73258 - Ground Improvement M

Learning outcomes

The course aims at providing students with suitable tools for the selection and the design of main interventions for the improvement of the mechanical characteristics of soils, with special emphasis on slope stability analyses and relevant stabilization methods.

Course contents

Introduction to the engineering principles of ground modification. Revision of basic soil mechanics principles: seepage, consolidation, shear strength. Geotechnical investigations, in situ testing and monitoring. Selection of operational parameters in short and long term stability analyses. Design and monitoring criteria of soil improvement interventions.

Slope stabilization methods: landslide types and processes, principles of landslide risk assessment, slope stability analyses, possible interventions and mitigation methods.

Ground improvement methods and their classification. Soil densification through shallow and deep compaction, precompression with and without vertical drains, electroosmotic consolidation, dewatering, admixtures stabilization, injection and grouting, thermal modification. Stone columns, soil-reinforcement interaction, geosynthetics, design methods of reinforced earth structures.

Readings/Bibliography

Lecture notes and supplementary material.

 

Text-books and recommended readings:

P. COLOMBO e F. COLLESELLI: Elementi di geotecnica, Zanichelli, 2004.

M.R. HAUSMANN: Engineering principles of ground modification, McGraw-Hill, 1990.

CORNFORTH D.: Landslides in practice: investigation, analysis and remedial/preventative options in soils, Wiley, 2005.

Teaching methods

The course is integrated with the development of practical examples, the presentation of a few relevant case-histories and with technical visits, both in laboratory and on site.

Assessment methods

Each student is in charge of preparing a short technical report on a couple of practical exercises concerning the geotechnical design of specific soil strengthening interventions. The final exam consists of a single oral exam where the report content is discussed, together with the other topics presented during the course.

Office hours

See the website of Guido Gottardi