Course content

By doing experiments, the student shall learn techniques used for onshore and offshore field sounding, soil sampling and methods for laboratory testing. The course contains planning of site investigations, classification and index testing of soils, theory for determination of mechanical properties, strength, stiffness and permeability and also effects of sample disturbance. Offshore site investigation including geophysical methods. Included is also practical instrumentation of a field or a model test. The course also contains interpretation of results and principles for determination of design parameters.

Learning outcome

Knowledge: The candidate should have knowledge of:

• The principles for planning site investigations and the process concerning a geotechnical investigation in an area, relevant background information, relations to existing infrastructure and required pre-investigations and allowances.
• Methods, equipment and implementation of field investigations for geotechnical mapping of soils and groundwater, this comprises soundings, sampling and instrumentation in field and laboratory
• Methods and equipment used in laboratory investigations for classifying and indexing soils as well as testing permeability, stiffness and strength
• The theoretical basis for combining and developing the correlation between field and laboratory investigations and the theoretical geotechnical models for analyzing the soil-structure interaction and the time-dependent processes in soil.

Skills: The candidate is able to:

• Plan geotechnical site investigations for different purposes
• Manage geotechnical field investigations and communicate with the drilling personnel
• Interpret and present the result of site investigations. Assess the result regarding quality and sample disturbance
• Implement relevant laboratory investigations
• Report the work done through a professionally formed report on geotechnical investigations.

General competence The candidate can:

• Plan and implement his own activity
• Work in teams
• Communicate orally and in writing
• Demonstrate analytical competence, master relevant methods, make critical evaluations.

Learning methods and activities

The course is based on lectures, practical exercises in the field and laboratory as part of a site investigation project. Colloquia with presentation and discussion of test data. The practical exercises and project work are carried out as group work with 3 - 4 students per group.

Compulsory assignments

• Mandatory attendance

Recommended previous knowledge

The course is based on TBA4100 Geotechnics and Geology.

Course materials

Textbook.

Credit reductions