02007 - Geotechnics

Course contents

Aim: The course's aim is to provide the student with the basics of mechanics of geological bodies, together with the knowledge of the main methods of physical and mechanical characterization. This allows to choose project parameters appliable to the study of the conditions of instability of these bodies.

Contents: Soil mechanics: Granulometric analysis and their use. Physical and volumetric features of soil and characteristic indexes. Technical classification of soils. Friction and cohesion. Effective and residual stresses. Pore pressure. Definition of the Friction coefficient and of the Factor od safety against movement. Earth pressure and critical height according to Rankine. Preliminary and fundamental direct and indirect shear tests. One dimensional consolidation. Graphical rapresentation of Mohr. Undisturbed and significant sampling. Static and dynamic penetrometers. Rock mechanics: Principles of continuum mechanics. Spherical and deflector thrust. Definition af basic friction. Fundamental models of stress and strain in geomesses. Rheology elements. Basic criteria of fracture. B.D.T. according to Orowan. Definition of the Module of elasticity (Sonic log and Axial compression). Principles of inclinometry, geoelectrics and topography. Direct and indirect permeability tests. Flow net and definition of Force od filtration. Engineering geology: Codes concerning geometerials and contructions. Initial and preliminary design of caves, roads and foundations. Elements of hydrogeological design. Classification and geotechnological investigation of landslides. Modelling and analysis of the instability degree in geomaterials. Monitoring principles. Geometrical, mechanical, chemical and hydrologic consolidation systems.

Readings/Bibliography

G. Toni - Elementi di Geotecnica (con Esercizi) - Pitagora - Bologna.

S. H. Somerville, M. A. Paul - Dictionary of Geotechnics - Butterworths - London

Office hours

See the website of Giancarlo Toni