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101-0357-00L 6 Credits MSC D-BAUG
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Theoretical and Experimental Soil Mechanics

Theoretische und experimentelle Bodenmechanik

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Sarah M. Springman, Ralf Herzog
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:24:04

Abstract

Overview of soil behaviourExplanation of typical applications: reality, modelling, laboratory tests with transfer of results to the practical examplesConsolidation theory and typical applications in practiceTriaxial & direct shear tests: consolidation & shear, drained & undrained responsePlasticity theory & Critical State Soil Mechanics, Cam ClayApplication of plasticity theory

Objective

Extend knowledge of theoretical approaches that can be used to describe soil behaviour to enable students to carry out more advanced geotechnical design and to plan the appropriate laboratory tests to obtain relevant parameters for coupled plasticity models of soil behaviour. A further goal is to give students the wherewithal to be able to select an appropriate constitutive model and set up insitu stress conditions in preparation for subsequent numerical modelling (e.g. with finite elements).

Content

Overview of soil behaviour Discussion of general gaps between basic theory and soil response Stress paths in practice & in laboratory tests Explanation of typical applications: reality, modelling, laboratory tests with transfer of results to the practical examples Consolidation theory for incremental and continuous loading oedometer tests and typical applications in practice Triaxial & direct shear tests: consolidation & shear, drained & undrained response Plasticity theory & Critical State Soil Mechanics, Cam Clay Application of plasticity theory

Resources

Lecture Notes

Printed script with web supportExercises

Literature

http://geotip.igt.ethz.ch/

General Information

Language
German
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes
Die Laborübungen der experimentellen Bodenmechanik gelten als benotete Semesterleistung. Die Gesamtnote ergibt sich zu 40% aus der Benotung der Semesterleistung und zu 60% aus der Benotung der mündlichen Sessionsprüfung über die theoretische Bodenmechanik. Eine als genügend benotete Semesterleistung in der experimentellen Bodenmechanik muss bei einer Wiederholung der Sessionsprüfung nicht wiederholt werden.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Theoretische Bodenmechanik
Permission from lecturers required for all students. Diese Vorlesung wird zusammen mit der Vorlesung "Experimentelle Bodenmechanik" als Einheit angeboten. Mechanik I, II und III und Bodenmechanik werden vorausgesetzt!
  • Tue 12:45-14:30 (HIL E 9)
2 h weekly
lecture with exercise Experimentelle Bodenmechanik
Diese Vorlesung wird zusammen mit der Vorlesung "Theoretischer Bodenmechanik" als Einheit angeboten. Mechanik I, II & III sowie Bodenmechanik werden vorausgesetzt.
  • Tue 14:45-16:30 (HIL E 9)
2 h weekly

Offered In