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Geotechnics

Course developer

Prior knowledge

BūvZ2042, Structural Mechanics I

BūvZ2043, Structural Mechanics II

Fizi2009, Physics

Mate2036, Mathematics II

Replaced course

BūvZB026 [GBUVB026] Geotechnics

Course abstract

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.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

• 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.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Earth structure and crust composition.
2. Basics of soil mechanics.
3. Geological processes.
4. Groundwater, their general characteristics, dynamics.
5. Phases of soil. Soil structure. Laboratory work 1 - Determination of sandy soil class name and properties.
6. Physical properties of soils. Water in soils.
7. Mechanical properties of soils. Laboratory work 2 – Determination of clay soil class name and properties.
8. The main characteristics of clay and sandy soils.
9. Flowing and biogenic soils. Methodology of geotechnical investigation. Laboratory work 3 - Compression test of soil.
10. Principles of geotechnical design. Classification and types of foundations. Determination of foundation depth. Laboratory work 4 - Shear resistance test of soil.
11. Determination of bearing resistance. Independent work 1 - Calculation of bearing resistance. Determination of dimensions for shallow foundations.
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.
13. Distribution of contact pressure under foundation.
14. Determination of stabilized settlement of soils.
15. Impact of adjacent foundation on settlement.
16. Testing the weaker layer of the subsoils.

Requirements for awarding credit points

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.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

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.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

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.

Compulsory reading

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.

Further reading

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.

Periodicals and other sources

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.

Notes

First level professional higher educational programme “Civil Engineering”