Course content

Description and calculations for soils related to foundations, structures and measures in the ground. An introduction to geological conditions, the formation of loose masses and processes that have changed and still affect the soil. Then focus on geotechnical engineering, with introduction to calculation methods for soil. Stress, stress changes, stiffness parameters, settlements. Water in soil, stability and strength to soil for measures such as building foundations, excavations and road fillings. Groundwater and groundwater flow.

Themes:

• formation of loose masses
• soil properties and soil composition
• stresses and stress changes in soil
• stiffness parameters for soil
• settlements
• water flow in soil
• load carrying capacity
• earth pressure
• stability of slopes and cuts

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The candidate shall have knowledge of

• Formation of soils
• Properties of soil
• Classification and identification of soil
• Stresses, earth pressure, settlements and stability
• Water flow in soil

Skills

The candidate shall be able to

• Identify and assess the characteristics of Norwegian soils
• Read maps over superficial deposits and understand that soil types may vary from the surface downwards
• Calculate stresses and strains in soil
• Calculate settlements of foundations and terrain due to groundwater changes and/or additional load stresses
• Understand the effect of groundwater flow on the strength of soil and calculate critical gradient
• Identify and assess the stability of a slope
• Calculating earth pressure and power against a wall
• Assess how terrain interventions affect stability and possibly structures/ buildings
• Calculate the size of foundations

General competence

The candidate can

• basic terminology and methodology in geology and geotechnical engineering related to civil engineering
• perform simple engineering calculations associated with working in the ground
• understand the importance of when more advanced calculations and assessments must be carried out for a building
• provide and have an overview of the subject area, suitable for simple professional assessments

Learning methods and activities

Digital string: Use of spreadsheet for simulations

Ethic string: Ethical relations concerning environment and security

Lecture, guidance and practical work. Mainly focus on guidance and practical work. A sample of prerecorded lectures and practical work will cover most of the contents in this subject. There will be compulsory work including one laboratory work.

Compulsory assignments

• Obligatoriske arbeidskrav -se emnebeskrivelsen

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Mechanics

Course materials

Videoes Geotechnical engineering

A compendium will be available at the start of the semester

Credit reductions