Basics of soil mechanics 1300-OPMG3C

Classed are concentrated on the:
- methodology of determining stress state ( including effective, seepage forces, capillary forces),
- changes of stresses induced by applied loads and unloading
- water flow-induced soil behavior
- analyzing stability of the excavation
- calculation of seepage quantities
- slope stability prediction (including numerical analysis),
- introducing methodology of laboratory tests for strength and consolidation soil characterization and interpretation of such tests,
- performing by students up to three design projects during semester, which demands approximately 15 hours of homework.

Type of course

obligatory courses

Prerequisites (description)

Student should have the basic knowledge of: - the principles of physics and mechanics of solids, - the fundamentals of the theory of elasticity and plasticity, - the fundamentals of mathematics (tensor analysis, deviatoric analysis, matrices) - lithology and tectonics of rocks, - geodynamic processes, - the basic physical properties of soils. The knowledge mentioned above is presented during following lectures: - Mathematics, - Physics, - Dynamic Geology, - Geotectonics, - Introduction to Engineering Geology, - Mathematical physics equations.

Course coordinators

Tomasz Szczepański

Learning outcomes

After completion of the classes student:
-is able to calculate stress state of soil
-can assess changes of stress with applied load,
-is able to analyze basic processes induced by water flow,
-can assess excavation stability
-can judge quantity of water flowing into excavation
- is able to assess slope stability depending on geology,
- can design safe slope angle,
- can interpret laboratory strength and deformation test results.
KNOWLEDGE
Student knows simple and advanced instrumental analytical methods used in the study of rocks, minerals and substances of organic origin, chemistry and dynamics of groundwater and other elements of the natural environment (K_W03),
Student knows soil parameters used in design and construction of earthworks, buildings, underground and linear constructions (K_W06),
Student knows the safety rules in the laboratory and the field (K_W20),

SKILLS
Student selects the adequate methodology to solve a research problem (K_U02),
Student organizes the workplace according to the requirements of BHP and ergonomics (K_U04),

SOCIAL COMPETENCES
Student improves professional skills (K_K03),
Student appreciates the importance of mathematical modeling in the description of natural phenomena (K_K08),
Student understands the need to seek new technologies (K_K09),
Student ensures the reliability and credibility of their work (K_K12).

Assessment criteria

Assessment based on individual and group works (projects) performed during the semester, and final written test.

Maximum three absences are allowed during the semester, forth one causes failing the course.
Completing the course, including a second attempt for the design projects and final written test, have to be done before the start of the exam session.
The final written test has one primary and one resit term.

Additional information

Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:

Applied geology

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 1300-OPMG3C in USOSweb