2024
Engineering Geology
Name: Engineering Geology
Code: GEO00745L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/159 hours
Scientific Area:
Geosciences
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Presentation
Introduction to the concepts and the fundamental techniques for geological and geotechnical classification of soil masses and rock masses as well as the methodologies for carrying out the geotechnical zoning of sites of Engineering Works.
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
Students should acquire knowledge about the concepts and techniques for geological and geotechnical classification of soil masses and rock masses and understanding the methodologies to carry out the geotechnical zonation of the sites interested in engineering works.
Students should acquire skills to: i) identify and evaluate the geological factors that are responsible for the occurrence of geotechnical and environmental problems, as well as the development of measures of prevention and mitigation of the geological hazards; ii) collect and interpret the geological and geotechnical data obtained from the methods during the project; iii) propose the methodologies for the study of the terrains interested in engineering works, applying the diverse geotechnical exploration techniques that are more adequate; iv) communicate ideas and scientific knowledge, orally and in writing form, organized in a consistently and in a logical way about matters within the scope of this curricular unit.
Students should acquire skills to: i) identify and evaluate the geological factors that are responsible for the occurrence of geotechnical and environmental problems, as well as the development of measures of prevention and mitigation of the geological hazards; ii) collect and interpret the geological and geotechnical data obtained from the methods during the project; iii) propose the methodologies for the study of the terrains interested in engineering works, applying the diverse geotechnical exploration techniques that are more adequate; iv) communicate ideas and scientific knowledge, orally and in writing form, organized in a consistently and in a logical way about matters within the scope of this curricular unit.
Contents
Theoretical component
Definition of Engineering Geology. Origin and development of engineering geology. Relations between the Engineering Geology and the other disciplines of Geotechnics.
Preliminary studies. Concept and methodology
Site engineering classification. Geological classification. Classification for engineering purposes: Soils; Rocks and rock masses.
Discontinuities. Definition and properties. Methods for the study of discontinuities
Subsurface exploration. Methods of subsurface exploration
Sampling. Methods of sampling. Undisturbed samples. Disturbed samples
Geophysical exploration. Electrical methods: Earth resistivity method. Seismic methods: refraction, reflection and direct. Application of geophysical methods in geotechnical exploration
In situ testing. Introduction. Strength tests. Permeability tests. Deformability tests
Practical component
Laboratory classification testing on soils
Swelling test
Permeability test
Study visit to a Engineering Work
Definition of Engineering Geology. Origin and development of engineering geology. Relations between the Engineering Geology and the other disciplines of Geotechnics.
Preliminary studies. Concept and methodology
Site engineering classification. Geological classification. Classification for engineering purposes: Soils; Rocks and rock masses.
Discontinuities. Definition and properties. Methods for the study of discontinuities
Subsurface exploration. Methods of subsurface exploration
Sampling. Methods of sampling. Undisturbed samples. Disturbed samples
Geophysical exploration. Electrical methods: Earth resistivity method. Seismic methods: refraction, reflection and direct. Application of geophysical methods in geotechnical exploration
In situ testing. Introduction. Strength tests. Permeability tests. Deformability tests
Practical component
Laboratory classification testing on soils
Swelling test
Permeability test
Study visit to a Engineering Work
Teaching Methods
Face lessons and e-learning. Theoretical and laboratory practical face lessons, complemented elearning activities, lectures and the study visit, provide a broad view about the scope of engineering geology.
The teaching method is based on the presentation of theoretical concepts and associated methodologies. During the theoretical lessons the students are encouraged to participate and discuss the fundamental concepts and methodologies associated with the presentation topics. The course materials available include the fundamental theoretical concepts, self-assessment exercises, research papers and other relevant documentation. The laboratory classes allow obtaining competencies on the laboratory testing of the physical properties of soils.
Evaluation: two written tests or a written final exam (60%), and the report of the working group of laboratory classes (30%), complemented by the individual report of the study visit (10%), and the participation in the face lessons.
The teaching method is based on the presentation of theoretical concepts and associated methodologies. During the theoretical lessons the students are encouraged to participate and discuss the fundamental concepts and methodologies associated with the presentation topics. The course materials available include the fundamental theoretical concepts, self-assessment exercises, research papers and other relevant documentation. The laboratory classes allow obtaining competencies on the laboratory testing of the physical properties of soils.
Evaluation: two written tests or a written final exam (60%), and the report of the working group of laboratory classes (30%), complemented by the individual report of the study visit (10%), and the participation in the face lessons.
