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Progettazione Geotecnica
Geotechnical design
Giuseppe Scarpelli

Seat Ingegneria
A.A. 2016/2017
Credits 9
Hours 72
Period II
Language ENG

Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of Geotechnics including: analysis of soil laboratory testings, use of elementary constitutive models, solutions of simple problmes of geotechncial engineering.

Learning outcomes
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
The course aims at giving to the students a consistent framework for geotechnical engineering design. Taken for granted in the first cycle degree the knowledge of the basics of Soil Mechanics, lectures are dedicated to the behaviour of natural soils for the definition of the geotechnical model in practical design. Both in situ and laboratory testing are presented and discussed through examples form real cases. The design of the typical geotechnical construction components are presented with emphasis on construction aspects and performances. The basics of constitutive modelling are given to initiate the students to the use of numerical methods for geotechnical design.
CAPACITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
A primarily objective of the course is to give to the student an operative knowledge of the subject, that is to this aim developed with great attention to Codes, both national and European. The modern trends of geotechnical design are highlighted in the three possible professional context of design companies, construction firms, contractors. The
TRANSVERSAL SKILLS:
An essential part of the course are the sessions of practical work where the students learn to define dimensions and resistances of all the typical construction components of geotechnical engineering. This practical work is included in a final geotechnical report to be presented for admission to the final exam. The report can be presented as a group work and the links with similar design activities carried out in parallel courses of structural design are strongly pursued.

Program
Theoretical aspects: Mechanical behaviour and properties of natural soils from laboratory and in situ testings; compressibility and strength of soils; soil dilatancy and friction. Undrained shear strength. Soil constitutive laws: linear and non linear elasticity; perfect and hardening plasticity. Hints on the Cam Clay model. Limit analysis: the classicla solutions from the Theory of Plasticity: use of the stress and strain characteristics. Engineering design: Earth retaining structures: rigid and flexible walls; anchors. Design of spread foundations: stability and serviceability. Settlement analysis. The design of pile foundations through analytical methods; pile settlements. Codes for geotechnical design: Eurocodes 7 and 8. Practical work: numerical examples will be assigned on the most common problems of geotechnical engineering

Development of the examination
LEARNING EVALUATION METHODS
The students are required to submit realistic geotechnical reports on few assigned problems of geotechnical design. These reports will be discussed at the oral examination together with questions on theoretical, experimental and practical aspects of the discipline. If the candidate decides not to present the “design Reports“ there will be a written test one week ahead of the oral colloquim, according to the examination calendar published on the website.

LEARNING EVALUATION CRITERIA
Aims at assessing the abilities of the candidate in solving real complex problems of geotechnical engineering.

LEARNING MEASUREMENT CRITERIA
These criteria tend to verify at what level the candidate is able to solve geotechnical engineering problems taking account of the siting and the construction difficulties of the reality. The ability shown by the candidates to select the appropriate construction method is specifically valued.

FINAL MARK ALLOCATION CRITERIA
Candidates are graded from 18 to 30 over 30 depending on their ability in representing and properly describe the complexities of modern geotechnical design.

Recommended reading
C. VIGGIANI: Fondazioni. Hevelius Edizioni ISBN 88 86977 12 3; Italian Code for Constructions (mainly as a reference text). Slide packages on specific topics available on the web site of the lecturer.

Courses

• Ingegneria Civile (Corso di Laurea Magistrale (DM 270/04))