Engineering Geology

Code:

GEOL3013

Acronym:

GEOL3013

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Geology

Instance: 2017/2018 - 1S

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	2	study plan from 2017/18	3	-	6	56	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

It is intended that the students acquire knowledge about: methodology of geological-geotechnical studies and its application to different types of engineering works; basic principles of Soil Mechanics and Rock Mechanics; most commonly used techniques for site investigation in Engineering Geology. Based on this knowledge, the students should know how to design, develop and interpret a geological-geotechnical study.

Learning outcomes and competences

At the end of the semester the students should be able to develop geological-geotechnical studies of areas where engineering works will be developed, knowing how to hierarchize and develop the most relevant aspects, taking into account the characteristics of the rock and soils masses and the dimensions and types of structures to be built.

Working method

Presencial

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

Considering that the Engineering Geology addresses a wide range of subjects, the student must have attended the subjects of Geology and Physics of semesters 1 to 4 and, preferably, Structural Geology.

 

Program

1. Introduction
1.1 Origin, definition and objectives of Engineering Geology.
1.2 Engineering Geology and relation with Geotechnics, Rock Mechanics and Soils Mechanics
1.3 Methodology of geological-geotechnical studies in accordance with the project phases.

2. Soil Mechanics
2.1 Definition of soil. Origin of soils
2.2 Soils constitution. Properties of soils
2.3 Particle size distribution and limits of consistency. Classification systems
2.3 Stress in soils
2.5 Compressibility and consolidation of soils

3. Rock Mechanics
3.1 Definition of rock and rock mass. Physical and mechanical prrperties.
3.2 Stress and strain
3.3 Strength and deformability
3.4 Failure criterion
3.5 Discontinuities: principal characteristics
3.6 Rock mass classification systems

4. Site investigation
4.1 Mechanical and geophysical methods
4.2 Laboratory and in situ tests
4.5 Geological-geotecnhical studies and geotechnical zoning

5. Development of engineering geological studies in different types of constructions
5.1 Dams
5.2 Tunnels
5.3 Slopes
5.4 Foundations
5.5 Transport infrastructures

Mandatory literature

González de Vallejo Luis L. 070 340; Ingeniería geológica. ISBN: 9788420531045
Fernandes Manuel de Matos; Mecânica dos solos

Complementary Bibliography

Clayton, C.R.I., Matthews, M.C. & Simons, N.E. ; Site Investigation, Blackwell Science, 1995
Singh, B., Goel, R.K.; Rock Mass Classification – A Practical Approach in Civil Engineering, Elsevier, 1999
ISRM; Suggested methods for the quantitative description of discontinuities in rock masses, Int. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Science Vol. 15 Pergamon Press , 1978

Teaching methods and learning activities

The exposure of the program contents will be carried out using the projection of presentations in the classroom, with real images and examples and/or diagrams from the bibliography. Presentations will be available to the students through the Sigarra. The theoretical-practical classes will include practical exercises abou the contents developed in the theoretical classes, laboratory tests and field trips.

keywords

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

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	75,00
Trabalho escrito	25,00
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: 75% of the final grade.
Practical reports developed during theoretical-practical classes: 25% of final grade.

Examinations or Special Assignments

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

Classification improvement

Final exam.