Models and Safety in Geotechnics

Code:

EC0074

Acronym:

MSGE

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Geotechnics

Instance: 2011/2012 - 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	14	Syllabus since 2006/2007	5	-	5	52,5	133

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

Introduction to concepts from the Theory of Elasticity and the Theory of Plasticity providing the basis for design methods in Geotechnical Engineering.
Introduction to the safety assessment of geotechnical works and their supporting principles and methods.

Program

States of stress and strain. Equilibrium equations and boundary conditions. Strain compatibility equations.
Linear elasticity. Solution methods for two-dimensional elastic problems. Solution of some two-dimensional elastic problems. Application of the Theory of Elasticity to the solution of some problems in Soil Mechanics.
Perfect plasticity. Yield Criteria. The yielding mechanism of plastic solids. Limit Analysis theorems; solution of some problems. Limit Equilibrium methods.
Hardening plasticity. Yield surfaces and their evolution. Hardening laws. Evaluation of plastic strain; the normality principle. Associated and non-associated plasticity. Elastoplastic stiffness matrix. The mechanical behaviour of clay; phenomenological models (the hyperbolic model).
Introduction to the analysis of safety. Deterministic, semi-probabilistic and probabilistic methods. Reliability Theory; probability of collapse. Partial safety factors; Eurocodes 1 and 7.

DEMONSTRATION OF THE SYLLABUS COHERENCE WITH THE CURRICULAR UNIT'S OBJECTIVES:

Models based on the theory of elasticity and plasticity, as well as more elaborate elasto-plastic models, have an important role in Geotechnics. The high uncertainties associated to the parameters involved in the design of geotechnical structures are relevant for the consideration of safety assessment methodologies with different degrees of suitability, taking into account the recommendations of the Eurocodes.

Teaching methods and learning activities

The course has a clear emphasis on the theoretical aspects, combined with the solution of application problems.
A list of problems is presented for resolution.
An assignment is proposed involving the experimental characterization of the mechanical behaviour of some soils, with the purpose of relating laboratory results with constitutive modelling.

DEMONSTRATION OF THE COHERENCE BETWEEN THE TEACHING METHODOLOGIES AND THE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

The used teaching methodologies allow to deal with main themes related to modeling and safety in geotechnics, analysis, discussion and critical interpretation of results, emphasizing the potential of writing communication, problem formulation and certification.

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Eligibility for exams

In accordance with the General Assessment Rules.

Calculation formula of final grade

Exam grading which may be increased by up to 2/20 as a result of the assignment report.

Examinations or Special Assignments

Application problems proposed for resolution.
Assignment requiring the determination of soil constitutive parameters from the analysis of experimental results of mechanical characterization.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

In accordance with the General Assessment Rules.

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 the General Assessment Rules.

Observations

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Estimated working time out of classes: 4 hours