Based on knowledge of soil mechanics, this course focuses on theories behind practical design of geotechnical structures and design concept of geotechnical structure, in particular,
1. how to assess stability of geotechnical structure considering reliability of various factors,
2. how to calculate stability of geotechnical structures using classic limit analysis, and
3. how to calculate stability of slope, shallow foundation and retaining structure.
Students are expected to understand theories behind practical design of geotechnical structures and design concept of geotechnical structure, in particular,
1. how to assess stability of geotechnical structure considering reliability of various factors,
2. how to calculate stability of geotechnical structures using classic limit analysis, and
3. how to calculate stability of slope, shallow foundation and retaining structure.
Limit equilibrium method, Limit analsysis, slope stability, bearing capacity, earth pressure, geotechnical structures
✔ Specialist skills | Intercultural skills | Communication skills | ✔ Critical thinking skills | ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
Mainly lectures. Regularly assignments are given and their review is made in the class.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Introduction | To understand design concept of geotechnical structures |
Class 2 | Assessment of geotechnical structures stability considering reliability of various factors | To understand how to assess stability of geotechnical structures |
Class 3 | Modelling of geotechnical structures | To understand modelling of geotechnical structures |
Class 4 | Limit equilibrium method and its application to slope stability problem | To understand limit equilibrium method |
Class 5 | Fundamentals of limit analysis (upper/lower bound theorems) | To understand upper/lower bound theorems |
Class 6 | Fundamentals of limit analysis (kinemetically and plastically admissible velocity field and statically and plastically admissible stress field) | To understand kinemetically and plastically admissible velocity field and statically and plastically admissible stress field |
Class 7 | Fundamentals of limit analysis (classic method) | To understand classic limit analysis method |
Class 8 | Slope stability assessment by limit analysis | To understand slope stability assessment by limit analysis |
Class 9 | Shallow foundation and deep foundation | To understand differences between shallow and deep foundations |
Class 10 | Estimation of bearing capacity by limit analysis | To understand how to estimate bearing capacity by limit analysis |
Class 11 | Design calculation of shallow foundation | To understand design calculation of shallow foundation |
Class 12 | Various earth pressures | To understand types of earth pressure |
Class 13 | Estimation of earth pressure by limit analysis | To understand how to estimate earth pressure by limit analysis |
Class 14 | Design calculation of retaining structure | To understand design calculation of retaining structure |
Class 15 | Geotechnical structure subjected to seepage flow | To understand how to assess stability of geotechnical structures subjected to seepage flow |
Akihiro Takahashi (2011) Geotechnical Engineering, Corona-sha (in Japanese)
Kenji Ishihara (2001) Soil Mechanics, 2nd ed., Maruzen (in Japanese)
Osamu Kusakabe (2004) Soil Mechanics, Corona-sha (in Japanese)
Hakuju Yamaguchi (1984) Soil Mechanics, Giho-do (in Japanese)
Assignment (20%) and final exam (80%)
No prerequisites are necessary, but enrollment in the related courses is desirable.