Geology for Engineering (250802) – Course 2025/26 PDF

Learning Objectives

To conceive soils and rocks as porous media governed by Solid and Fluid Mechanics. To characterize the geological environment and its interaction with civil works. To interpret laboratory tests and field observations so as to identify the mechanisms responsible for soil response. To propose laboratory testing programmes. To formulate and implement Finite Element and Finite Differences numerical models with the objective to analyze the processes that govern ground response, to interpret field information and to predict soil response. * To recognize the problems in Civil Engineering. * To relate the problems in Civil Engineering to the characteristics of the geological environment. * To conceptualize the problem in Civil Engineering in order to analyze, model and solve them. * To apply continuum media concepts to analyze and model problems in Civil Engineering. * To apply numerical techniques to solve Civil Engineering problems. - Superficial formations. Origin, layer arrangement, geomechanical properties and implications with regards to soil geological survey. Formations of glacial, colluvial, alluvial, coastal and residual origin. - Characterization of the rock mass. Geomechanical classifications. Soft rocks. - Soil survey. Design. Geological and geomechanical model. Programming of the survey campaign. Techniques used. - Soil excavability. Criteria to determine the procedure for mechanical and explosive excavation. - Geological aspects of open excavations. Slope stability. Soil foundation determinant conditions. Alterations of the physical environment. - Geological aspects of the survey and execution of lineal works. Geological and morphological determinants for the design. Slopes, masonry works and earth movements. Alterations and interactions with the physical environment. - Geological aspects of the survey and excavation of underground works. Lithology and structure. Hard points: exits, weakness zones (faults); water; in situ stresses. Geological monitoring during excavation. - Geological aspects of the survey and construction of dams. Study of the closure: ground requirements with regards to the type of dam, strength and seepage. Study of the basin: slope stability and seepage. Geological monitoring of the works. Alterations of the physical environment.

Competencies

Especific

To characterize the geological environment and its interaction with civil works.

To interpret laboratory tests and field observations so as to identify the mechanisms responsible for soil response. To propose laboratory testing programmes.

Generic

To apply advanced knowledge in sciences and technology to the profesional or research practice.

To lead, coordinate and develop integrated projects in Geo-Engineering.

To incorporate new techncologies and advanced tools in Geo-engineering into profesional and research activities.

To conceive Geo-engineering as a multi-disciplinary field that includes relevant aspects from geology, sismology, hydrogeology, geotechnical and earthquake engineering, geomechanics, physics of porous media, geophysics, geomatics, natural hazard, energy and climate interactions.

To promote innovation for the development of methodology, analyses and solutions in Geo-engineering

To tackle and solve advanced mathematical problems in engineering from the drafting of the problem to the development of formulation and further implementation in computer programs. Particularly, to formulate, code and apply analytical and numerical advanced computational tools to project calculations in order to plan and manage them as well as to interpret results in the context of Geo-engineering and Mining engineering.

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 1,3 hours per week of classroom activity (large size group) and 0,3 hours weekly with half the students (medium size group). The 1,3 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 0,3 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.

SEE castellano for details:

Test Rules