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651-3525-00L 4 Credits BSC D-ERDW

Introduction to Engineering Geology

Ingenieurgeologie

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Jordan Aaron, Dr. Larissa de Palézieux dit Falconnet
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:42

Abstract

This introductory course starts from a descriptions of the behavior and phenomena of soils and rocks under near surface loading conditions and their key geotechnical properties. Lab and field methods for the characterization of soils, rocks and rock masses are introduced. Finally practical aspects of ground engineering, including tunneling and landslide hazards are presented.

Objective

At the end of the lecture, students will be able to ... explain the behaviour of rocks and rock mass under near-surface stress conditions ... describe the most important laboratory and field methods for investigating the properties of soil and rocks ... carry out simple calculations for problems in foundation engineering and underground construction ... summarise the causes of and how to deal with geological mass movements (natural hazards)

Content

Rock, soil and rock mass: scale effects and fundamental geotechnical properties. Soil mechanical properties and their determination. Rock mechanical properties and their determination. Fractures: geotechnical properties and their determination. Geotechnical classification of intact rock, soils and rock masses. Natural and induced stresses in rock and soil. Interaction of soil masses with surface loads, water and excavations. Slope instability mechanisms and stability analyses. Underground excavation instability mechanisms and rock deformation. Geological mass wasting processes.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Written course documentation available on moodle.

Literature

PRINZ, H. & R. Strauss (2006): Abriss der Ingenieurgeologie. - 671 S., 4. Aufl., Elsevier GmbH (Spektrum Verlag). CODUTO, Donald P., Man-chu Ronald Yeung, and William A. Kitch. (2011): Geotechnical Engineering : Principles and Practices. Second edition. Boston (Pearson Prentice Hall). LANG, H.-J., HUDER, J. & AMMAN, P. (1996): Bodenmechanik und Grundbau. Das Verhalten von Böden und die wichtigsten grundbaulichen Konzepte. - 320 S., 5.Aufl., Berlin, Heidelberg etc. (Springer). Link HOEK, E. (2007): Practical Rock Engineering - Course Notes. http://www.rocscience.com/hoek/PracticalRockEngineering.asp HUDSON, J.A. & HARRISON, J.P. (1997): Engineering Rock Mechanics. An Introduction to the Principles. - 444 S. (Pergamon). Link

General Information

Language
German
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
None
Erfolgreich gelöste und termingerecht abgegebene Übungen (Lernelemente) führen zu einer Erhöhung der Gesamtnote der Lerneinheit von maximal 0.25 Notenpunkten. Die Maximalnote 6 für die Lerneinheit kann auch erreicht werden, wenn nur die Semesterendprüfung absolviert wird. Die Teilnahme an den Lernelementen (Übungen) wird sehr empfohlen.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Ingenieurgeologie No time listed 2 h weekly
exercise Ingenieurgeologie
Die Übungen finden in zwei Gruppen statt, jeweils eine Stunde.
No time listed 1 h weekly

Offered In