The subject of the course is the conduct of geotechnical investigation (investigation of soil conditions) in an area, with the aim of determining the geotechnical model of the area under study, which includes all the physical and mechanical properties of the soil formations. Emphasis is placed on laboratory geotechnical investigation methods for determining the physical and mechanical properties of the soil, as well as on in-situ geotechnical investigation methods for assessing soil properties and the criteria for selecting the most suitable one. More specifically, within the framework of the course, the following modules will be taught:

1. Geotechnical investigation: general principles, design, drilling and soil sampling methods.
2. Laboratory tests: classification tests, compaction tests, permeability tests, compressibility tests, and shear strength tests of the soil.
3. On-site tests: standard penetration tests, static penetrometric tests, pressure meter tests, dilatometer tests, vane tests, and plate tests.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Design and organise the stages of a geotechnical investigation.
• Identify and evaluate the fundamental physical and mechanical parameters of the soil that affect its behaviour.
• Perform and document laboratory tests for classification, compaction, permeability, compressibility, and shear strength (direct shear, unconfined compression, triaxial compression).
• Process and interpret the results of laboratory tests to determine design parameters.
• Conduct and evaluate the results of in-situ tests (SPT, CPT, pressuremeter, dilatometer, vane, plate).
• Estimate the design soil parameters based on the results of field tests and interprets the expected soil behaviour.