Theoretical and Experimental Soil Mechanics (250MEG004) – Course 2025/26 PDF
Contents
Subject of Soil Mechanics. Geotechnical problem characteristics. History of SM. Mineralogy and soil structure.
Specific Objectives
Conceptualize soils as porous media
Dedication
1h Large group + 2h Self StudyPresentation of the theory (particle size and parameters, specific surface, consistency, plasticity, Casagrande) - Observation of consistency changes of Barcelona's red clay - Liquid limit and plastic limit - Classification of soils
Specific Objectives
Knowing the unified soil classification system. Distinguish between different types of soil.
Dedication
2h Laboratory classes + 4h 11m Self Study- Pressure head, Darcy law, permeability - Equation of flow. Methods of solution - Potential and current functions. Flow nets - Examples Total and effective stress. Stress distribution in the field. Filtration forces. Internal erosion. Earth dams. Hydraulic heave, piping and hydraulic uplift - Factors that influence permeability, measurement of permeability, permeameter for variable and constant head, estimation of the critical gradient - Initial estimation of permeability and the critical gradient - Realization of the test with the falling head permeameter. Calculations - Realization of the permeameter of constant head test. Calculations - Experimental determination of critical gradient
Specific Objectives
Solve flow problems saturated media. Know the differences between total and effective stresses. Evaluate filtration forces. Learn the basis of design of earth dams. Solve hydraulic heave problems in deep excavations. Know the factors that determine the permeability of the soils. Know experimental techniques to permeability measurement. See a sand liquefaction process.
Dedication
6h Large group + 3h Laboratory classes + 12h 36m Self Study- Deformation in confined conditions. Irreversible deformation. Preconsolidation pressure. Primary and secondary consolidation. Parameters - Equation of 1D consolidation. Degree of consolidation. Non uniform increase in interstitial pressure - Oedometer - Radial and three-dimensional flow. Variable load in time - Examples - Realization of the test with the oedometer
Specific Objectives
Understand the phenomenon of consolidation and the coupling between the flow of water and soil deformation. Resolve problems associated with soil 1D consolidation.
Dedication
3h Large group + 3h Laboratory classes + 4h 11m Self Study- 10 theoretical and practical questions (1.5h) - Break (0.25h) - 1 Problem (1,25h.)
Specific Objectives
Assess the level of knowledge acquired by students by conducting practical exercises
Dedication
3h Medium group + 4h 11m Self Study- Tensors of stresses and strains. Invariants. Typical stress variables - Circle of Mohr. Resolution of a problem - Stress paths in typical tests - Elasticity model. Elastic solutions of geotechnical interest
Specific Objectives
- Know the stress and strain variables used in Soil Mechanics. - Ability to work with Mohr's circle. - Consolidate knowledge of elasticity.
Dedication
3h Large group + 4h 11m Self Study- Dilatance. Undrained behaviour - Failure envelope. Undrained strength - Experimental behaviour of sands - Carrying out the laboratory practice: direct and ring shear test - Experimental behavior of clays. Clays in triaxial test -Critical state
Specific Objectives
Understanding the phenomenon of dilatancy and generating pore pressures in undrained conditions. Understanding the process of undrained failure. Knowing the mechanical behaviour of the sands. Knowing the behavior of clays in drained and undrained conditions. Knowing the critical state significance.
Dedication
6h Large group + 3h Laboratory classes + 8h 23m Self Study- Presentation of the theory - Calculation of compaction parameters - Sample preparation and compaction test - Preparation of equipment and flood under load test
Specific Objectives
Understanding the effect of suction in unsaturated soils. Knowing the behavior of compacted soils. Knowing the phenomenon of the collapse of unsaturated soils.
Dedication
3h Laboratory classes + 4h 11m Self Study- Failure analysis. Real cases (0.15h) - General equations. Methods of analysis (0.35h) - Method limit equilibrium (0.25h). - Method of Coulomb (0.25h). - Method of slices. Bishop (0.25h). - Earth pressure at rest. Active and passive states (0.35h) - Coulomb method (0.5h) - General case. Effect of water (0.15h) - Rankine. Horizontal surface (0.5h) - Rankine. Inclined surface (0.25h).
Specific Objectives
Knowing how to soil masses fail. Using methods limit equilibrium. Knowing the method of Coulomb. Knowing Rankine theory.
Dedication
3h Large group + 4h 11m Self Study- 10 theoretical and practical questions (1 h) - Break (0.25h) - 1 Problem (1 h)
Specific Objectives
Solve problems and evaluate the acquired knowledge
Dedication
3h Medium group + 4h 11m Self Study