Slope Stability and Monitoring

Recommended Prerequisites

Knowledge of Engineering Geology. 

Teaching Methods

Components:

Theoretical classes with detailed exposition of concepts, models and methodologies using audiovisual means.

Theoretical-Practical classes for solving exercises involving the analysis of slope stability, stabilization. methods, instrumentation planning and interpretation of monitoring data.

Laboratory classes with execution of tests involving the characterization of slope materials.

Visit to engineering works which were designed / implemented techniques for stabilization of slopes.

Learning Outcomes

- Knowledge about main movements of instability occurring on the slopes.

- Ability to perform geotechnical characterization.

- Understanding of slope behavior and design.

- Knowledge of stabilization methods.

- Knowledge of various types of instrumentation used in geotechnical works.

- Ability to develop and implement instrumentation plans, definition of reading programs and interpretation of geotechnical characterization data.

- Capacity of communication with elements of a working team with different expertise in the area of geotechnics.

- Application of knowledge and ability to adapt to situations occurring in geotechnical works. 

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1 - Study of natural, excavation and landfill slopes.

2 - Classifications of slope movements and its evolution.

3 - Geological and geotechnical studies of natural slopes, man made slopes, and unstable slopes.

4 - Rock and soil stability assessment.

5 - Deterministic analysis and safety factor.

6 - Characterization of stabilization methods.

7 - Objectives of observation and instrumentation of engineering works.

8 - Notion of global risk index.

9 - Measurement of displacements, stresses, groundwater levels, flow rates and forces.

10 - Instrumentation: shallow spots, piezometers, inclinometers, total stress cells, strain gauges, convergenciometers and topographical 3-dimensional system.

11 - Instrumentation and observation plans in embankment dams, slopes, foundations and underground structures

12 - Analysis of data from instrumentation equipment.

Head Lecturer(s)

Pedro Gomes Cabral Santarém Andrade

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Resolution Problems: 10.0%
Laboratory work or Field work: 30.0%
Exam: 60.0%

Bibliography

- Hoek, E. & Bray J. W. (1981) – Rock Slope Engineering.Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, London.

- Sêco e Pinto, P. S. (1987) - Observação de barragens de aterro. LNEC.

- Andrade, P. (2017) -Classificação de Movimentos  em Taludes Naturais e de Escavação. DCT,37 p.

- Dunnicliff, J. (1994) - Geotechnical instrumentation for monitoring field measurements. Wiley, 608 p.

- TRB (1996) – Landslides. Investigation and Mitigation.

- Wyllie, D. C. and Mah, C. W. (2004) – Rock Slope Engineering. Spon Press, 431 pp.

- Highland, L. M. and Borowsky, P. (2008) – O Manual de Deslizamento – Um Guia para a Compreensão de Deslizamentos. USGS (United States Geological Survey), GFDRR (Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recover), The World Bank 156 pp.

- NP EN 1997-1 (2010) – Eurocódigo 7. Projecto geotécnico. Parte 1: Regras gerais. Norma Portuguesa.

- Pohll, G. M. et al. (2013) – Design Guidelines for Horizontal Drains used for Slope Stabilization. WA-RD 787-1, WSDOT Research Report, 377 pp.