Engineering Geology

Code:

G362

Acronym:

G362

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Geology

Instance: 2014/2015 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Geology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L:G	25	P.E - estudantes com 1ª matricula anterior a 09/10	2	-	5	-
			3
		P.E - estudantes com 1ª matricula em 09/10	2	-	5	-
			3

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

The students will learn the methodology of engineering geology studies in order to aplly to different times of structures. Basic concepts on Soil and Rock Mechanics are exposed. Site investigation technics, goals and field of aplication are explained so that the student can choose the best ones for a specific problem. It is desirable that the student can do the design, development and interpretation of any engineering geology project.

Learning outcomes and competences

The student must have developed the skills to develop the geotechnical study of a large construction site and define the main problems involved considering the characteristics of the site and the dimensions and type of structure to be built.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Students must have knowledge of: physics, mathematics and structural geology.

 

Program

1. Introduction 1.1. Goal and definition of Engineering Geology 1.2. Engineering Geology and Geotechnics 1.3. Rock Mechanics and Soil Mechanics 1.4. Methodology 2. Mass classifications 2.1. The geological point of view 2.2. Geotechnical classification 2.2.1. Soils - main classification systems. Tension, settlement. 2.2.2. Rock material and rock mechanics. Weathering, discontinuities, uniaxial compressive strenght, deformability 2.2.3. Main rock mass classification systems 3. Descontinuities 3.1. Rock masses and discontinuities 3.2. Main characteristics of discontinuities 3.3. Joints. Presentation of data 4. Site investigation technics an tests 4.1. Main goals 4.2. Methodology 4.3. Subsurface exploration. In situ and laboratory testing 4.3.1. Engineering geophysics – seismic and electrical methods 4.3.2. Direct methods – boring, drilling, pitting and shafts. Sampling 4.3.3. Laboratory testing of soils and rocks 4.3.4. In situ testing of soils and rocks 5. Dams 5.1. Types of dams 5.2. Development of engineering geological studies 6. Tunnels 6.1. Introduction 6.2. Development of engineering geological studies 7. Slopes 7.1. Types of slopes 7.2. Instability factors. Landslides 7.3. Development of engineering geological studies 8. Foundations 8.1. Types of foundations 8.2. Development of engineering geological studies 8.3. Ground improvement methods 9. Highways 9.1. Basic concepts 9.2. Development of engineering geological studies 10. Eurocode 7 Clayton, C.R.I., Matthews, M.C. & Simons, N.E. – Site Investigation. 2nd Edition, Blackwell Science, 1995. ISRM – Suggested methods for the quantitative description of discontinuities in rock masses. Int. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Science Vol. 15 Pergamon Press Ltd. London, 1978 Matos Fernandes, J. M. – Mecânica dos Solos – Vol. I – Edições FEUP, 2000 Singh, B., Goel, R.K. – Rock Mass Classification – A Practical Approach in Civil Engineering, Elsevier, 1999 Smith, W.F. 1998. Princípios de Ciência e Engenharia dos materiais. 3ª Edição. McGraw-Hill Inc. 891 pp. Vallejo, L., Ferrer, M., Outuño, L., Oteo, C. – Ingeniería Geológica – Prentice Hall, Pearson Educación, SA, 2002. Os alunos poderão consultar outros livros sobre Geologia de Engenharia e Mecânica das Rochas existentes na Biblioteca do Departamento de Geologia.

Mandatory literature

Fernandes Manuel de Matos; Mecânica dos solos

Teaching methods and learning activities

Subjects are exposed and ilustrated by fotographs and diagrams from books, plotted on powerpoint. It is supposed that the students complement the class exposition with research based on bibliography. Practical classes are mainly based on outdoor work.

keywords

Natural sciences > Environmental science > Earth science > Mecânica dos solos

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Frequência das aulas	4,00
Total:	4,00

Eligibility for exams

The students have to attend at least 2/3 of the sessions.

Calculation formula of final grade

Global exam with theoretical and practical questions. Formula provided by the teacher.

Examinations or Special Assignments

The exam may include questions related to the visits to construction sites and outdoor classes.

Classification improvement

Final exam.

Observations

Students must have knowledge of: physics, mathematics and structural geology.