Geotechnical Characterization

Recommended Prerequisites

Master degree.

Teaching Methods

The teaching methodology is given in point r.

Learning Outcomes

The course describes gives to the student the skills on the decision and planning of a geotechnical characterization. At the same time develops the techniques used to characterize soil properties and quantify the mechanical behaviour of soils, potentiates a reflexion about the limitations and potentialities of the several tests and the develops the critical analysis of the results.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Geotechnical characterization planning. Design demand needs.
Main geotechnical parameters.
Evaluation of the geotechnical parameters for the mathematical models. Empirical correlations, direct and back analysis evaluation.
Drilling and sampling.
In-situ testing and interpretation: SPT; CPT; vane;  pressuremeter.
Field instrumentation; settlement gauges; extensometers; inclinometers; piezometers; measurements of in-situ stresses and permeabilities, etc
Suction measurements and air entry.
Laboratory methods: role and scope of lab tests; fundamentals of stress-strain and strength measurements; minimizing errors for forces, stresses, pore pressures and strains; transducers and control systems; practical applications.(oedometer test;  Rowe cell; permeameters; Shear box; ring shear; triaxial; hollow cylinder; plain strain).

Assessment Methods

Continuous assessment
Presented reports and periodic discussions: 100.0%

Bibliography

Apontamentos e notas fornecidas pelo docente e orientador
Lamb and Whitman.  Soil Mechanics. (Wiley)

Terzaghi, Peck and Mesri.  Soil Mechanics in Engineering Practice. (Wiley)

Head, Manual of soil laboratory testing. Vol 1, 2 and 3. Pentech Press limited.

Mitchell, Fundamentals of Soil Behaviour, Wiley

António A. Correia. “Aplicabilidade da técnica de Deep Mixing aos solos moles do Baixo Mondego”. PhD, UC