LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to analyze some of the main aspects related to soil-structure interaction phenomena that occur in the built environment. Since the focus is on existing buildings, after a first part that deals with the types of foundation and the basic methods used in practice for settlement assessment and bearing capacity calculation, the issues of greatest interest, due to external and natural causes (e.g. slope movements, soil liquefaction, groundwater oscillations, subsidence, etc.) and anthropogenic (e .g. deep excavations, shallow tunnels, etc.), are detailed and studied in depth. The course also provides the knowledge and skills to students on design and intervention guidelines relating to the foundation-soil system, such as the strengthening of foundations, underpinnig and soil improvement.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to analyse some of the main aspects related to soil-structure interaction phenomena occurring in built environment. Since the focus is on existing buildings, after a first part which deals with foundation types and methods used in practice for calculating settlements and bearing capacity, the problems of major concern, produced by external causes, both natural (e.g. landslides and slope movements, earthquake and soil liquefaction) and anthropogenic (e.g. deep excavations, tunneling), are detailed and studied in depth. The course also supplies to the students knowledge and skill on design guidelines and methods for possible intervention techniques on the foundation-soil system such as underpinning, reinforcement and ground improvement.

Teaching methods

This module uses lectures, tutorial exercises, case histories and practice exercises. Technical visits could also be organized.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Existing buildings: foundation types; settlement and bearing capacity assessment approaches.

Analysis of geotechnical problems: natural (e.g. landslides and slope movements, earthquake and soil liquefaction) and anthropogenic (e.g. deep excavations, tunneling).

Damage levels and practical assessment methods.

Intervention techniques on the foundation-soil system:  underpinning, reinforcement and ground improvement.

Exam Board

RICCARDO BERARDI (President)

STEFANIA DEGLI ABBATI

SERENA CATTARI (President Substitute)

Teaching methods

This module uses lectures, tutorial exercises, case histories and practice exercises. Technical visits could also be organized.

LESSONS START

March 2020

Exam description

oral test + practice exercises

Exam schedule