Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech

Geomechanics (2500219) – Course 2025/26 PDF

Syllabus

Learning Objectives

Basic properties of soils and rocks. Sandy soils and clay soils. Permeability, deformability and resistance of geo-materials. Movement of water and steam in porous, unsaturated and deformable medium. Drainage in facilities. Soil compacting. Embankments and slopes. Isolation barriers. Introduction to environmental geotechnics: geothermal energy, fluid injection, waste storage, earth dams, geomembranes and geotextiles for insulation, mining waste reservoirs. 1. Know the fundamentals of the geomechanics and mechanical behavior of the soil. 2. Know the relationship between geomechanics and energy in liquids and gases, nuclear energy and energy and salt rocks. 3. Understand practical geoenvironmental problems and applied solutions and actions. Geomechanical. In this subject the bases of geomechanics are studied to understand the use and storage of energy in the field (energy geothermal). Aspects of energy in liquids and gases, nuclear energy and energy in salt rocks are also discussed from the point of view of geomechanics. Basic properties of soils and rocks. Permeability, deformability and geo-material strength. Movement of water and vapor in unsaturated and deformable porous medium. Drainage. Soil compaction. Embankments and slopes. Isolations engineered barriers. Introduction to environmental geotechnics: geothermal, fluid injection, waste storage, earthing, geomembranes and geotextiles for insulation, mining waste reservoirs. Geomechanics. In this subject the bases of geomechanics are studied to understand different geoenvironmental problems some of which are linked to the management of the energy cycle.

Competencies

Especific

Solve mathematical problems that may arise in engineering by applying knowledge about: linear algebra, geometry, differential geometry, differential and integral calculus, optimization, ordinary differential equations.

Obtain basic knowledge about the use and programming of computers, operating systems, databases and basic numerical calculation and applied to engineering.

Manage the basic concepts about the general laws of mechanics and thermodynamics, concept of field and heat transfer, and apply them to solve engineering problems.

Describe the global functioning of the planet: atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, anthroposphere, biogeochemical cycles (C, N, P, S), soil morphology and apply it to problems related to geology, geotechnics, edaphology and climatology.

Describe and apply the techniques of analysis of physical, chemical and biological parameters; Integrate the experimental evidence found in field and / or laboratory data with the theoretical knowledge and interpret its results.

Identify the fundamentals of structure theory, sustainable procedures for construction and dismantling of buildings and civil works; and describe the technology bases of the materials used in construction.

Apply the methodologies of studies and evaluations of environmental impact and, in general, of environmental technologies, sustainability and waste treatment and of the management of international standards of environmental quality. Life cycle analysis, carbon footprint and water footprint and assess natural hazards (river, coastal floods, droughts, fires, soil erosion and landslides).

Describe the components and modes of transport and the impact of their externalities on the environment; identify the principles of environmental management of transport systems and sustainable planning of the territory; and introduce the tools for the management and operation of transport systems.

Analyze, design, simulate and optimize processes and systems with environmental relevance, both natural and artificial, and their resolution techniques, as well as recognize techniques for analysis and evaluation of climate change.

Identify renewable energy generation techniques and energy transition concept.

Generic

Identify, formulate and solve problems related to environmental engineering.

Apply the functions of consulting, analysis, design, calculation, project, construction, maintenance, conservation and exploitation of any action in the territory in the field of environmental engineering.

To use in any action in the territory proven methods and accredited technologies, in order to achieve the greatest efficiency respect for the environment and the protection of the safety and health of workers and users.

Total hours of student work

Hours Percentage
Supervised Learning Large group 45h 75.00 %
Medium group 15h 25.00 %
Self Study 90h

Teaching Methodology

The course consists of 2.3 hours per week of classroom activity (large size group) and 1.2 hours weekly with half the students (medium size group). The 2.3 hours in the large size groups are devoted to theoretical lectures, in which the teacher presents the basic concepts and topics of the subject, shows examples and solves exercises. The 1.2 hours in the medium size groups is devoted to solving practical problems with greater interaction with the students. The objective of these practical exercises is to consolidate the general and specific learning objectives. The rest of weekly hours devoted to laboratory practice. Support material in the form of a detailed teaching plan is provided using the virtual campus ATENEA: content, program of learning and assessment activities conducted and literature. Although most of the sessions will be given in the language indicated, sessions supported by other occasional guest experts may be held in other languages.

Grading Rules

The evaluation calendar and grading rules will be approved before the start of the course.

The mark of the course is obtained from the ratings of continuous assessment and their corresponding laboratories and/or classroom computers. Continuous assessment consist in several activities, both individually and in group, of additive and training characteristics, carried out during the year (both in and out of the classroom). The teachings of the laboratory grade is the average in such activities. Mark = 0.6 x MAX ( ( NEP + NEC )/2, NEC) ) + 0.4 x NT NEP = Mark Mid term Exam NEC = Mark Final Exame NT = Mark average of assignments The evaluation tests consist of a part with questions about concepts associated with the learning objectives of the course with regard to knowledge or understanding, and a part with a set of application exercises.

Office Hours

An appointment should be requested and the meeting can be made in person or online.

Bibliography

Basic

Complementary