Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech

Geomechanical and Geotechnical Engineering (250407) – Course 2025/26 PDF

Syllabus

Learning Objectives

Students will learn to use analytical and numerical models to conduct geomechanical analyses of geotechnical structures. They will also learn to diagnose geomechanical factors in situations encountered in geotechnical engineering. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to: Use analytical and numerical models to conduct geomechanical analyses of geotechnical structures, and diagnose geomechanical factors in situations encountered in geotechnical engineering; Use nonlinear critical-state models to analyse geotechnical processes involving soil-rock interactions, including hydromechanical coupling; Plan, design, construct and maintain foundations, embankments, tunnels and other geotechnical structures. Advanced study of critical-state theories (state parameters in sand models) and description of real behaviour; Aspects of the real behaviour of soils and rocks, including nonlinearity (focusing on small deformations), structure (bonding), mechanical and hydraulic anisotropy, softening (progressive localization and fracture), yield strength, behaviour of unsaturated soils and liquefaction; Case studies examining the influence of these aspects on engineering applications; Planning, design, construction and maintenance of foundations, cut-slopes, embankments, tunnels and other geotechnical structures

Competencies

Especific

The ability to apply knowledge of soil and rock mechanics to the study, design, construction and operation of foundations, cuts, fills, tunnels and other constructions over or through land, whatever its nature and state, and whatever the purpose of the work.

Transversal

ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION: Being aware of and understanding the mechanisms on which scientific research is based, as well as the mechanisms and instruments for transferring results among socio-economic agents involved in research, development and innovation processes.

EFFECTIVE USE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES: Managing the acquisition, structuring, analysis and display of data and information in the chosen area of specialisation and critically assessing the results obtained.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE: Achieving a level of spoken and written proficiency in a foreign language, preferably English, that meets the needs of the profession and the labour market.

Total hours of student work

Hours Percentage
Supervised Learning Large group 28h 51.78 %
Medium group 13h 24.11 %
Laboratory classes 13h 24.11 %
Self Study 96h

Teaching Methodology

The course consists of 4 hours per week of classroom activity. The 4 hours are devoted to theoretical lectures/ practical lectures and laboratory practical sessions, in which the teacher presents the basic concepts and topics of the subject, shows examples and solves exercises. Some session are "hands on" using geotechnical software. 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.

There will be several practices during the course, a partial exam and a joint exam. The grade of assignments will be at least 30% of the total grade.

Test Rules

Failure to perform a practical exercise or continuous assessment activity in the scheduled period will result in a mark of zero in that activity.

Office Hours

Hours of assistance to students are carried out both during the intervals between classes and through personally agreed hours or agreed hours by e-mail

Bibliography

Basic