Lab and in Situ Geotechnical Testing

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

Theoretical classes with exposition of the concepts, principles and theories related to the deduction of geotechnical parameters necessary for planning, execution and quality control of geotechnical works and descriptive lessons of the procedures adopted in geotechnical experimentation.

Laboratory practical classes and field campaigns, following site characterization campaigns with in situ testing, with the collaboration of specialist geotech companies. These classes will result in a geotechnical report for a project to be presented at the beginning, developed in groups of 2 to 3 students.

Learning Outcomes

This course aims to provide students with knowledge of fundamental principles and theories that convey and explain the mechanical behavior (strength and stiffness) and hydraulic (permeability) of soil masses, based on the experimental techniques of field and laboratory. Learning of the main laboratory tests or field, its implementation and interpretation, will allow students to evaluate the physical, permeability, deformability and soil resistance, from the results of the most common techniques tie the most advanced, including physical modeling techniques and testing full-scale.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

OBJECTIVES AND PLANNING OF GEOTECHNICAL TESTING

SITE INVESTIGATION FOR GEOTECHNICAL CHARACTERIZATION UNDER EUROCODE 7

KEY FEATURES OF THE MAIN GROUPS OF TESTS

FIELD TESTS: (i) Geophysical methods; (Ii) Static and Dynamic Penetration Testing; (Iii) In Situ testing for direct estimation of resistance and deformability; (Iv) Permeability Testing

LABORATORY TESTS: (i) Sampling and test specimens preparation; (Ii) Tests for: Classification and identification of permeability; Compaction; Compressibility and consolidation; Evaluation of resistance and Stress-Strain Behavior, under Static, Cyclic and Dynamic Actions

PHYSICAL MODELING: (i) real scale models;  reduced scale testing; (Ii) modeling the centrifuge

ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

PARAMETERS FOR GEOTECHNICAL DESIGN

METROLOGY, MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS AND CALIBRATION

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Laboratory work or Field work: 40.0%
Exam: 60.0%

Bibliography

A. Viana da Fonseca; Ebook Abordagem Unificada ao tratamento de ensaios CPT CPTU SCPTu para fundacões, 2013. ISBN: Em finalização (O livro está em edição)

Mayne, P.W., Christopher, B., Berg, R., and DeJong, J.; Subsurface Investigations -Geotechnical Site Characterization, FHWA-NHI

HEAD, K.H. (1980; 1982; 1985). - “Manual of Soil Laboratory Testing”. Vol. I - 'Soil Classification and Compaction Tests'; Vol. II - 'Permeability Shear Strength and Compressibility Tests'; Vol. III - 'Effective Stress Tests'. Pentech Press LT., London, Plymouth; John Wiley & Sons Ltd., Chichester, Sussex

António Viana da Fonseca ; Apontamentos sobre Ensaios em Geotecnia

EUROCODE 7 - PART 2 & 3, 1997.“Geotechnical Design, Design Assisted by Laboratory and In  Situ Testing”, Pré-norma europeia, ENV 1997-2/3, Document N236, Comissão Europeia de Normalizações, Delft

CEN ISO/TS 17892-1 a 9 (2004). “Geotechnical Investigation and Testing – Laboratory Testing of Soil – Part 1 a 9”, CEN, Brussels.