Instrumentation and Ground Improvement

Objectives

Learning fundamental concepts related to geotechnical works regarding their observation and the design and execution of several types of ground treatments targeted at improving their geotechnical characteristics, stressing their applicability and associated costs, as well as its contribution to sustainable development.

General characterization

Code

10735

Credits

6.0

Responsible teacher

Ana Paula Fernandes da Silva

Hours

Weekly - 4

Total - 64

Teaching language

Português

Prerequisites

No special requirements are needed, but the previous attendance of Soil mechanics and other units related to civil engineering works (e.g. Dams and underground constructions) classes are suggested.

Bibliography

Bassett R. A Guide to Field Instrumentation in Geotechnics, Principles, Installation and Reading. CRC Press, 2012.

Chu J., Varaksin S., Klotz U. & Menge P. State of Art Report: Construction Processes. 17 Int Conf Soil Mech Geotech Eng, TC17, Alexandria, 2009.

Han J., Principles and practices of ground improvement.  New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, 2015.

Kirsch K. & Bell A. (eds.) Ground improvement,  Boca Raton: Taylor & Francis Group, 3rd ed. 2013.

 Zbigniew B,  Margottini, Cl.,  Canuti, P. & Sassa K. (eds.). Landslide Science and Practice, Volume 2 Early Warning, Instrumentation and Monitoring. Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag, 2013. 

Teaching method

The teaching, supported using multimedia projections and e-learning methods (Moodle program), embrace theoretical and practical lessons, namely with review and discussion of monitoring plans and ground improvement projects.

Evaluation method

The evaluation will have a continuous component and includes two tests – T1 and T2, and a team assignment (W) on monitoring or ground improvment.

Final grade:  0,3.(T1)+ 0,3.(T2) + 0, 4.(W) = 20 values

Subject matter

Observation: contribution to a more resilient society; overall planning process; manual and automatic data collection. Visual inspection. Monitoring systems: special features, installation and operation requirements. Devices, instruments & equipment for measuring superficial and internal displacements, water pressures, temperature, vibrations & permeability. New equipment. Observation plan for geotechnical works and cultural heritage. Special reports. Real-time monitoring.

Improvement: objectives in the context of sustainable development, history, classifications, applicability; dimensioning, equipment; quality assurance; examples. Hydraulic and thermal methods for groundwater removal. Chemical treatments: at the surface and deep mixing; dry and wet methods. Jet-grouting. Grouting. Compaction methods: at the surface and at deep; mechanical and blasting. Soil replacement: columns. Consolidation by preloading and vertical drainage; electro-osmosis. Soil reinforcement: MSEW; soil nailing; ground anchors. Costs.

Programs

Programs where the course is taught: