Engineering Geology and Soil Mechanics
Geologi och geoteknik

VGTA05, 7.5 credits, G1 (First Cycle)

Valid for: 2026/27
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED V
Date of Decision: 2026-03-25

General Information

Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: First cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Mandatory for: IBYI2, IBYT2
Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish

Aim

The aim is to give basic knowledge in engineering geology and soil mechanics.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to describe the most common geological materials, especially in Sweden occurring soil types, their structure and how they have been formed.
• be able to explain basic concepts and relations in the areas of soil mechanics and properties of soils.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to read a geologic map and to establish a geologic section with sequences of soil layers and have viewpoints on the use of the ground.
• 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

• be able to describe the role of geological materials and environment in different applications of building technology.
• be able to describe different geological aspects which may be hazardous in different types of ground use.
• 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 course introduces engineering geology and soil mechanics. The engineering geology part gives the student knowledge about the creation and geological development of our planet, and how different rocks and soils are developed and classified. The geology part also deals with occurrence and use of groundwater.

In the soil mechanics part 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 beneath foundations, settlement, earth pressure, slope stability).

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment:

Written examination on Engineering Geology, oral examination in Soil Mechanics, and a mandatory hand-in assignment. The final mark is based on the points earned in the hand-in task and the exams.

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: 0126. Name: Written Exam - Engineering Geology.
Credits: 2.5. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). Assessment: Written exam on Engineering Geology The module includes: Covers the content on Engineering Geology
Code: 0226. Name: 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
Code: 0326. Name: Oral Exam - Soil Mechanics.
Credits: 3.5. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). Assessment: Oral exam in Soil Mechanics The module includes: Covers the content on Soil Mechanics

Admission

Assumed prior knowledge: VSMA20 Structural Mechanics or VSMA11 Structural Mechanics.
The number of participants is limited to: No
Kursen överlappar följande kurser: VTGA01 VTGA05 VTGF05 VTVA01 VGTF05 VGTA01

Reading list

• Dahlblom Ola och Tudisco Erika: Introduktion till geotekniken. Lund : Studentlitteratur, 2025, ISBN: 9789144197234.
• Conny Svensson: Kompendium i Teknisk Geologi. KFS. Latest edition.

Contact

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

Further information