2023
Slope Stability
Name: Slope Stability
Code: GEO12517M
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Environment and Ecology Sciences, Geological Engineering
Teaching languages: Portuguese, English
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Presentation
Acquisition of the basic knowledge necessary for the elaboration of slope projects and works for stabilization, consolidation and recovery of slopes, based on the methodologies and techniques used in Geotechnical Engineering and the methodologies and techniques used in Natural Engineering.
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
The students should acquire the basic knowledge necessary for slope design and works of stabilization, consolidation and recovery of slopes, based on methodologies used, whether in Geotechnical Engineering, or in Soil Bioengineering.
Students should acquire skills to: i) diagnose the problem of slope instability after the collection and interpretation of the field data and to apply the most adequate method of calculation for the stability analysis; ii) propose the stabilization method taking into account several factors such as costs and materials available, the urgency of intervention or the seriousness and extent of slope instability; iii) communicate the ideas and scientific knowledge in a coherent and logical way on the subjects in the context of this curricular unit.
Students should develop competencies in combined and integrated stabilization techniques, as well as in predicting the behaviour through instrumentation and monitoring of the slope.
Students should acquire skills to: i) diagnose the problem of slope instability after the collection and interpretation of the field data and to apply the most adequate method of calculation for the stability analysis; ii) propose the stabilization method taking into account several factors such as costs and materials available, the urgency of intervention or the seriousness and extent of slope instability; iii) communicate the ideas and scientific knowledge in a coherent and logical way on the subjects in the context of this curricular unit.
Students should develop competencies in combined and integrated stabilization techniques, as well as in predicting the behaviour through instrumentation and monitoring of the slope.
Contents
Geotechnical Engineering:
Introduction: Fundamentals about the methodology of study and data processing concerning to slope
stability problems; Methods of analysis on stability of slopes.
Selection of the stabilization design on soil slopes and rock slopes.
Stabilization of soil slopes: Modification of slope geometry; Drainage and surface protection; Mass
reinforcement.
Stabilization of rock slopes: Fragmentation and removal of blocks; Slope geometry modification;
Mass reinforcement; Measures to reduce the risk of rockfall.
Instrumentation and monitoring of slopes: Parameters to be measured; Type of instrumentation.
Soil Bioengineering:
Introduction to Soil Bioengineering.
Construction methods; Preparatory work: Sowings; Plantations; Techniques with herbaceous.
Techniques with woody plants; Techniques with vegetal associations; Combined methods of
construction; Maintenance work.
Constructive design.
Shipyard management.
Maintenance.
Introduction: Fundamentals about the methodology of study and data processing concerning to slope
stability problems; Methods of analysis on stability of slopes.
Selection of the stabilization design on soil slopes and rock slopes.
Stabilization of soil slopes: Modification of slope geometry; Drainage and surface protection; Mass
reinforcement.
Stabilization of rock slopes: Fragmentation and removal of blocks; Slope geometry modification;
Mass reinforcement; Measures to reduce the risk of rockfall.
Instrumentation and monitoring of slopes: Parameters to be measured; Type of instrumentation.
Soil Bioengineering:
Introduction to Soil Bioengineering.
Construction methods; Preparatory work: Sowings; Plantations; Techniques with herbaceous.
Techniques with woody plants; Techniques with vegetal associations; Combined methods of
construction; Maintenance work.
Constructive design.
Shipyard management.
Maintenance.
Teaching Methods
Face-to-face and distance learning. Theoretical and theoretical-practical face-to-face classes, complemented with tutorial guidance and synchronous online classes, asynchronous learning activities, using the Moodle platform, lectures and technical visits.
The teaching method is based on the presentation of theoretical concepts and associated methodologies. During the theoretical and theoretical-practical face-to-face lessons, the students are encouraged to participate and debate the fundamental concepts as well as the methodologies associated with the presentation topics. The available teaching materials include the fundamental theoretical concepts, application exercises, research papers and other relevant documentation.
Evaluation: the student is allowed to choose between the two alternative regimes:
Continuous evaluation: two written tests (50%), with equal weight in the final score; project work/monograph (50%) and practical works (10%).
Final evaluation: written exam (100%).
The teaching method is based on the presentation of theoretical concepts and associated methodologies. During the theoretical and theoretical-practical face-to-face lessons, the students are encouraged to participate and debate the fundamental concepts as well as the methodologies associated with the presentation topics. The available teaching materials include the fundamental theoretical concepts, application exercises, research papers and other relevant documentation.
Evaluation: the student is allowed to choose between the two alternative regimes:
Continuous evaluation: two written tests (50%), with equal weight in the final score; project work/monograph (50%) and practical works (10%).
Final evaluation: written exam (100%).
Teaching Staff
