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101-0302-00L 3 Credits BSC , MSC D-ERDW , D-BAUG

Clays in Geotechnics: Problems and Applications

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Michael Plötze

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-04 00:23:17

Abstract

Clays and clay minerals play a vital role in geotechnical engineering, offering both benefits and challenges in various applications. Their variability, affected by pore water chemistry and soil fabric, complicates use but enables targeted modifications. This course offers an introduction to clay mineralogy, properties, testing methods, and the associated challenges in environmental geotechnics.

Objective

Upon successful completion of this course the student is able to: - Describe clay minerals and their fundamental properties - Describe/propose methods for characterisation of clays and clay minerals - Draw conclusion about specific properties of clays with a focus to their potential use, problematics and things to consider in geotechnics and engineering geology.

Content

- Introduction to clays and clay minerals (importance and application in geosciences, industry and everyday life) - Origin of clays (formation of clays and clay minerals, geological origin) - Clay mineral structure, classification and identification incl. methods for investigation (e.g., XRD) - Properties of clay materials, characterisation and quantification incl. methods for investigation (e.g., cation exchange, rheology, plasticity, shearing, swelling, permeability, retardation and diffusion) - Clay Minerals in geotechnics: Problems and applications in soil mechanics, barriers, slurry walls, tunnelling.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture slides and further documents will be provided.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: oral 30 minutes

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Clays in Geotechnics: Problems and Applications Remark: No course on 16.02.2026.	Mon 09:45-11:30 (HIL E 9)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Earth and Climate Sciences Bachelor
- Majors
  - Major: Geology and Geophysics (Advisors of the major in Geology and Geophysics are Dr. Vincenzo Picotti (Geology) and Dr. Andrea Zunino (Geophysics).)
    - Electives (Additional courses can be chosen from the complete offerings of the ETH Zurich and University of Zurich. The following elective courses are strongly recommended for students interested in the "Space Systems" focus: - 701-0106-00L Mathematik V: Angewandte Vertiefung von Mathematik I - III)
Civil Engineering Master
- 2. Semester
  - Major Courses
    - Major in Geotechnical Engineering
Earth Sciences Master
- Major in Geology
  - Restricted Choice Modules Geology (A minimum of two restricted choice modules must be completed for the major Geology.)
    - Sedimentology
      - Sedimentology: Courses of Choice
- Major in Mineralogy and Geochemistry
  - Restricted Choice Modules Mineralogy and Geochemistry (A minimum of two restricted choice modules must be completed in the major Mineralogy and Geochemistry.)
    - Mineralogy and Petrology
      - Mineralogy and Petrology: Courses of Choice
- Electives (Courses can be chosen from the complete offerings of the ETH Zurich and University of Zurich (according to prior agreement with the MSc Committee).)