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101-0357-00L 6 Credits MSC D-BAUG
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Theoretical and Experimental Soil Mechanics

Lecturers & Examiners: Ralf Herzog, Prof. Dr. Ioannis Anastasopoulos, Dr. Alexandru Marin, Dr. Mark Schneider
Prerequisites: Mechanics I, II and III. The number of participants is limited to 60 due to the existing laboratory equipment! Students with major in Geotechnical Engineering have priority. Registrations will be accepted in the order they are received.
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Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:34:53

Abstract

Overview of soil behaviourExplanation of typical applications: reality, modelling, laboratory tests, practical examplesConsolidation theory and typical applications in practiceTriaxial & direct shear tests: consolidation & shear, drained & undrained responsePlasticity theory & Critical State Soil Mechanics, Cam ClayApplication of plasticity theoryIntroduction to centrifuge modelling

Objective

Extend knowledge of theoretical approaches that can be used to describe soil behaviour to enable students to carry out more advanced geotechnical design and to plan the appropriate laboratory tests to obtain relevant parameters for coupled plasticity models of soil behaviour. A further goal is to give students the wherewithal to be able to select an appropriate constitutive model and set up insitu stress conditions in preparation for subsequent numerical modelling (e.g. with finite elements).

Content

Overview of soil behaviour Discussion of general gaps between basic theory and soil response Stress paths in practice & in laboratory tests Explanation of typical applications: reality, modelling, laboratory tests, practical examples Consolidation theory for incremental and continuous loading oedometer tests and typical applications in practice Triaxial & direct shear tests: consolidation & shear, drained & undrained response Plasticity theory & Critical State Soil Mechanics, Cam Clay Application of plasticity theory Introduction to centrifuge modelling

Resources

Lecture Notes

Printed script with web supportExercises

Literature

http://geotip.igt.ethz.ch/

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
No aids, calculator without programming-communication capabilities
The laboratory exercises in experimental soil mechanics count as graded semester performance compulsory continuous performance assessments. The final grade is made from 20% of the graded semester performance compulsory continuous performance assessments and 80% of the session examination. If the session examination has to be repeated the graded semester performance does not need to be repeated providing a sufficient grade for the graded semester performance has been achieved.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Theoretical Soil Mechanics
Permission from lecturers required for all students. This course is offered together with Experimental Soil Mechanics.
  • Tue 13:45-15:30 (HIL E 3)
2 h weekly
lecture with exercise Experimental Soil Mechanics
Permission from lecturers required for all students. This course is offered together with Theoretical Soil Mechanics.
  • Fri 09:45-11:30 (HIL E 7)
2 h weekly

Offered In