VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Engineering Geology of Underground Excavations
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:23
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 (in March) and a tunneling site (in April) 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
Registration & Places
- Signup End
- 16.02.2026
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.
|
|
3 h weekly |