Geotechnical Engineering (GEO285)

This course gives a basic introduction to Geotechnical Engineering, a subject that deals with safe construction in, and with, the ground. This comprises knowledge of the Earth materials’ properties relevant to construction and their measurement and interpretation in the lab and in the field. Geotechnical Engineering is used in the planning and design of roads and foundation of buildings and other constructions. It also includes the analysis of slope stability, bearing capacity of ground constructions such as embankments, and environmental impact assessment of construction projects.


Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

GEO285

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

5

Semester tution start

Spring

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Spring

Language of instruction

Norwegian

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

  • Geology
  • Classification and identification of Earth materials
  • Stresses and soils
  • Foundations
  • Earth preassure
  • Stability of natural slopes and cuts

Learning outcome

Knowledge of:

  • Geology and the geotechnical properties of Earth materials
  • Classification and identification of Earth materials
  • Physical and mathematical calculations in Geotechnical Engineering
  • 3D-modelling of Earth materials for geotechnical planning and design.

Skills:

After the course the students will be able to:

  • Carry out practical geotechnical tests in the laboratory.
  • Carry out calculations to solve basic problems in Geotechnical Engineering.
  • Integrate geotechnical, geological, and geophysical data to build subsurface models.
  • Analyse geotechnical data from the lab or the field and summarise these in reports.

General competence:

After the course the students will be able to:

  • Solve geotechnical problems by calculation and analysis of lab and field data.
  • Communicate geotechnical results in presentations and reports.
  • Contribute to the solution of problems related to Geotechnical Engineering in the public and private sectors.

Required prerequisite knowledge

FYS100 Mechanics, MAT100 Mathematical Methods 1

Exam

Laboratory assignments (portfolio) and written exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Written exam 1/2 3 Hours Letter grades Standard calculator
Portfolio of laboratory assignments 1/2 10 Weeks Letter grades

A portfolio of laboratory assignments that counts 50% of the grade. There are four (4) laboratory assignments during the semester and the students will work in groups.A written final exam that counts 50% of the grade.Both the portfolio of laboratory assignments and the written exam must be passed in order to receive a passing grade in the course.Continuation options are not offered for the portfolio of laboratory assignments. Students who do not pass this part can take it again the next time the course has regular teaching.

Course teacher(s)

Course teacher:

Guzman Cruz Rodriguez

Course coordinator:

Nestor Fernando Cardozo Diaz

Study Program Director:

Lisa Jean Watson

Study Adviser:

Karina Sanni

Head of Department:

Alejandro Escalona Varela

Method of work

The course involves both lectures and laboratories. At the start of the semester, a detailed activity plan for laboratories will be distributed.

This course has only physical meetings. The student is responsible for checking the course syllabus and class meeting information provided by the instructor in Canvas.

Overlapping courses

Course Reduction (SP)
Geotechnical Engineering (GEO170_1) 10

Open for

Civil Engineering - Bachelor in Engineering Geosciences and Energy Resources - Bachelor in Engineering
Admission to Single Courses at the Faculty of Science and Technology
Energy, Reservoir and Earth Sciences - Master of Science Degree Programme
Exchange programme at Faculty of Science and Technology

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital course evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

Search for literature in Leganto