BYTS2400 Geotechnics and Road Construction Course description

Geotechnics: The course forms a basis for assessing and calculating the stability and bearing capacity of different soils and sedimentary rocks as foundations for road construction and building projects. This forms a basis for calculating the loads imposed on structures by soil and water pressure.

Road Construction: The student will become familiar with the basic principles for designing flexible pavement and building roads.  

BYPE1600 Mechanics

No requirements over and above the admission requirements.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student:

• have knowledge of  the mechanical and building technical properties of different soil types
• have knowledge of  water flows and drainage
• have knowledge of  flexible pavement design
• have basic knowledge of laboratory investigations related to road construction

Skills

The student:

• can make assessments and calculations of load-bearing capacity, earth pressure, settlements, stability and water flow
• can carry out geotechnical laboratory testing
• can design a structural sound and frost resilient flexible pavement
• can plan mass transport

General competence

The student:

• understands the basis for geotechnical design of foundations and support structures, and for geotechnical assessments in connection with. construction and transport projects in Norway
• understands the basis for road construction and is familiar with problems relating to road construction in challenging climates and under challenging ground conditions

Lectures and supervision of assigned exercises.

Self-study and group work

Compulsory portfolio submission (individual and group assignments)

The course includes laboratory exercises in geotechnics as well as a project assignment that covers excerpts of relevant R&D in geotechnics and road Construction. 

The following coursework is compulsory and must be approved before the student can sit the exam:

• 2 laboratory exercises in geotechnics, 4 hours

• Report from laboratory exercises in geotechnics     

• Note on laboratory tests related to road construction

• Practical exercises in geotechnics (2) and road construction (2).         

• Mass transfert planning: report

Assessment consist of an Individual in-depth report.

In case of a new / postponed examination, an improved version of the report can be submitted. The exam results can be appealed

Pass/fail.

One internal examiner. External examiners are used regularly.

Berthe Dongmo-Engeland