MABY5430 Foundation Solutions Emneplan

Foundations are the part of structures to transfer loads from the superstructure to the underlying soil and rock. The foundation design requires the fundamental understanding of soil and rock mechanics and therefore has been one major task for geotechnical engineers. This course starts with the topics regarding the foundation type and design principle and presents analysis and design methods for different foundation types under axial and lateral loading conditions. In addition, great focus is put on the application of industrial standard such as Eurocode 7 and numerical methods into the foundation design where students and lectors work through several worked examples together. Some other topics such as foundation construction and foundations on the special grounds are also briefly introduced in this course.

BYGG1001 Geoteknikk og tilsvarende, (Course code) Advanced soil mechanics, (Course code) Geotechnical Site Investigation, Instrumentation and Ground modelling

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

Knowledge

Students have in-depth knowledge of:

• various foundation types and principles of foundation selection and design
• design parameters and ground models from lab tests and in-situ investigation for foundation design
• theories and calculation methods of foundation load capacity, structural deformation, and settlement
• design methods for various foundation types
• ground improvement under special soil conditions

Skills

Students can:

• identify foundation types and make proper choice of foundation type for structure
• use key soil parameters and factors for ground conditions which are most relevant for foundation design
• calculate the capacity, deformation and settlement of foundation based on various methods and be familiar with limits of each method
• make the foundation design following industrial standard
• be familiar with FEM method and software to help foundation design

General competence

Students:

• have solid understanding of stress and displacement distribution field around the foundation
• have geotechnical competence to fulfil general foundation design
• can follow industrial standards and use numerical tools for foundation design
• are familiar with measures to work with foundation design under special ground condition

Lectures, exercises and projects

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

3 written group exercises with 2-4 students in each group.

The exam consists of two parts:

1) Written individual exam, 3 hours, under supervison, weighted 70%, and

2) 15-20 minutes oral presentation of a topic followed by 5-10 minutes Q&A, weighted 30%. 

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

Part 1 can be appealed, part 2 can not be appealed.

All printed and written aids and a calculator that cannot be used to communicate with others for written individual exam.

All types of materials and equipment are allowed for oral presentation.

Grade scale A-F

Two examiners, one internal and one external.