Applied geology

The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive overview of:

1) main techniques of direct subsurface investigation;

2) main hydrogeology topics for the protection of groundwater resources;

3) physical-mechanical properties of soils and their geotechnical characterisation by means of instrumental laboratory and in situ tests

4) main geological-technical issues in the design and construction of large works (roads, dams, tunnels) and hints on foundations.

At the end of the course the student will have the necessary knowledge for the interpretation of borehole logs and maps with isopiezometric curves, the execution of a hydrological balance, the execution and interpretation of the main laboratory and in situ tests on soils.

The teaching is carried out by means of practical lessons and exercises both in the classroom and in the Applied Geology and Environmental Hydrogeology laboratory, with the support of multimedia material (slides projected during the lessons) and possible handouts. Practical exercises are foreseen on some of the topics covered (e.g. drafting of a borehole report, calculation of the hydrological balance of a basin, interpretation of the granulometric analysis of a soil sample and construction of the related granulometric curve, interpretation of data related to a direct shear test and calculation of the main shear resistance parameters).

Attendance is compulsory in accordance with the teaching regulations.

Attendance at classes is compulsory. For working students, please refer to the University's teaching regulations.

Information for students with disabilities and/or DSA:

To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students may request a personal interview with the teacher in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, depending on the teaching objectives and specific needs. It is also possible to contact theCInAP (Centre for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or DSAs) reference teacher in ourDepartment, Prof. Giorgio De Guidi.

Module 1 (lecturer: Prof. Giovanna Pappalardo):

Concepts of hydrogeology. Distribution of water on the planet; Water cycle; Calculation of the hydrological balance and practical test; Hydrological and hydrogeological basin; Types of water in the subsoil; Aquifer and stratum; Porous and fractured aquifers; Free and confined aquifers; Total and effective porosity; Permeability; Types of permeability; Darcy's law and its limitations; Piezometry and practical test; Classification of springs; Phases in the realisation of a water well; Flow test and practical test.

Characterisation of soils with in situ tests. Methods for estimating in situ geotechnical properties. Static and dynamic penetrometric tests (CPT and SPT); Scissometric test (VT) In situ density test; Plate load test; Lugeon and Lefranc permeability tests.

Foundations. Study of foundations, soil-structure interactions. Indications on the significant volume of the subsoil; Types of superficial foundations: plinths, beams and rafts; Types of deep foundations.

Notes on major works. Types and geological problems associated with the construction of roads (in trenches, half-carriageway, plain, airport and railway), tunnels and dams.

Module 2 (lecturer: Prof. Simone Mineo)

Geognostic drilling and sampling: Types of geognostic drilling (rotation, percussion, rotopercussion), excavation tools, drilling phases. Samplers, RQD and core rate

Shear strength in soils: soil stresses, internal friction angle and cohesion, effective and total stresses, role of neutral pressure.

Geotechnical laboratory tests: particle size analysis, Atterberg limits, direct shear test, oedometric test, Proctor test.

- Principi di Geologia Applicata, di Laura Scesi, Monica Papini, Paola Gattinoni . Editore: CEA, Data diPubblicazione: 2014, ISBN: 9788808186423

- Geologia Tecnica, di Laura Scesi, Monica Papini, Paola Gattinoni, Laura Longoni. Editore: CEA, Data diPubblicazione: 2015, ISBN: 9788808186461

- Il manuale del geologo, di di Mario Casadio e Carlo Elmi. Editore Bonomo, Data di Pubblicazione 2023.EAN: 9788869722134

- Il rilevamento geologico, Città Studi Edizioni, Scesi L. & Papini M

- Prospezioni idrogeologiche Vol. I e II – P. Celico – Liguori Ed.

- Geotecnica, Lancellotta, Zanichelli

The learning assessment is carried out orally in presence, by means of questions on the syllabus. The final grade will represent the balanced synthesis of the preparation and the synthesis, exposition and linking skills shown by the candidate during the examination; the commitment, constancy and interest shown by the student during the lectures and practical activities will also be taken into account. During the examination, the student may also be asked to write down any formulae studied and/or to freehand sketch some concepts of an applied nature (e.g. diagrams and test charts).

An exercise on the calculation of the hydrological balance is normally carried out and will be discussed in the exam.

- By what parameters is the shear strength of a soil governed?

- What is meant by "drained conditions" and "undrained conditions"?

- Draw the graph resulting from performing a UU triaxial test.

- Give the definition of 'liquid limit'.

- How is the uniformity coefficient of a soil sample calculated?

- What is the principle behind densimetry?

- What is meant by OCR degree of overconsolidation?

- What are the main excavation tools to be used in continuous core drilling?

- What is the hydrological balance formula?

- Illustrate Darcy's law.

- What are the geological problems associated with road construction?

- What is meant by SPT and CPT?