent to Structural Mechanics and related laboratory activities is strongly recommended. |
| Teaching methods | The course is delivered through: Lectures on theoretical principles of Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering; Classroom discussions and problem-solving activities; Analysis of practical engineering applications and case studies; Presentation and interpretation of laboratory and field investigation results; Design examples concerning foundations, retaining structures, and slope stability. Teaching materials, lecture notes, and supplementary references will be made available to students. |
| Learning verification modality | Student learning will be assessed through a final oral examination. The examination is intended to evaluate: Understanding of theoretical concepts discussed during the course; Ability to interpret geotechnical investigations and laboratory test results; Ability to define geotechnical models and relevant design parameters; Competence in the analysis and design of basic geotechnical structures, including foundations and retaining systems. The oral examination covers all topics included in the course syllabus. |
| Extended program | Detailed Programme Part I – Soil Mechanics Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering Scope and applications of geotechnical engineering Soils and rocks: definitions and engineering significance Fundamentals of Soil Mechanics Soils as multiphase systems Physical properties and soil classification Stress Conditions in Soils Geostatic stresses Effective stress principle Pore water pressure Shear Strength and Deformation of Soils Failure mechanisms Strength criteria Soil compressibility and stiffness Hydraulics of Porous Media Flow through soils One-dimensional seepage Two-dimensional seepage Consolidation Theory Primary and secondary consolidation Settlement analysis Drained and undrained behavior Geotechnical Investigation and Characterization Site investigation planning In situ testing and monitoring Laboratory testing Determination of characteristic and design parameters Part II – Design of Geotechnical Structures Shallow Foundations Types of shallow foundations Bearing capacity in drained and undrained conditions Foundations under combined loading Settlement analysis and serviceability limit states Pile Foundations Types and installation methods Axially loaded piles Laterally loaded piles Design criteria Earth Retaining Structures Types of retaining structures Earth pressure theories Gravity retaining walls Sheet pile walls and diaphragm walls Stability and design checks Slope Stability Natural and engineered slopes Failure mechanisms Stability assessment methods Design Standards Principles of limit state design Italian standards and regulatory framework for geotechnical works |
| Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile | The course contributes primarily to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure Design and construction of safe, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure. SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities Geotechnical solutions for resilient urban development, slope stabilization, and risk mitigation. |