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651-4072-00L 5 Credits MSC D-ERDW
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Engineering Geology of Underground Excavations

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Simon Löw, Dr. Omid Moradian
Number of participants limited to 18.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:40:45

Abstract

This course deals with the geological activities related to underground excavations (field investigations, route selection, geological models and hazards, geotechnical properties, rock mass behavior, groundwater & environmental impacts). The course focuses on problem solving skills (trained in a Lötschberg Base Tunnel case study, including report writing).

Objective

In this course the student shall become familiar with the most important tasks an engineering geologist has to carry out in the context of planning and building an underground excavation or tunnel. The student will learn how to integrate the knowledge gained during the fundamental and methods courses for the design of underground constructions in various project phases (including report writing).

Content

Major Tasks of Engineering Geologist in Underground Constructions, Project Phases and Logistic Constraints of Various Types Underground Constructions, Ground Behaviour in Underground Constructions (Rock and Soil), Groundwater and Environmental Impacts of Underground Constructions; Exploration Methods. Case Study Lötschberg Base Tunnel.

Resources

Lecture Notes

A script is available in the form of a few review publications.

Literature

Richard Goodman 1993: Engineering Geology, Rock in Engineering Construction, John Whiley and Sons. Evert Hoek 2007: Practical Rock Engineering, Course Notes, wwwhttp://www.rocscience.com/hoek/PracticalRockEngineering.asp

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Participation in site visit, lectures, workshops and timely delivery of both parts of the case study report. The course evaluation is based on the written case study report.

Registration & Places

Max Places
18
Priority: Registration for the course unit is only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Engineering Geology of Underground Excavations
Lectures and case study analysis, self study and report writing. A compulsory field visit to the case study area (Kandersteg) and an ongoing excavation.
  • Tue 13:15-16:00 (NO F 39)
3 h weekly

Offered In