Earth Works
Instance: 2006/2007 - 2S
Cycles of Study/Courses
Teaching language
Portuguese
Objectives
Introduction to the design and construction of earth works. Particular emphasis is given to road embankments and earth/rockfill dams and reference is made to the criteria for the selection of the site and of the construction materials.
Program
Road embankments. Classification of fill and subgrade materials. Operations required for use. Construction: procedure, types of equipment and conditions of use; construction site organization.
Soil stabilization: soil mixtures; treatment with cement; construction aspects of the treatment with cement. Factors affecting the treatment with cement and lime and the mechanical properties of the treated soil.
Earth and rockfill dams. Typical embankment sections. Design considerations. Stability analyses: forces involved and calculation procedures. Seepage control (drainage, filtration, protection).
Control of construction of earth and rockfill works: methods (laboratory and in situ), factors and quality criteria. Observation of earth works.
Teaching methods and learning activities
A number of sessions are dedicated to the discussion of the concepts, theories and methods, with reference to real case studies. Numerical problems of road fill design are proposed for solution. One real project of an earth dam is supplied for analysis and discussion, becoming the reference for a numerical study whereby the proposed dam design is checked using a commercial finite element package.
Evaluation Type
Distributed evaluation with final exam
Eligibility for exams
In accordance with the General Assessment Rules.
Calculation formula of final grade
Exam grading (with weight 2/3) plus assignment report grading (with weight 1/3).
Examinations or Special Assignments
Assignment requiring the stability analysis of an earth dam for the full reservoir and rapid drawdown scenarios.
Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)
In accordance with the General Assessment Rules.
Classification improvement
In accordance with the General Assessment Rules.
Observations
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Estimated working time out of classes: 4 hours