MABY5460 Environmental Geotechnics Course description

This course covers geotechnical principles and techniques for the reduction of environmental impacts. Landslide occurrence and mitigation measures to reduce impact will be part of this course, with a specific focus on the use of nature-based solutions. Design characteristics of landfills and tailings dams, as well as, how to monitor different hydro-geological parameters.

Stability of tailings dams and failure prevention are fundamental aspects to consider too, as shown by recent catastrophic failures. The presence of uncontrolled tailings dam structures all around the world poses a huge threat to the environment. Understanding the stability of these earth structures and what are the guidelines and standards is paramount to avoid such failures. A wide range of field monitoring techniques with respect to groundwater and environmental contamination will be introduced. Finally, qualitative and quantitative techniques to perform risk assessment analyzes will be described. The student will use numerical modeling software, such as GeoStudio, as well as the possibility to use python and excel.

MABY5410-Advanced soil mechanics

After completing this course, students will gain the following knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge

Students will have knowledge of:

• groundwater flow, seepage, and the behavior of unsaturated soils.
• concepts of groundwater engineering, including applications and limitations.
• key principles in slope stability, including landslide classification, factors influencing stability, and risk assessment.
• various methods for slope analysis, such as the Infinite Slope method and Limit Equilibrium Methods (LEM), and their real-world applications.
• the principles and benefits of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for slope stability, including the role of vegetation in mitigating landslide risks and stabilizing slopes.
• how vegetation affects soil structure, root reinforcement, and water absorption, and its application as a natural mitigation measure.
• the consolidation and settlement of earth embankments, properties of tailings, and common failure modes in these structures.
• International standards such as the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) and industry best practices for designing stable tailings dams.
• key concepts in landfill design, including compaction, clay liners, geomembranes, and waste settlement.
• qualitative and quantitative risk assessment methods and hazard mapping, including risk matrices, event trees, and the use of machine learning for risk prediction.

Skills

Students will be able to:

• apply Limit Equilibrium Methods (LEM) manually and through software tools like Geostudio.
• perform slope stability analyses, incorporating structural and non-structural mitigation measures, and interpret results for practical use.
• Analyze the effects of vegetation on slope stability and apply Nature-Based Solutions by selecting appropriate plant species and assessing their impact on slope reinforcement.
• use simulation tools (such as Larimit) to model and assess the impact of vegetation on slope stability.
• use and interpret data from various sensors and monitoring instruments in slope stability and groundwater studies.
• conduct analyses of earth embankments and tailings dams to identify potential failure modes and liquefaction risks.
• apply the SEEP tool in Geostudio to model groundwater flow through tailings and embankment structures.
• critically analyze real-life landfill failures, identify causes, and propose design improvements for enhanced stability.

General Competence

Students will develop general competence in:

• understanding environmental geotechnical challenges and their relevance to broader sustainability concerns in engineering practice.
• problem-solving by integrating technical knowledge and practical tools to address real-world geotechnical challenges.
• collaborating with industry experts and peers through exercises and seminars, enhancing teamwork and communication skills in professional settings.
• employing standards in geotechnical engineering, with a focus on risk management and environmental protection.

Lectures, exercises, presentations, filed visits, critical analysis of scientific papers and written project/report.

If lectures are delivered online, they may be recorded, and the recordings will be made available to students on Canvas.

The following work requirements are mandatory and must be approved to sit for the exam:

1 written group exercise with 2-4 student in a group

1 written individual exercise

all proposed excercises must be delivered.

The exam consists of two parts:

1) 3-hour written individual exam under supervison, weighted 70 %,

2) 15-20 minutes individual oral presentation of a topic followed by Q&A, weighted 30 %.

All assessment parts must be awarded a pass grade (E or better) for the student to pass the course.

Assessment part 1) can be appealed. Assessment part 2) cannot be appealed.

A calculator is allowed for the written exam. It cannot be used to communicate with others.

Grade scale A-F

1) One internal examiner

2) Two internal examiners

External examiners are used regularly

Luca Piciullo