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Engineering Geology of Underground Excavations
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:29:05
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 focusses on problem solving skills (trained in a Lötschberg Base Tunnel case study, including report writing).
Objective
In this course the student shall become familiar with the most important tasks an engineering geologist has to carry out in the context of planning and building an underground excavation or tunnel. The student will learn how to integrate the knowledge gained during the fundamental and methods courses for the design of underground constructions in various project phases (including report writing).
Content
Major Tasks of Engineering Geologist in Underground Constructions, Project Phases and Logistic Constraints of Various Types Underground Constructions; Ground Behaviour in Underground Constructions (Rock and Soil); Groundwater and Environmental Impacts of Underground Constructions; Exploration Methods. Case Study Lötschberg Base Tunnel.
Resources
Literature
Richard Goodman 1993: Engineering Geology, Rock in Engineering Construction, John Whiley and Sons.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Engineering geology of underground excavations
Lectures and case study analysis with an integrated 1-day field trip (Kandersteg). Self study and report writing is an essential part of this integration course.
|
|
4 h weekly |