Soil Mechanics
Geoteknik

VGTF05, 5.0 credits, G2 (First Cycle)

Valid for: 2025/26
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED V
Date of Decision: 2025-04-10
Effective: 2025-05-05

General Information

Main field: Technology Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: First cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Mandatory for: V3
Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish

Aim

The course shall give an introduction to and basic knowledge in soil mechanics. During the course the student should develope problem solving skills and learn to perform basic analyses in the area of soil mechanics.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to explain and use basic concepts and relations used in soil mechanics and properties of soils.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to apply soil mechanics knowledge in design of constructions.
• be able to perform and present basic geotechnical computations
• be able to present the solution of a problem in writing (prerequistics, assumptions, calculations, results, conclusions) in a clear and correct way.
• be able to work effectively in small groups by planning and distributing tasks, collaborating to solve problems, presenting results both orally and in writing, and planning and adhering to timelines for joint projects.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• understand the significance of and be able to asses a geotechnic analysis, design and planning.
• on the basis of available experimental data and computations be able to estimate bearing capacity and settlements for simple loading situations.
• be able to assess the reasonableness of the calculation result obtained.

Contents

The student acquires knowledge of soil material science (soil structure and composition), soil mechanics (failure criteria and Mohr's circle, deformation properties, the influence of pore water), geotechnical field and laboratory testing methods, and geotechnical calculations (stress in soil, bearing capacity of foundations, settlement, earth pressure, slope stability).

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment: The course examination comprises one hand-in task, a compulsory practical measurement task and a written exam. The final mark is based on the points earned in the hand-in task and the written exam.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Modules
Code: 0121. Name: Soil Mechanics - Written Examination.
Credits: 3.5. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). Assessment: Written exam The module includes: Covers the entire course content
Code: 0321. Name: Practical Measurement.
Credits: 0.0. Grading scale: UG - (U, G). Assessment: Written presentation of practical measurements The module includes: Practical measurements i the laboratory
Code: 0221. Name: Soil Mechanics - Hand-in Assignment.
Credits: 1.5. Grading scale: UG - (U, G). Assessment: Approved witten presentation of hand-in assignments The module includes: Hand-in assignment

Admission

Assumed prior knowledge: VTGA01 Teknisk geologi and VSMA06 Byggnadsmekanik
The number of participants is limited to: No
Kursen överlappar följande kurser: VGTA01 VGTA05

Reading list

• Ola Dahlblom och Erika Tudisco: Introduktion till Geotekniken. Studentlitteratur AB, 2022, ISBN: 9789144159980.

Contact

Course coordinator: Erika Tudisco, erika.tudisco@construction.lth.se
Examinator: Erika Tudisco, Erika.Tudisco@construction.lth.se
Course homepage: https://www.geoteknik.lth.se

Further information

Teaching is given through lectures including guest lectures, exercises, a project work and practical measurements. The course may be partly taught in English.