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101-0314-10L 3 Credits MSC D-BAUG
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Soil Mechanics (for Environmental Engineers)

Lecturers & Examiners: Ralf Herzog, Prof. Dr. Ioannis Anastasopoulos, Dr. Alexandru Marin
Only for Environmental Engineering MSc.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:54:37

Abstract

Fundamentals of soil mechanics including key processes: classification, stresses and their distribution in soils, influence of groundwater in soils and on structures, piping, erosion and filters, stress-strain relationships, stress history, stiffness, strength, slope stability.

Objective

Fundamentals in soil mechanics and geotechnics will be presented in order to: * understand soil as a multi-phase hydro-mechanical system * obtain parameters essential for classification and description of soil * recognise key aspects of soil behaviour and the implications of this for obtaining and characterising the stress-strain response and deriving associated parameters (stiffness and strength).

Content

Introduction, basic terms, classification. Total and effective stresses, stress distribution in soils. Influence of groundwater in soil, hydraulic fracture (piping), erosion and filters. Stress-strain relationships, stress history, stiffness, strength. Limit equilibrium, slope stability.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Notes with Web support:http://geotip.igt.ethz.ch(also available in English)ExamplesExercises

Literature

http://geotip.igt.ethz.ch Lang, H.-J.; Huder, J.; Amann, P.; Puzrin, A.M.: Bodenmechanik und Grundbau, Springer-Lehrbuch 8. Auflage, 2007

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
Part 1: Comprehension: no additional written aids.Part 2: Tasks: all written aids are allowed with the exception of means of communication
Optional learning task, i.e. GEOTip Quizzies -> can improve the total course unit grade by up to 0.25 grade points if 90% of quizzies are completed successfully.

Registration & Places

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

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Soil Mechanics (for Environmental Engineers)
  • Tue 09:45-11:30 (HIL E 1)
  • Thu 13:45-15:30 (HIL E 1)
2 h weekly

Offered In