Geotechnics in Roadworks

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

I) Practical -theoretical lectures

Use a audiovisuals means to explain the main theories and principals of the subjects. In addition, some problems are solved to explains the subjects studied. Use of Plaxis and Slide codes to solve geotechnical problems. Field and laboratory lectures to demonstrate of testing equipments. Visit to some earthworks for transportation infrastructures

Learning Outcomes

This unit intends that the student acquires relevant expertise and tools to allow the process of technical decision, in terms of conception, design, construction and observation of geotechnical works. At the end of the course the student should be able to control the execution of earthworks and to design embankments built on problematic soils (as soft soils).

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

I) Execution/control of earthworks

Reference laboratory tests. Execution control. Control tests. Methods based on  the performance associated to the experience. Use of binders to stabilise the embankments. Equipments. Classification LCPC/SETRA. Advances in execution and control of earthworks (as poligonal drum rollers, intelligent compaction, etc).

II) Embankments built on soft soils.

Design. Evaluation of settlements and horizontal displacements. Typical behaviour of embankments built on soft soils. Construction techniques: lateral berms, vertical drains, staged construction, preloading, sand columns, concrete piles, deep mixing columns, use of geossynthetics, use light materials. Field observation of geotechnical works (equipment, reliability, use, etc)

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Project: 30.0%
Exam: 70.0%

Bibliography

Ground Improvement Case Histories (2005), Edited by Buddhima Indraratna and Jian Chu, Nanyang, Elsevier. Balasubramaniam, A. S. (1985)- Recent developments in ground improvement techniques: proceedings of the international symposium held at Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok.

Hight, D. W., Jardine, R. J., and Gens, A. (1987). “Embankments on soft clays.” Bulletin of the Public Works Research Center, Chap. 2, The Public Works Research Center of Greece, Athens, Greece.

Leroueil, S., Magnan, J. P., and Tavenas, F. (1990). Embankments on soft clays, Ellis Horwood, England.

Traitement des sols à la chaux et/ou aux liants hydrauliques - Application à la réalisation des remblais et des couches de forme , SETRA/LCPC, 2000. ISBN: ISBN: 2-7208-3810-1.

Réalisation de remblais et des couches de forme. Fascicules I et II, LCPC-SETRA, 2000.

Puppala, A.J. (2008) NCHRP synthesis 382: Estimating Stiffness of Subgrade and Unbound Materials for Pavement Design; Washington, D.C.: T.R.B.