Course code BūvZ3104
Credit points 1.50
Soil Mechanics and Foundations I
Total Hours in Course40
Number of hours for lectures8
Number of hours for laboratory classes8
Independent study hours24
Date of course confirmation10.03.2021
Responsible UnitInstitute of Civil Engineering and Wood Processing
Course developer
Būvniecības un kokapstrādes institūts
Guntis Andersons
Dr. sc. ing.
Prior knowledge
BūvZ2007, Building Materials I
BūvZ2040, Structural Analysis I
BūvZ3078, Structural Analysis II
Ģeol4001, Engineering Geology
Replaced course
BūvZB012 [GBUVB012] Soil Mechanics and Foundations
Course abstract
The course explores the physical and mechanical properties of soil, basic concepts of soil mechanics, stress in subbase soils and its detection; determination of foundation deformations. BIM system software MS Excel, is used in the course.
Learning outcomes and their assessment
Knowledge: of subbase soil properties, of basic concepts of soil mechanics, of stress detection methods in subbase soils, subbase soil calculation methods; attendance of lectures, discussion;
Skills: choosing appropriate subbase soil strength and deformation calculation methods and perform the calculations; individual calculation papers;
Competence: ability to rationally choose structural solution of foundation regarding the subbase soil structural properties; test (conversation).
Course Content(Calendar)
1. Contents, objectives and realisation of the course.Peculiarities of base design (1h)
2. Sandy soil classification and identification of its properties. (1h)
3. Structure and physical properties of soil. (1h)
4. Clay soil classification and identification of its properties. (1h)
5. The main regularities of soil mechanics (1h).
6. Determination of compressibility characteristics of soil.(1h)
7. Basic physical-mechanical properties of specific soils.(1h)
8. Determination of strength characteristics of soil. (1h)
9. Stresses in subbase soil.(1h)
10. Determination and graphical representation of geostatic and additional stress of soil. (1h)
11. Subbase soil settling. (1h)
12. Determination of the footing dimensions of shallow foundation.(1h)
13. Basic principles of critical state soil mechanics and its application.(1h)
14. Calculation of final settlement of the subbase soil. (1h)
15. Ground side pressure. Soil stability on slopes (1h)
16. Inspection of the softest layer of subbase soil.(1h)
Requirements for awarding credit points
Four laboratory works completed, processed the results, handed description in written format in the department and have positive outcome in the discussion about the laboratory works.
Completed and handed in written format an individual calculation papers in the department and have positive outcome in the discussion about the calculations.
Grading – passed
Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work
1. laboratory work: Classification of a sandy soil; 2. laboratory work: Classification of a clay soil; 3. laboratory work: Testing of the shear properties of a soil; 4. laboratory work: Soil compression test; Individual calculation papers: Calculation of subbase soil final settlement and softest layer inspection
Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes
The student is able to prove his/her knowledge and competence about the subbase soil properties and subbase soil deformation calculations (by answering control questions).
Compulsory reading
1. Filipenkovs V., Tūna M., Grabis J. Ģeotehnikas pamatkurss: lekcijas un praktiskās nodarbības. Rīgas Tehniskā universitāte. Būvniecības fakultāte. Rīga: RTU, 2006. 166 lpp. 2. Bitainis A., Rosihins J. Praktiskā gruntsmehānika: mācību līdzeklis augstskolu celtniecības specialitātes studentiem. Rīga: Zvaigzne, 1985. 300 lpp. 3. Barnes G. Soil mechanics: principles and practice. 3rd ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2010. 549 p. 4. Moler G. Geotechnik. Grundbau. Berlin: Ernst & Sohn, 2006. 498 p.
Further reading
1. LBN 207-15 Ģeotehniskā projektēšana. 2. Eirokodekss 7: Ģeotehniskā projektēšana 1. Daļa: Vispārīgie noteikumi; [LVS EN 1997-1+AC:2004 (LV)]. 3. Eirokodekss 7. Ģeotehniskā projektēšana. 1.daļa: Vispārīgie noteikumi. Nacionālais pielikums [LVS EN 1997-1+AC:2014 (LV)]. 4. Далматов Б.И. Механика грунтов, основания и фундаменты. Ленинград: Стройиздат, 1988. 414 c.
Periodicals and other sources
1. Baban T. M. Shallow foundations: discussions and problem solving. Chichester : Wiley-Blackwell, 2016. 736 p. 2. Būvinženieris: Latvijas Būvinženieru savienības izdevums. Rīga: Latvijas Būvinženieru savienība. ISSN 1691-9262. 3. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management. Lithuanian Academy of Sciences. ISSN 1392-3730. 4. Latvijas Būvniecība. ISSN 11691 - 4058.
Notes
Compulsory Course for the Professional Bachelor’s study programme “Civil Engineering” and for the Second level professional higher educational programme “Civil Engineering”