Geotechnics - Introduction

The course provides an introduction to geotechnical engineering with the main aim of developing an engineering understanding of soil as a building material. Topics that will be presented include foundations of buildings, stability of natural slopes, excavations and fillings. The field of geotechnical engineering combines mechanics with geological knowledge and knowledge of the earth's components and how the loose soil layers are formed. the course includes some geology with a focus on the structure of the loose soil layers, mineralogy and stone materials and rocks as building materials.

Knowledge

After the course, you should have knowledge of:

• Classification of soils
• Geotechnical laboratory investigations
• Quaternary geological descriptions of loose sediments and deposition conditions
• Stress conditions in the soil with total and effective stresses, initial stresses, drained and undrained stress changes
• Load spreading under foundations
• Stiffness of soil, settlement under foundations and embankments
• Strength soil
• Effect of groundwater flow in the soil volume, under and near constructions.
• Stability of slopes, cuts, excavations and fills
• Bearing capacity of direct-foundation constructions

Skills

• Be able to carry out basic laboratory experiments.
• Carry out simple analyses of deformations and settlements
• Carry out simple assessments of stresses and stress changes in the soil under a foundation
• Calculate the effect of groundwater flow in the soil volume, under and near constructions
• Calculate the bearing capacity of foundation with vertical centric load

General competence

After the course you will have:

• Know how engineering conditions are determined by soil types and variation and the soil's material parameters
• Be able to identify challenges and problems in construction matters and know how geotechnical analyses can be used to obtain control over these
• At a basic level, be able to assess geotechnical investigations and calculation reports.

Two compulsory 4-day sessions, with a break between sessions for self-study, practice work and problem solving. The days are laid out so that evening work with guidance is offered to the participants. Subject to a sufficient number of applicants for the course to be completed.

The course is part of NTNU's continuing education portfolio, and has a tuition fee. See our portal for continuing education, NTNU Videre.