Soil Mechanics I

Code:

EC0032

Acronym:

MSOL1

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Geotechnics

Instance: 2010/2011 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Geotechnics Division
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Civil Engineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MIEC	295	Syllabus since 2006/2007	4	-	7	75	188

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

Introduction to the concepts, principles and fundamental theories describing and explaining both the mechanical behaviour (in terms of resistance and deformability) and the hydraulic behaviour of soil masses.

Program

Physical properties of soils. Particle size distribution. Clay minerals. Atterberg limits. Basic features of sedimentary granular soils (sands) and cohesive soils (clays). Residual soils from granite. Soil classification.
Effective stress principle. At rest stress state. Elastic solutions for stresses induced in the ground by external loads.
Darcy's law. Coefficient of permeability. Lab and in situ tests to evaluate soil permeability. Two-dimensional flow nets. Seepage force. Quick condition and critical hydraulic gradient. Piping and heaving. Filters. Capilarity.
Confined compression of clayey layers. Oedometer test. Parameters defining soil compressibility. Normally consolidated and overconsolidated soils. Estimation of the consolidation settlement. Terzaghi theory for vertical consolidation. Secondary consolidation. Compression of unconfined clay layers. Methods of acceleration of the consolidation rate. Observation of embankments on soft ground.
Mohr-Coulomb and Tresca yield criteria. Direct shear, triaxial and simple shear tests. Shear strength of sands. Liquefaction. Shear strength of clays. Drained and undrained loading. Effective stress shear strength parameters. Pore pressure parameters. Undrained shear strength of clays and its dependence on the effective at-rest stress and on the stress path. Inherent and induced anisotropy of the undrained shear strength of clays.

Mandatory literature

Manuel de Matos Fernandes; Mecânica dos Solos, Conceitos e Princípios Fundamentais, Edições FEUP, 2006. ISBN: 972-752-086-3

Complementary Bibliography

Kézdi, Árpád; Handbook of soil mechanics. ISBN: 0-444-99890-X (Vol.1)
Das, Braja M.; Advanced soil mechanics. ISBN: 0-07-Y66237-1
Lambe, T. William; Soil mechanics, SI version. ISBN: 0-471-80792-3

Teaching methods and learning activities

Lectures for the presentation of the concepts, principles and theories with reference to works and natural phenomena conditioned by the behaviour of soil masses.
Tutorials for the resolution of numerical applications from the proposed problem sheets.
Practical sessions for the observation of laboratory tests and the treatment of experimental data.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Eligibility for exams

To achieve a positive classification in the distributed evaluation.
The classification of the distributed evaluation is calculated by considering the following:
1 - exercises individually solved by the students in the theoretical-practical classes in 3 ocasions (weight = 51%);
2 - practical works individually developed by the students in the practical classes in 3 ocasions (weight = 3 x 8 = 24%);
3 - attending the theoretical classes (weight = 25%).

Calculation formula of final grade

The final classification is computed through the average of the classifications of the distributed evaluation (weight = 20%) and of the final exam (weight = 80%). The classification of the distributed evaluation is limited to 16.
A final classification higher than 17, will require: i) to obtain an average classication from the distributed evaluation and the final exam greater than 17,5; ii) to be submitted to an oral exam.

Examinations or Special Assignments

1 - Exercises indivually solved by the students during the theoretical-practical classes, in three ocasions;
2 - Practical works individually developed by the students in the practical classes, in three ocasions.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

In accordance with FEUP assessment regulations.

SPECIAL RULES FOR MOBILITY STUDENTS:
Proficiency in Portuguese and/or English;
Previous attendance of introductory graduate courses in the scientific field addressed in this module;
Evaluation by exam and/or coursework(s) defined in accordance with student profile.

Classification improvement

In accordance with FEUP assessment regulations.

Observations

SPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR MOBILITY STUDENTS: The classes and the main bibliography are in Portuguese. So, the students should be capable of understanding oral and written Portuguese. It is accepted that the students do their works, exercises and exams writting in the following languages (in addition to the Portuguese): English, French, Spanish and Italian.
Working time estimated out of class: 3 hours/week.