After successful completion of the course, students are able to:

• consider ground and structures as one interacting unit, 
• plan, design, calculate, supervise and monitor geotechnical projects, 
• bridge the gap between theory and practice,
• apply received scientific basis as a prerequisite for possible further research activities, 
• critically evaluate the accuracy of geotechnical calculations and prognoses,
• explain practical aspects of construction sites based on case histories.

The lecture Ground Engineering and Soil Mechanics consists the following topics:

• importance of ground in civil engineerng, 
• soil structure interaction, 
• overview of soils, 
• classification of soils, 
• methods of ground investigation, 
• determination of soil parameters in the field and in the laboratory, 
• control of earthworks, 
• theory of soil mechanics, geotechnical calculations, 
• design of foundations and retaining structures (design and systems), 
• landslides and slope stabilisation mehtods, 
• influence of water on structures and design, 
• deep excavations, retaining structures and underpinning of existing buildings,
• construction methods in ground engineering (theory, design and calculation, construction, monitoring),
• geosynthetics,
• dams and embankments,
• case histories.

The basic knowledge of Ground Engineering and Soil Mechanics is taught. 

Various soil types as well as soil characteristics and types of soil exploration are presented. Based on this knowledge, various mechanical and structural problems are discussed and calculation methods for foundations, supporting structures, failure mechanisms of slopes, etc. are applied.

Please note that starting from the summer semester 2017 programmable calculators are allowed during the written exam!

witten and oral exam

Please note that as of 19.11.2020 the Covid-19 distance examination regulations of the Research Unit for Ground Engineering, Soil and Rock Mechanics come into force and are valid until revoked!