Course code BūvZB026
Credit points 4
Total Hours in Course120
Number of hours for lectures22
Number of hours for seminars and practical classes14
Number of hours for laboratory classes8
Independent study hours64
Date of course confirmation14.11.2023
Responsible UnitInstitute of Civil Engineering and Wood Processing
Mg. sc. ing.
BūvZ2043, Basic Theory of Structures II
BūvZB027, Basic Theory of Structures I
FiziB001, Physics
Mate2036, Mathematics II
BūvZ3113 [GBUV3113] Geotechnics
The course deals with the issues of the Earth's structure and geological processes, physical and mechanical properties of the soil, the basic concepts of soil mechanics. The principles for geotechnical design are acquired in accordance with Eurocodes and Latvian Building Codes (LBN). Methods of bearing resistance and deformation calculation are acquired. The types of foundation and their uses in building construction are considered. In the course uses the BIM system software GEO as well as AutoCAD, MS Excel and Mathcad.
• Knowledge: about geological processes, the mechanical and physical properties of soils, the methods of stress detection in the soils, the calculation methods for soils, the types of foundation and their uses in building construction – attendance of lectures, laboratory works, independent works, examination.
• Skills: ability to calculate bearing resistance of soils and determine approximate dimensions of foundation - independent works.
• Competence: ability to choose foundations for buildings according to service and geotechnical conditions - examination.
Full-time studies:
1. Earth structure and crust composition. - 2h;
2. Basics of soil mechanics. -2h;
3. Geological processes. -2h;
4. Groundwater, their general characteristics, dynamics. -2h;
5. Phases of soil. Soil structure. Laboratory work 1 - Determination of sandy soil class name and properties. -3h;
6. Physical properties of soils. Water in soils. -2h;
7. Mechanical properties of soils. Laboratory work 2 – Determination of clay soil class name and properties. -3h;
8. The main characteristics of clay and sandy soils. -2h;
9. Flowing and biogenic soils. Methodology of geotechnical investigation. Laboratory work 3 - Compression test of soil. -3h;
10. Principles of geotechnical design. Classification and types of foundations. Determination of foundation depth. Laboratory work 4 - Shear resistance test of soil. -3h;
11. Determination of bearing resistance. Independent work 1 - Calculation of bearing resistance. Determination of dimensions for shallow foundations. - 3h;
12. Vertical stresses in soils caused by self-weight of soil and external loads. Independent work 2- Determination of vertical stresses in soils caused by self-weight of soil and external loads. Diagrams of stresses. -3h;
13. Distribution of contact pressure under the foundation. -2h;
14. Determination of stabilized settlement of soils. -2h;
15. Impact of adjacent foundation on settlement. -2h;
16. Testing the weaker layer of the subsoils. -2h;
17. End of study course. Exam - 2h.
Part-time extramural studies:
All the topics intended for full-time studies are covered, yet the number of contact hours is ½ of the specified number of hours.
At the time specified by the academic staff member, four laboratory works and two independent works must be worked out. After completing and successfully defending the all independent and laboratory works, the student can take the examination.
Laboratory work 1 - Determination of sandy soil class name and properties.
Laboratory work 2 – Determination of clay soil class name and properties.
Laboratory work 3 - Compression test of soil.
Laboratory work 4 - Shear resistance test of soil.
Independent work 1 - Calculation of bearing resistance. Determination of dimensions for shallow foundations.
Independent work 2 – Determination of vertical stresses in soils caused by self-weight of soil and external loads. Diagrams of stresses.
Independent and laboratory works are passed if student presents correct calculations and is able to prove the acquired knowledge and skills (in response to control questions).
During the examination the student must demonstrate the ability to confirm the acquired knowledges and competences on three selected topics of the study course program.
1. Bitainis A., Rosihins J. Praktiskā gruntsmehānika. Rīga; Zvaigzne, 1985. 300 lpp. 2. Filipenkovs V., Tūna M., Grabis J. Ģeotehnikas pamatkurss. Lekcijas un praktiskās nodarbības. Rīga; Rīgas Tehniskā Universitāte, 2006. 166 lpp. 3. Indāns A., Ošiņa J., Zobena A. Inženierģeoloģija. Rīga; Zvaigzne, 1986. 280 lpp. 4. Manual for the geotechnical design of structures to Eurocode 7. London: The Institution of Structural Engineers. 2013. 249 p.
1. EN 1997-1: Ģeotehniskā projektēšana. 1. daļa: Vispārīgie norādījumi 2. LBN 207-15 Ģeotehniskā projektēšana. 3. Frank R, Baudulin C, Driscoll R, Kavvadas M, Krebs Ovsen N, Orr T, Schuppener B. Designers’ guide to EN 1997-1 Eurode 7: Geotechical design – General rules. London : Thomas Telford, 2004. 216 p. 4. Craig R. F. Soil mechanics. London etc.: E. & F.N.Spon, 1997. 495 p.
1. Barnes G. Soil mechanics: principles and practice. 3rd ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2010. 2. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management. Lithuanian Academy of Sciences. ISSN 1392-3730. 3. Būvinženieris: Latvijas Būvinženieru savienības izdevums. Rīga: Latvijas Būvinženieru savienība. ISSN 1691-9262.
First level professional higher educational programme “Civil Engineering”