Groundwave Generation and Propagation (250806) – Course 2025/26 PDF
Syllabus
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 apply the theoretical concepts of flow and transportation on porous media. * To characterize soils. * To apply the theoretical concepts of deformation and flow in soils. * To characterize rock massifs and their discontinuities. * To apply the concepts of mechanical stability and flow in cracks. * To apply the theoretical problems of elastic and electromagnetic wave propagation in soils and rocks. * To interpret and process wave signals. - Introduction to wave propagation in a continuum Time and frequency responses. Lineal and non-lineal systems. - Generation and propagation of elastic waves. Measuring techniques. Spectral analysis. - Elastic waves in soils. Material behaviour under dynamic loads. Laboratory tests to determine dynamic properties. - Analysis of soil dynamic response. Analysis in total and effective stress. - Analysis of a real case. - Basic concepts of soil-structure interaction. Generation and propagation of electromagnetic waves in the soil.
Competencies
Especific
To conceive soils and rocks as porous media governed by Solid and Fluid Mechanics.
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.
Generic
To apply advanced knowledge in sciences and technology to the profesional or research practice.
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 3 hours per week of classroom activity. That includes theory classes and solving of practical problems, according to the programme. 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. Some laboratory sessions are also planned: tests on soil dynamic properties and geophysical equipments. Three activities are planned as homework that eventually may need support from lecturers. 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 a final exam (50% of the mark) and three assignments (10%, 10% and 30% of the mark). This exam consists of several questions and/or short exercises that must be answered without using any support material. There are guided activities that are marked: an assignment on signal filtering (10%), an assignment on liquefaction (10% of the final mark) and an assignment on seismic response of a soil layer using Deepsoil software (30% of the final mark).
Test Rules
Failure to perform any assessment activity in the scheduled period will result in a mark of zero in that activity.
Office Hours
After hours of class and apointments with the professors of the subject.
Bibliography
Basic
- Kramer, Steven Lawrence. Geotechnical earthquake engineering. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1996. ISBN 0133749436.
- Ben-Menahem, Ari; Singh, Sarva Jit. Seismic waves and sources. 2nd ed. Mineola, New York: Dover, 2000. ISBN 0486404617.
- Das, Braja M. Fundamentals of soil dynamics. New York: Elsevier, cop. 1983. ISBN 0444007059.
- Colindres Selva, Rafael. Dinámica de suelos y estructuras. 2ª ed. México D.F. [etc.]: Limusa, 1993. ISBN 9681847210.
Complementary
- Aki, Keiiti; Richards, Paul G. Quantitative seismology. 2nd ed. Sausalito: University Science Books, cop. 2002. ISBN 0935702962.
- Kennett, B.L.N. The seismic wavefield. Cambridge University Press, 2002. ISBN 9780521006637.
- Ishihara, Kenji. Soil behaviour in earthquake geotechnics. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1996. ISBN 0198562241.