Geotechnical I aims to provide students with the basic theoretical foundations on the mechanical and hydraulic behaviour of soils and the knowledge of the elementary methods used for the dimensioning and verification of foundations (shallow and deep) and earth retaining structures.
Geotecnica I is a teaching characteristic of the Degree in Civil Engineering which aims to define a professional profile of civil engineer mainly oriented towards the sectors of hydraulic engineering, structural engineering, road infrastructure and transport systems, which can carry out planning, construction, management and maintenance of civil works.
The course will cover the topics of basic geotechnics such as: the nature of soils, the multiphase nature, the principle of effective stresses, the fluid flow effects, the mechanical behaviour of soils and the experimental tests for the determination of physical and mechanical parameters. Knowledge will also be provided on some analytical methods for calculating the thrust of the soils on the earth retaining structures and for calculating the bearing capacity and settlement of shallow foundations.
At the end of the course, the students will be able to interpret the results of the main geotechnical laboratory tests, perform basic geotechnical calculations for the sizing of the supporting walls and shallow foundations, evaluate the settlements induced by loads applied to the ground surface and caused by variations in the effective stress.