Slope Stability (250521) – Course 2024/25 PDF
Syllabus
Learning Objectives
- Ability to identify signs of instability of slopes and natural slopes as well as the type of broken mechanism. - Knowledge of the procedures and tests to evaluate the resistance of soils and rocks. - Ability to characterize the spread of landslides and landslides. - Ability to analyze the stability of a natural hill or slope. - Knowledge of instrumentation and auscultation techniques for landslides as well as stabilization, containment and protection measures. - Ability to carry out quantitative risk assessment.
Competencies
Especific
The ability to address and solve advanced mathematical problems in engineering, from the scope and context of the problem to its statement and implementation in a computer program. In particular, the ability to formulate, program and apply advanced analytical and numerical calculation models to the design, planning and management of a project, as well as the ability to interpret the results obtained in the of mining engineering.
Ability to conduct land management studies, including the construction of tunnels and other underground infrastructures.
Adequate knowledge of modelling, assessment and management of geological resources, including groundwater, mineral and thermal resources.
Transversal
SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT: Being aware of and understanding the complexity of the economic and social phenomena typical of a welfare society, and being able to relate social welfare to globalisation and sustainability and to use technique, technology, economics and sustainability in a balanced and compatible manner.
TEAMWORK: Being able to work in an interdisciplinary team, whether as a member or as a leader, with the aim of contributing to projects pragmatically and responsibly and making commitments in view of the resources that are available.
Total hours of student work
| Hours | Percentage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supervised Learning | Large group | 25.5h | 56.67 % | |
| Medium group | 9.8h | 21.67 % | ||
| Laboratory classes | 9.8h | 21.67 % | ||
| Self Study | 80h | |||
Teaching Methodology
The course consists of 3 hours a week of lectures in the classroom. 55% of the time is devoted to theoretical contents, when the teacher explains the basic concepts and discuss real cases of slope instability. 30% of the time is devoted to exercises aimed at solving practical problems and to field work having more interaction with students. There are also planned activities for mentoring, supervision and assessment of the Case Study 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.
Grading Rules
The evaluation calendar and grading rules will be approved before the start of the course.
The assessment has three components: 1) Evaluation of two practices delivered and a subsequent test, with a total weight of 20%. 2) Practical exam on the stability analysis of a hillslope, with a weight of 30%, to be carried out towards the middle of the academic period. 3) Practical work on a real case of slope instability involving risk analysis and its mitigation. Both the written report and the oral presentation, to be presented at the end of the semester, are assessed. Its weight is 50%.
Office Hours
José Moya: Mondays from 12:00 to 14:00 and other days by previous appointment. Josep Gili: to be agreed with the profesor.
Bibliography
Basic
- Hoek, E.; Bray, J. Rock slope engineering. Rev. 3rd ed. London: The Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, 1981. ISBN 0419160108.
- Turner, A.K.; Schuster, R.L. (Editors). Landslides: investigation and mitigation. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 1996. ISBN 030906208X.
- Highland, L.M.; Bobrowsky, P. The Landslide Handbook-A Guide to Understanding Landslides. Reston, Virginia, U.S: US Geological Survey, 2008. ISBN 9781411322264.