Characterisation and Behaviour of Geomaterials (250MEG005) – Course 2025/26 PDF
Syllabus
Learning Objectives
To conceive geomaterials as porous media governed by Solid and Fluid Mechanics. To characterize the geological environment and its interaction with civil constructions. To interpret laboratory tests and field observations so as to identify the mechanisms responsible for the behavior of geomaterials. To propose laboratory testing programmes. To Formulate theoretical and numerical models (constitutive equations) to represent the behavior observed in experiments. 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.
Competencies
Especific
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.
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 | 45h | 100.00 % | |
| Self Study | 80h | |||
Teaching Methodology
The course consists of 3 hours per week of classroom sessions A visit to the lab will be scheduled. If possible, a field trip will also be scheduled in combination with students from similar courses in other degrees offered by the same school. 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 procedure to assign a grade for the course will be announced the first day of class.
Test Rules
The rules to assign grades will be announced the first day of class.
Office Hours
To be agreed with the instructor
Bibliography
Basic
- Chen, Wai-Fah. Constitutive equations for engineering materials, vol 1, Elasticity and modelling. Elsevier, 1994. ISBN 0471091499.
Complementary
- Goodman, Richard E. Introduction to rock mechanics. 2nd ed. New York [etc.]: John Wiley and Sons, 1989. ISBN 0471812005.