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

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Larissa de Palézieux dit Falconnet, Dr. Hannes Krietsch, Dr. Radhika Vidanage De Silva
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:30

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 Lötschberg Base Tunnel case study, including report writing and orally communicating technical details).

Objective

By the end of the course, the students will be able to: integrate knowledge of geology, soil and rock mechanics, and groundwater hydraulics for the assessment of geological hazards and the selection of suitable locations for underground excavations, understand and predict the properties and behavior of rocks and soils in underground excavations, describe the basic principles of underground excavation and support methods and are familiar with selected regulations, Communicate effectively in a professional engineering context by writing industry-style engineering geological reports and developing oral communication for technical audiences.

Content

Major Tasks of Engineering Geologists in Underground Constructions, Project Phases and Logistic Constraints of Various Types of Underground Constructions, Ground Behaviour in Underground Constructions (Rock and Soil), Groundwater and Environmental Impacts of Underground Constructions, Exploration Methods. Case Study Lötschberg Base Tunnel. The Lötschberg Case Study forms a key component of this integration course. Students will learn (1) how to carry out preliminary investigations related to tunnel design, (2) how to select the tunnel route, (3) how the describe the geotechnical and hydrogeological conditions, (4) how to qualitatively and quantitatively assess geological hazards, rock mass behavior and environmental impacts, (5) how to write geological, geotechnical and hydrogeological reports, and (6) orally communicate technical information. A day field trip to the study area (March 12) and a tunneling site (April 17) are included in the course.

Resources

Lecture Notes

A script is available in the form of slides and a few review publications on Moodle.

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 visits, lectures, workshops, oral assessment and the timely delivery of the case study report. The course evaluation is based on the written case study report and the oral assessment.

Registration & Places

Limited places (Special selection)
Signup End
17.02.2025
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
Permission from lecturers required for all students. Lectures and case study analysis, self study and report writing. Compulsory field visits to the case study area (Kandersteg) and an ongoing excavation.
  • Tue 13:15-16:00 (NO E 11)
  • Tue 14:15-16:00 (NO D 39)
  • 04.06 Date 08:15-19:00 (HG E 21)
  • 05.06 Date 08:15-19:00 (HG E 21)
3 h weekly

Offered In