Applied geology

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

1. the main direct investigation techniques for subsurface exploration;

2. the fundamental topics in hydrogeology for the protection of groundwater resources;

3. the physical and mechanical properties of soils and their geotechnical characterization through laboratory and in situ testing;

4. the main geological and technical issues in the design and construction of major infrastructures (such as roads, dams, tunnels), including basic concepts of foundations.

At the end of the course, students will possess the knowledge required to interpret borehole logs and isopiestic contour maps, to carry out hydrological balance calculations, and to perform and interpret the main laboratory and in situ tests on soils.

The course is delivered through practical lectures and exercises conducted both in the classroom and in the Applied Geology and Environmental Hydrogeology Laboratory, with the support of multimedia materials (slides presented during lectures) and any additional handouts.

Practical exercises are planned on some of the topics covered, such as: preparation of a borehole report, calculation of the hydrological balance of a catchment area, interpretation of the grain size analysis of a soil sample and construction of its grain size distribution curve, and interpretation of direct shear test data with calculation of the main shear strength parameters.

Attendance is mandatory in accordance with the academic regulations.

Basic principles of chemistry, mathematics, and physics; fundamental concepts of geology; rock identification; geological mapping.

Attendance at lectures is mandatory in accordance with the academic regulations. For working students, reference should be made to the University’s academic regulations.

Information for students with disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD):

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current legislation, students concerned may request a personal meeting with the instructor in order to arrange any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on the learning objectives and their specific needs.

Students may also contact the CInAP (Centre for Active and Participatory Inclusion – Services for Disabilities and/or SLD) representative for our Department, Prof. Giorgio De Guidi.

Module 1 (Instructor: Prof. Giovanna Pappalardo)

Hydrogeology basics.
Distribution of water on Earth; Water cycle; Calculation of the hydrological balance with practical exercise; Hydrological and hydrogeological basin; Types of groundwater; Aquifers and water tables; Porous and fractured aquifers; Unconfined and confined aquifers; Total and effective porosity; Permeability; Types of permeability; Darcy’s law and its limitations; Piezometry with practical exercise; Classification of springs; Phases of water well construction; Pumping test with practical exercise.

In situ soil characterization.
Methods for estimating geotechnical properties in situ. Static and dynamic penetrometer tests (CPT and SPT); Vane shear test (VT); In situ density test; Plate load test; Lugeon and Lefranc permeability tests.

Foundations.
Study of foundations and soil–structure interaction. Definition of the significant volume of subsurface soil; Types of shallow foundations: pad footings, strip footings, and raft foundations; Types of deep foundations.

Overview of major infrastructures.
Types and geological issues related to the construction of roads (in cutting, on slopes, on plains, airport and railway infrastructures), tunnels, and dams.

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Module 2 (Instructor: Prof. Simone Mineo)

Geotechnical drilling and sampling.
Types of geotechnical drilling (rotary, percussion, rotary-percussion); drilling tools; drilling phases. Samplers; Rock Quality Designation (RQD) and core recovery percentage.

Shear strength of soils.
Stresses in soils; angle of internal friction and cohesion; effective and total stresses; role of pore water pressure.

Laboratory geotechnical tests.
Grain size analysis; Atterberg limits; direct shear test; triaxial test; oedometer test; Proctor compaction test.

Learning assessment is conducted in person through an oral examination based on questions covering the course programme. The final grade will reflect a balanced evaluation of the candidate’s preparation, as well as their ability to summarise, explain, and interrelate the topics discussed during the exam. Consideration will also be given to the student’s commitment, consistency, and interest demonstrated during lectures and practical activities.

During the exam, students may also be asked to write down studied formulas and/or to schematically illustrate by hand some applied concepts (e.g. test diagrams and graphs).

An exercise on the calculation of the hydrological balance is usually assigned and will be discussed during the examination.

Which parameters govern the shear strength of a soil?

What is meant by “drained conditions” and “undrained conditions”?

Draw the graph resulting from an Unconsolidated Undrained (UU) triaxial test.

Provide the definition of “liquid limit”.

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

What is the principle underlying densimetry?

What is meant by the overconsolidation ratio (OCR)?

What are the main drilling tools used in continuous coring boreholes?

What is the formula for the hydrological balance?

Explain Darcy’s law.

What are the geological issues associated with road construction?

What is meant by SPT and CPT?