B5937 - FONDAMENTI DI MECCANICA DELLE TERRE E DI IDROGEOLOGIA

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to provide the basic knowledge on the mechanical behaviour of soil and rock materials at the sample scale. Students will learn to: -evaluatethe physical characteristics of the soil (density, unit weight, grainsize distribution, plasticity) - evaluate the deformability parameters of the soil and the effect of the stress history - evaluate the shear strength parameters of the soil in drained and undrained conditions - choose the suitable design parameters in the most common practical appliactions - characterize the rock masses through geomechanical surveys and classification

Course contents

Module 1 – Principles of Soil Mechanics

Basic knowledge of the mechanical behaviour of soils and of the techniques used for their characterisation. The first part of the course will cover soil origin, the determination of physical properties, including volume–mass relationships, particle-size distribution, and plasticity, and the calculation of the stress state. The second part will focus on determining soil deformability parameters through oedometer tests and shear-strength parameters through direct shear, triaxial, and ring shear tests. Practical examples illustrating the application of these fundamental concepts will be discussed, and the main soil characterisation tests will be carried out in the Department’s geotechnical laboratory.

 

Module 2 – Principles of Hydrogeology

Basic knowledge of the hydraulic properties of geological media (porosity, permeability, storage coefficient) and of groundwater flow. Hydraulic head and Darcy's Law. Groundwater flow systems: recharge, groundwater flow, and discharge. Springs and associated geological structures. Aquifer vulnerability to pollution. Basic knowledge of well and piezometer drilling and completion techniques. Basic knowledge of spring uptake techniques. Principles of field monitoring for hydrogeological applications. Regional hydrogeology: major Italian aquifers. Classroom exercises: computer-aided interpolation techniques of point data. Interpretation of hydrogeological and vulnerability maps.

Readings/Bibliography

Module 1 - Fundamentals of Soil Mechanics

Renato Lancellotta (2004). Geotecnica. Third edition, Zanichelli, Bologna, 481 pp.

 

Module 2 - Fundamentals of Hydrogeology

Freeze & Cherry, Groundwater (1979, Prentice-Hall). A complete Italian translation is available at the following link: http://hydrogeologistswithoutborders.org/wordpress/1979-italiano/

Teaching methods

Lectures and classroom exercises. The lecture slides, uploaded in advance to the Virtuale platform, together with the knowledge acquired during classes, will constitute the study material for the examination.

Day-long field trips are planned to provide students with basic training in hydrogeological survey techniques and soil characterisation

Assessment methods

Module 1 - Fundamentals of Soil Mechanics

The examination consists of a two-hour written test. The test includes one exercise divided into 5–6 questions, each worth between 2 and 6 points depending on its level of complexity. The final grade is determined by the sum of the points obtained.

Module 2 - Fundamentals of Hydrogeology

An oral exam featuring both theoretical questions and practical exercises. During the oral exam, the student will be assessed on the topics covered in class (as well as in the recommended study materials and teaching aids presented during lectures) based on the following criteria: (i) knowledge, understanding, and depth of insight regarding the topics; (ii) critical thinking and presentation skills; (iii) accuracy of technical-scientific terminology. Significant gaps in knowledge and/or the use of inappropriate language will result in a failing grade.

The use of notes, electronic devices, or textbooks is not permitted during the exam, except for students with certified specific learning disabilities (DSA).

Students with specific learning disabilities (DSA) or temporary/permanent disabilities are advised to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ) well in advance. That office will propose any necessary accommodations to the students; these proposals must be submitted to the instructors for approval at least 15 days prior to the exam, so that the instructors can evaluate their suitability in relation to the course's learning objectives.

 

Final grade

The final grade will be the weighted average (based on credits) of the marks obtained in the two modules (graded out of 30), rounded up to the closest integer number; for the purpose of calculating the average, a grade of "30 cum laude" counts as 31.

 

 

Teaching tools

Lecture slides uploaded to Virtuale.

Computer lab and applied geology lab. Supplementary teaching materials (in addition to recommended textbooks) provided by the instructor in digital format.

Office hours

See the website of Matteo Berti

See the website of Alessandro Gargini