Course content

Theory and principles of slope stability evaluation will be covered in detail, ranging from simple methods for hand calculations to finite element simulations. Factors influencing stability will be studied. A thorough presentation of international case records will be included. An introduction to submarine slides, effect of earthquakes and non-saturated soil will be given.
Practical design of direct foundations, piled foundations, supported walls and reinforced soil structures will be covered.

Learning outcome

Knowledge
The candidate should have knowledge of:
- Landslide classification
- Quantitative assessment of slope failure risk in soil and rock slopes under various soil conditions such as unsaturated, drained, undrained or different rock mass conditions, e.g. degree of fracturing.
- The implication of earthquake loads on slope design
- Foundation types (deep and shallow) and their range of application
- Foundation design requirements and procedures
- Finite Element and limit equilibrium analyses for foundations and slopes.

Skills
The candidate is able to::
- Identify different types of slope failures and possible reasons that lead to failure
- Formulate limit equilibrium methods and code them in Excel and explain the difference between limit equilibrium and the upper and lower bound of plasticity theory
- Assess slope stability through limit equilibrium, finite element and handcalculations
- Perform earthquake analyses for slopes (time history and simplified)
- Assess rock slope stability through stereonet plots and simple hand calculations
- Explain the difference between rock and rock mass (failure)
- Explain the mechanics of creep in soft soils
- Perform serviceability and limit state design calculation for spread footings and piled foundations by use of limit equilibrium, finite element and hand-calculation methods taking into account non-linear soil behaviour including creep
- Choose the optimum foundation concept for a given situation.

General competence
The candidate can:
- Plan independent and group work; perform project management
- Communicate well in group work (frequently practised within lectures) and present results of group work to class mates
- Report in form of a scientific report (case study).

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, project work with practical field and laboratory exercises. Calculation by hand, by use of LEM-code SLIDE and by use of FEM-code PLAXIS.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

BSc in Civil Engineering or equivalent. The course is based on TBA4100 Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology and TBA4105 Geotechnics, Design Methods, alternatively TBA5100 Theoretical Soil Mechanics or equivalent.

Course materials

Lecture notes from the geotechnical division.