GeotechniqueLaajuus (3 cr)

Objectives

The students learn about the structures of soil and bedrock, soil types, the deposit of groundwater and the basic earth mechanics. The students can use geotechnical data from professional data banks. They are able to read documents and consulting plans on geotechnical data and construction foundations.

Content

The students learn to name soil types, their characteristics and examine them. They can use maps of quaternary deposits and bedrock maps (from Geological Survey of Finland). The students become familiar with the experimental exploration of soil characteristics, learn to read results of the measurements, to report the results and to evaluate the usefulness of the measurements and methods. The students are able to read consulting documents about the site and experimental investigations (reports of soil surveys, plans and reports of foundations).

Laboratory tests:
1. The characteristics of soil: grain size analysis (sieve analysis, hydrometer analysis), unit weight (dry-, submerged-, saturated-), maximal dry unit weight (Proctor Compaction Test), in-situ density of soil (Balloon Density Apparatus), capillarity, permeability (constant and falling head permeameter), shear strength (Cone Fall Apparatus).
2. The soundings: static sounding, vane shear test, samples (disturbed/undisturbed).

Further information

Literature: Rantamäki, Jääskeläinen, Tammirinne: Geotekniikka, Otakustantamo and literature named during lectures. Educational methods: lectures, demonstrations, self study/distance learning, exercises and exam. Laboratory tests (in groups). Language of tuition: Finnish.