Engineering Geology, Basic Course

Material properties of rocks, rock masses and soils. Weakness zones and jointing of rocks. Gouge materials, water and stresses in rock masses. Engineering geological investigations and design of underground structures. Classification of rock masses. Stability problems and support measures for tunnels, underground openings and slopes. Formation of different types of deposits by erosion, weathering and transgression / regression. Classification. Physical and chemical properties. Characteristic features including weathering soil, till, friction soil, cohesive soil and podzol. Landslides. Mapping methodology. Regional distribution. Application of rocks and soils.

Ingress: The course will provide students with basic knowledge and understanding of the most central parts of engineering geology of rocks and soils

Knowledge: The students will be able to describe the material properties of rocks and soils, the formation and distribution of soils and the engineering geological conditions that affect the stability of structures on and in the ground. Furthermore, students can account for engineering geological investigations, design, slope stability and securing of underground structures.

Skills: Based on lectures and exercises, students will be able to make basic engineering geological assessments and analyses and to interpret the formation of a soil and understand its properties. After completing the course, students should be able to explain the importance of engineering geology in connection with construction engineering issues and the most important analyses and methods in the lab and in the field.

Competence: After completing the course, students are able to make basic engineering geological assessments and analyses and to understand the importance of engineering geology for complex projects in and on rocks and soils.

Lectures. Obligatory excursions and tutorials including classification of soils and rocks, use of air photos and geological maps, engineering geological problems related to design and stability. The course is evaluated by a reference group.