Course Overview

This course provides an overview of the issues natural hazards and climate change on the stability of structures (especially related to the transition between unsaturated and saturated soil). It covers in particular the seismic risk and the slope stability. The physical and mechanical phenomena induced in the soil and structures are addressed. The consequences in terms of stability of structures and natural slopes are analyzed. Finally the techniques usually used for risk mitigation (including soil improvement or installation of protective structures) are identified and discussed in more depth in the context of a design project.

http://ense3.grenoble-inp.fr/en/academics/natural-hazards-and-soil-improvements-5eus5rnc-1

Learning Achievement

To understand the tools used for defining the regional and local seismic hazard
• Advanced knowledge of soil dynamics and the associated mechanical phenomena (including liquefaction)
• To know how to design a structure considering the seismic hazard (including dams, natural slopes, retaining structures and foundations)
• Knowledge of physical and mechanical phenomena at the origin of gravity risk (landslide, rock fall, avalanche)
• To understand the behavior of unsaturated soils and the impact on the stability of structures or natural slopes
• Knowledge of the main techniques used for improving soil and the design of protective structures

Competence

• To understand the tools used for defining the regional and local seismic hazard
• Advanced knowledge of soil dynamics and the associated mechanical phenomena (including liquefaction)
• To know how to design a structure considering the seismic hazard (including dams, natural slopes, retaining structures and foundations)
• Knowledge of physical and mechanical phenomena at the origin of gravity risk (landslide, rock fall, avalanche)
• To understand the behavior of unsaturated soils and the impact on the stability of structures or natural slopes
• Knowledge of the main techniques used for improving soil and the design of protective structures

Course prerequisites

Soil and rock mechanics, groundwater flow, rheology, structural dynamics.

Grading Philosophy

Final exam (CT): 2 hours written exam
Continuous assessment (CC): project + literature review + case analysis - no retakes for CC

Course schedule

Course type

Lecture

Online Course Requirement

Instructor

Fabrice Emeriault

Other information

Course content can evolve at any time before the start of the course. It is strongly recommended to discuss with the course contact about the detailed program.

Please consider the following deadlines for inbound mobility to Grenoble:
- April 1st, 2020 for Full Year (September to June) and Fall Semester (September to January) intake ;
- September 1st, 2020 for Spring Semester intake (February – June).

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