Course - Geotechnical Engineering 1 - TBM4240
Geotechnical Engineering 1
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About the course
Course content
The main focus in the course is geotechnical engineering, and to develop the understanding of how soil material acts in building foundations, stability of slopes, excavations and embankments.
The understanding of soil mechanics requires knowledge in geology, the origin of the various components of the soil, and the processes of nature behind the creation of the sediments. The course therefore includes geology, focusing on surface soil sediments, mineralogy and rock- and stone masses used in construction works.
The course is the main basis for continued studies in geotechnical engineering at MSc level.
Topics:
- how soil sediments are created
- soil composition and properties
- stresses and stress changes in soil
- soil stiffness
- settlement
- ground water flow
- bearing capacity of foundations on soil
- earth pressure
- stability of slopes, cuts and embankments
Learning outcome
Knowledge
The candidate shall have knowledge of
- Earth crust composition, focusing on Norwegian conditions
- Creation of soil sediments and rock masses
- Properties of soil sediments and rock masses
- Classification and identification of soils
- Stresses in soils, earth pressure, bearing capacity, settlements and stability
- Groundwater flow
Skills
The candidate shall have the skills to
- Identify and assess the characteristics of Norwegian soils
- Calculate stresses and settlements of fills and foundations
- Use flow grids to analyze water flow in soil
- Calculate the stability of a slope under given geometry, soil type and strength and ground water conditions
- Calculate earth pressure and resultant forces on basement walls and on support walls in deep excavations
- Analyze how terrain changes affect structure integrity and stability
- Calculate the required foundations dimensions to accommodate given loads
General competence
The candidate shall posses a competence in geotechnical engineering and geology that enables him/her to practice in civil engineering teams of consulting engineers, contractors and clients
Learning methods and activities
Lectures, Exercises and tutorials with quidance. Laboratory exercises and demonstrations.
Compulsory assignments
- Assignments, Laboratory work
Further on evaluation
Obligatory assignments in this course are exercises and lab work. At least 6 out of 8 obligatory exercises, including the laboratory exercise, must be approved to attend the exam.
Obligatory assignments from previous semesters may be approved by the department.
In case of a re-sit exam, written exam may be changed into oral.
Recommended previous knowledge
Mechanics
Required previous knowledge
None
Course materials
Videos in Grunnleggende Geoteknikk (in Norwegian)
Geotechnics: Kompendium from NTNU - Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering
Geology: Teaching material and presentations from NTNU - Department of Geoscience and Petroleum
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From |
|---|---|---|
| SIB2010 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2022 |
| GEOL1003 | 3 sp | Autumn 2022 |
| TGB4100 | 3.7 sp | Autumn 2022 |
| TGB4210 | 2 sp | Autumn 2022 |
| BA6063 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2022 |
| BYGT2001 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2024 |
| BYGG2001 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2024 |
| BYGA2001 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2024 |
Subject areas
- Port Engineering
- Marine Civil Engineering
- Building and Construction Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Highway Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
Contact information
Course coordinator
Lecturers
Department with academic responsibility
Examination
Examination
Ordinary examination - Spring 2025
School exam
The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.