Geological Sciences

Introductory Module 1 • Study of interactions between soil/subsoil and actions affecting system stability: o Natural actions (natural hazards): landslides, earthquakes, subsidence o Anthropogenic actions (engineering applications): soil/rock settlements and failures • Groundwater resource Introductory Module 2 Introduction to cause–effect relationships (stress state variation = deformation response). Basic principles of mechanics: • Failure as the paroxysmal moment of the deformation process o Modes and behaviors in deformation (concepts of stiffness and deformability) – [implications for monitoring] o Modes and behaviors at failure and post-failure (concept of strength) Geomaterial Characterization Geomaterials from a technical perspective: soils, rocks, and rock masses Soils Physical properties (and practical implications): • Multiphase medium and main index/state parameters (with emphasis on their practical implications) Stress states: • Stress state in soils: simplified theoretical foundations (and links to geological history) • Representation of stress states: introduction to Mohr’s circles • Water in soil: deformation response of the fluid phase – drained and undrained conditions • Geostatic stresses and the principle of effective stress o Exercises: stress calculation with depth (and possible Mohr representation) • Effects of stress state variation: o Earth pressure coefficients o Overview of settlement and consolidation; concepts of compaction, normally consolidated and overconsolidated soils  Oedometer test (descriptive only) o Strength: friction and cohesion (what they are related to)  Uniaxial compressive strength  Shear strength – Mohr-Coulomb criterion Rocks • Concept of weak rocks and hard rocks • Concept of rock mass Fields of Application • Geological modeling and relevant examples o Overview of in-situ investigations • Slope stability • Soil–structure/infrastructure interactions: o Overview of settlement concept (with reference to consolidation theory) and definition of bearing capacity o Geological investigations for characterization o Interaction with underground structures • Seismic response o Concept of seismic-stratigraphic model (parameters relevant to seismic behavior) Geomatics in Applied Geology • Geographic data, GIS systems, and geospatial analysis (definitions) • Remote sensing (with examples and focus on EO – Earth Observation) • Overview of geotechnical and geodetic monitoring tools and techniques • Definition (and examples) of exploratory monitoring (importance of geological interpretation) and executive/post-operam monitoring

Basic knowledge acquired in other foundational courses, such as Mathematics and Physics, is essential. Knowledge gained in subjects such as Geomorphology, Mineralogy, and Stratigraphic and Structural Geology is also important.

Meccanica dei terreni. Authors: Lambe & Withman. Editor: Dario Flaccovio Geoingegneria. Author: Luis Gonzalez de Vallejo. Editor: Pearson Lecture notes provided by the professor

Attendance is strongly recommended but not mandatory.

Students will be required to take a written exam consisting of a numerical calculation section related to the physical characterization of soils and the calculation and representation of stress states in the subsurface. The written exam will also include open-ended questions on the introductory Hydrogeology module. Students who pass the written exam will proceed to the oral exam, which is an interview aimed at assessing the essential knowledge, including the more theoretical aspects.

The course will be delivered through traditional in-person classroom lectures. Numerical exercises will also be conducted to support preparation for the written exam.