VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

101-0357-00L 6 Credits MSC D-BAUG
You're viewing possible stale or outdated data. Please check the latest semester for more up-to-date information.

Theoretical and Experimental Soil Mechanics

Lecturers: Ralf Herzog, Prof. Dr. Ioannis Anastasopoulos, Dr. Alexandru Marin, Dr. Mark Schneider, Dr. Max Sieber
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.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:36

Abstract

Overview of soil behaviourExplanation of typical applications: reality, modelling, lab tests with transfer of results to practical examplesConsolidation theory and typical applicationsTriaxial tests: consolidation & shear, drained & undrained responsePlasticity theory & Critical State Soil Mechanics, Cam ClayApplication of plasticity theoryIntroduction to physical modelling

Objective

(1) Extend knowledge of theoretical approaches that can be used to describe soil behaviour. (2) Offer the opportunity to perform hands on element tests required for constitutive model calibration. (3) Enable students to select an appropriate constitutive model and calibrate it using element test performed in the lab. (4) Enable students to carry out FE analyses for realistic geotechnical applications.

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 with transfer of results to the 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 physical modelling with emphasis on centrifuge modelling

Resources

Literature

https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
No aids, calculator without communication capabilities
The report documenting the experimental results of the laboratory exercises and their application in the calibration of advanced soil constitutive models for a given geotechnical application is considered graded semester performance as part of the compulsory continuous performance assessment (CPA).The final grade comprises 20% graded semester performance and 80% session examination, provided that a passing grade for the session examination was achieved. If a passing grade for the session examination was not achieved, only the examination will be repeated while the graded semester performance will be automatically taken into account.

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