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651-3525-00L 3 Credits
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Fundamentals of Engineering Geology

Ingenieurgeologie

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Simon Löw, Dr. Edward A. Button
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 14:59:25

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

Understanding the basic geotechnical and geomechanical properties and processes of rocks and soils. Understanding the interaction of rock and soil masses with technical systems. Understanding the fundamentals of geological 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 under "Kursunterlagen".

Literature

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). HUDSON, J.A. & HARRISON, J.P. (1997): Engineering Rock Mechanics. An Introduction to the Principles. - 444 S. (Pergamon). PRINZ, H. (1997): Abriß der Ingenieurgeologie, mit Grundlagen der Boden- und Felsmechanik, des Erd-, Grund- und Tunnelbaus sowie der Abfalldeponien. - 546 S., 3. Aufl., Stuttgart (Enke).

General Information

Language
German
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Ingenieurgeologie
  • Mon 13:15-15:00 (NO C 2)
  • Thu 13:15-14:00 (NO F 24.1)
  • 27.10 Date 13:15-14:00 (CAB G 56)
  • 08.12 Date 13:15-14:00 (ML E 12)
  • 07.02 Date 15:15-18:00 (NO G 33)
  • 09.02 Date 12:15-13:00 (ML F 39)
  • 09.02 Date 13:15-14:00 (ML E 12)
  • 09.02 Date 13:15-15:00 (ML F 39)
3 h weekly

Offered In