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Soil Mechanics & Foundation Engineering
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:24:10
Abstract
The course presents the principles of soil mechanics and soil behaviour characteristics and its applications in geotechnical structures and systems. It is based on more descriptive courses on Engineering Geology within the BSc Geol. Program and is a compulsory prerequisite for other courses within the MSc Eng. Geol. program.
Objective
Understanding the principles of soil behaviour and the fundamentals of geotechnical practices in soils. Ability to communicate with geotechnical engineers.
Content
Soil Mechanics: Principles of strength- and deformation-behaviour of different soils. Fundamentals of soil mechanics and basic geotechnical computation methods. Significance of (Ground-)Water. Geotechnical Engineering in Soils: Evaluation of geotechnical scenarios, handling of forecast uncertainities. Standard construction methods in soils. Interactions soil/building. Tunneling in Soils: Requirements for the geological prognosis. Fundamental relationships between soils, excavation methods and support methods (including their advantages and disadvantages).
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Soil Mechanics & Foundation Engineering
Laboratory practical every second Friday (alternating with "rock mechanics and rock engineering)
|
|
4 h weekly |