Excavation Works

Recommended Prerequisites

Engineering Geology (LEC)

Soil Mechanics (LEC)

Stability of Geotechnical Structures (LEC)

Geotechnical Works (MEC).

Teaching Methods

Teaching model based on theoretical-practical classes, combining in a balanced way theoretical explanations of concepts and theories related to the topics with the presentation and discussion of case studies, and also contact with relevant projects, either through invited experts either through visits to construction sites.

Students will also be encouraged to make small practical course works in order to implement the knowledge acquired, simulating simplified real cases. Final exam foccused on theoretical matters and on the conception of solutions.

Learning Outcomes

With this unit it is intended that the student acquires relevant expertise and tools, allowing to take technical decisions, duly justified in the context of design, construction and monitoring during construction of various types of excavation works, namely flexible earth retaining structures and tunnels. At the end of the course the student should be able to:

- Understand the phenomenology and behavior of an excavation work;

- Select the adequated constructive solutions;

- Identify the methods of analysis and design;

- Develop analytical and numerical models to calculate a flexible earth retaining structure or a tunnel;

- Plan observation campaings

- Evaluate the risks associated and design and implement mitigation measures.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1 Flexible earth retaining structures

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Cantilever retaining walls; single propped retaining walls; multi-propped and multi-anchored retaining walls

1.3 Constructive solutions; Sheet pile walls; concrete piled walls; Berlin-type walls; large-diameter elliptical shafts; solutions with soil treatment

1.4 Internal stability: multi-propped and multi-anchored retaining walls

1.5 External stability: hydraulic instability and bearing capcity analysis; vertical stability; global stability

1.6 Nailed excavations

1.7 Movements induced and their control

2 Tunnels

2.1 Phenomenology: ground beahevior; equilibrium in the vicinity of the excavation face; final equilibrium

2.2 Constructives solutions: conventional excavation; the use of TBMs; ground improvement and reinforcement

2.3 Structural design: face stability; loads and forces in the support; ground movements

3 Building risk analysis

4 Observation and instrumentation.

Head Lecturer(s)

António Manuel Gonçalves Pedro

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Calculation of pratical cases: 40.0%
Exam: 60.0%

Bibliography

[1] - M. Matos Fernandes; Estruturas de Suporte de Terras, FEUP, 1990

[2] - Malcolm Puller; Deep Excavations - A Pratical Manual, Thomas Telford, 1996.

[3] - Matos Fernandes, M. . Deep urban excavations in Portugal: practice, design, research and perspectives. Soils & Rocks, Vol. 33, nº 3, pp. 115-142, 2010.

[4] - J. Almeida e Sousa; Túneis em Maciços Terrosos: Comportamento e Modelação Numérica, Tese de Doutoramento; FCTUC

[5] - U.S. Department of Transportation - Federal Highway Administration; Technical Manual for Design and Construction of Road Tunnels, 2009 (Disponível online no site da FHWA)

[6] - Evert Hoek; Practical rock engineering (Disponível online em https://www.rocscience.com/education/hoeks_corner)

[7] - Slides de apresentação das aulas.