Lab in engineering geology and soil physical chemistry

elective courses

Students should have basic knowledge in:

- subdivision of rock with regard to their origin and composition,

- classification and description of soil properties,

- physical and mechanical properties of soil.

Students should know the safety rules in the laboratory and methods of determination basic physical parameters of soil.

The course is designed to familiarize students with working methods and activities of a specialized laboratory testing the implementation of their thesis. The classes include discussion of the theoretical basis of research and presentation of test methodology. Following this, the student independently performs a test on samples delivered to the laboratory from the area of his research.

The student presents his research plan that is agreed with his supervisor. The student individually makes a critical analysis of literature in the field of the planned research. The student performs soil tests and analyzes the obtained results.

The course covers the following topics:

1. Density of cohesive soils tested by methods of: cutting ring, buoyancy and using an automated quasi-liquid pycnometer - discussion of research methodology and principles of selection of the measurement method, measurement execution, and comparison of results.

2. Specific density of soil using an automatic gas pycnometer - discussion of research methodology and measurement execution.

3. Free swell of cohesive soils in water and kerosene based on the modified method of Holtz and Gibbs - discussion of research methodology, test performance, interpretation of results in order to determine the mineral composition and soil expansiveness.

4. Swelling pressure in Geonor – sample preparation, handling the apparatus, analysis of test results.

5. Studies of the mineral composition by thermal analysis – introduction to thermal analysis, sample preparation, principles of thermal curve analysis, calculation of mineral composition.

6. Soil suction using filter paper test in accordance with ASTM D 5298.

7. Laboratory soil tests by direct shear

a) construction and maintenance of equipment (direct shear box),

b) programming and execution of research:

- Preparation of soil samples,

- Selection of test parameters depending on the type of soil,

- Presentation and interpretation of test results.

8. Laboratory soil tests in a triaxial apparatus

a) construction and maintenance of equipment (triaxial testing system),

b) development and implementation of tests:

- UU (unconsolidated undrained),

- CIU, CAU (isotropic consolidation undrained, anisotropic consolidation undrained)

On completion of the course, the student:

- knows the issues of engineering geology that allow him to forecast changes of the engineering-geological conditions in space and time (P2A_W04),

- has knowledge in the directions of development of engineering geology and notes continuous progress in its research methods (P2A_W05),

- has knowledge of the principles of planning soil tests with regard to their physical, physical-chemical and physical-mechanical properties using modern techniques and tools of engineering geology (P2A_W07),

- knows the basic rules of safety and health at work in a specialized laboratory (P2A_W09),

- is able to assess the physical and mechanical properties of soil, is prepared for organizing simple research in geological and engineering documentation (P2A_U01),

- uses available sources of geological-engineering information and has the ability to critically analyze and select information from various sources (P2A_U03),

- is able to plan and execute laboratory tests of physical and mechanical parameters of soil and interprets the obtained results (P2A_U04)

- collects and interprets the test results, knows how to draw conclusions based on these results (P2A_U06),

- understands the need to increase knowledge and improve his competence and qualifications in engineering geology (P2A_K01),

- is aware of the impact of human engineering activity on the soil environment, demonstrates solicitude for the geological environment (P2A_K04).

Current assessment of test reports (methodological correctness and match of the presentation form to the specifics of the topic are taken into account). Test reports are intended for use in the thesis.