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101-0314-00L 5 Credits BSC , DZ D-USYS , D-BAUG
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Soil Mechanics

Bodenmechanik

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Sarah M. Springman, Dr. Pierre André Mayor
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:29:25

Abstract

Fundamentals of soil mechanics including key processes: classification, site investigation, stresses and their distribution in soils, influence of groundwater in soils and on structures, piping, erosion and filters, stress-strain relationships, stress history, stiffness, strength, settlement calculations, consolidation, slope stability, mechanical compaction.

Objective

Fundamentals in soil mechanics and geotechnics will be presented in order to: * understand soil as a multi-phase hydro-mechanical system * obtain parameters essential for classification and description of soil * recognise key aspects of soil behaviour and the implications of this for obtaining and characterising the stress-strain response and deriving associated parameters (stiffness and strength).

Content

Introduction, basic terms, classification, site investigation Total and effective stresses, stress distribution in soils Influence of groundwater in soil, water pressure on structures, hydraulic fracture (piping), erosion and filters Stress-strain relationships, stress history, stiffness, strength, settlement calculations, time dependency, consolidation Limit equilibrium, slope stability (infinite slope, slip circles, slip surfaces) Mechanical compaction

Resources

Lecture Notes

Notes printed as 2 handbooks with extensive Web support containing the notes and linked animations, challenges and exercises, with overview via mindmap, worked examples of examination questions, glossary, search machine.http://geotip.igt.ethz.chalso available completely in English

Literature

http://geotip.igt.ethz.ch

General Information

Language
German
Levels
BSC , DZ
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
Teil 1, Verständnis: Keine Hilfsmittel. Teil 2, Aufgaben: Skript gebundenes Büchlein in Original-Format 'Bodenmechanik'; Taschenrechner (ohne externe Kommunikationsmöglichkeiten)

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Bodenmechanik
  • Tue 09:45-11:30 (HIL E 1)
  • Thu 12:45-14:30 (HIL E 1)
4 h weekly

Offered In