Geotechnics

lgciv2071  2022-2023  Louvain-la-Neuve

Geotechnics
5.00 credits
30.0 h + 30.0 h
Q1
Teacher(s)
Rattez Hadrien;
Language
Prerequisites
Basic concepts of soil classification, effective stress, compressibility, shear strength, laboratory and site investigation, design of shallow and deep foundations, as taught in the courses LGCIV1031 and LGCIV1072.
Main themes
The objectives of the course are:
  • To strengthen the knowledge of geotechnical engineering through discussion of advanced concepts: lateral actions, soil-structure interaction, soil anisotropy and heterogeneity.
  • To explain the design principles of geotechnical elements of a construction project: walls, sheet pile walls, piles, soil improvement methods.
  • To familiarize the student with the significance of certain elements on the stability of constructions: groundwater, drainage, monitoring.
Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

1 Contribution of the course to the program objectives (N°)
AA1.2, AA1.3, AA2.1, AA2.2, AA4.1, AA5.1, AA5.2, AA5.3, AA6.1
Specific learning outcomes of the course
At the end of the course, students will be capable of:
  • Describing the execution methods for the installation of walls.
  • Designing a retaining wall.
  • Describing soil improvement methods.
  • Modelling an element of a geotechnical project (numerical approach).
  • Calculating deformation and loading of structures interacting with soil.
  • Identifying potentially dangerous situations in presence of groundwater.
  • Describing the behaviour of soft soils, calcareous sands, unsaturated soils.
 
Content
  • Retaining walls.
  • Walls and sheet-pile walls.
  • Soil improvement.
  • Constitutive laws of soil behaviour.
  • Introduction to numerical methods (finite elements).
  • Foundation mats and slabs.
  • Horizontal loading on geotechnical elements.
  • Rock mechanics
  • Tunnels
Teaching methods
Ex-cathedra teaching through the course resources for volume 1.
Supervised exercise sessions in classroom for volume 2.
Evaluation methods
Continuous assessment and final oral exam
Online resources
Available on Moodle.
Bibliography
Supports du cours et documentation sur Moodle.
Faculty or entity
GC


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
Master [120] in Civil Engineering

Master [120] in Architecture and Engineering