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651-3525-AAL 3 Credits MSC D-ERDW
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Introduction to Engineering Geology

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Simon Löw
Enrolment ONLY for MSc students with a decree declaring this course unit as an additional admission requirement. Any other students (e.g. incoming exchange students, doctoral students) CANNOT enrol for this course unit.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:40:42

Abstract

This introductory course starts from a descriptions of the behavior and phenomena of soils and rocks under near surface loading conditions and their key geotechnical properties. Lab and field methods for the characterization of soils, rocks and rock masses are introduced. Finally practical aspects of ground engineering, including tunneling and landslide hazards are presented.

Objective

Understanding the basic geotechnical and geomechanical properties and processes of rocks and soils. Understanding the interaction of rock and soil masses with technical systems. Understanding the fundamentals of geological hazards.

Content

Rock, soil and rock mass: scale effects and fundamental geotechnical properties. Soil mechanical properties and their determination. Rock mechanical properties and their determination. Fractures: geotechnical properties and their determination. Geotechnical classification of intact rock, soils and rock masses. Natural and induced stresses in rock and soil. Interaction of soil masses with surface loads, water and excavations. Slope instability mechanisms and stability analyses. Underground excavation instability mechanisms and rock deformation. Geological mass wasting processes.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture Material as defined in German PPT Slides of the German Course “651-3525-00L Ingenieurgeologie”.

Literature

For English speakers study chapters 1-3 of Part I of the book “Geological Engineering” (Gonzalez de Vallejo & Ferrer 2011, CRC Press), without groundwater flow, consolidation time, geophysical methods, details of triaxial tests in soils and rocks, details of clay mineralogy.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Semesterly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
The exercises (on Tuesday) and the exam take place together with the course "Ingenieurgeologie".

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
revision course / private study Introduction to Engineering Geology
Self-study course. No presence required.
No time listed 90 h semesterly

Offered In