34786 - Geological Exploration of the Subsoil M

Learning outcomes

The course aims at detailing the knowledge on the themes of Geology and Engineering Geology that are to be coped with in territorial planning activities, in the different phases of civil engineering design, with focus on the design of countermeasure works for the mitigation of natural risks.

Course contents

With reference to the aims of the course, the programme will deal with the topics listed hereafter.

a. Assessment of the geological model: chemical and physical characteristics of soils and rocks and their mechanical behaviour; design of a geognostic campaign: caratteristiche chimico-fisiche dei terreni e delle rocce, comportamento dei terreni e delle rocce; progettazione dell'indagine geognostica (borehole drilling, dinamic and static penetrometers etc., interpretation and significance of the results.

b. Case studies of surveys and campaigns aimed at the assessment of the geological model, with particular reference to areas prone to mass wasting phenomena.

c. Monitoring: devices and applications in different geological and geomorphological contexts.

Readings/Bibliography

For general and specific topics, the following books are recommended:

- Casati P., Scienze della Terra. Volume 1. Elementi di Geologia generale. Terza edizione. CittàStudi Edizioni, Torino.

- Casadio M. & Elmi C., Manuale del Geologo. Pitagora Ed., Bologna.

- González de Vallejo L., Geoingegneria, Pearson Ed.

- Canuti P., Crescenti U., Francani V. (a cura di), Geologia applicata all'ambiente. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano.

- Scesi L., Papini M., Gattinoni P., Geologia applicata. Il rilevamento geologico. Volume 1, II Edizione. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano.

- Hoek E., Practical Rock Engineering - http://www.rocscience.com/Hoekcorner.htm

- Cestari F., Prove geotecniche in sito. Edizioni GEO-GRAPH, Segrate, Milano.

Teaching methods

Lessons, exercises and field trips. In particular, at least two field trips will be organized, among which:
- an example of operating geognostic campaign;
- visit to case studies with illustration of the geological model and of the monitoring networks.

Assessment methods

Two exams are foreseen:

- the first (test, at the very beginning of the course) will assess the knowledge on Geology and Engineering Geology topics and will be corrected together during the exercise;

- the second (oral, at the end of the course) will concern the course program.

Teaching tools

Video projector and personal computer are used for all lectures and some exercises.
Notes will be provided during the lessons. 

Office hours

See the website of Lisa Borgatti