Utilização do Espaço Subterrâneo

Objectives

To familiarize students with the design, construction and observation of tunnels, shafts and and underground structures in general. Supplement the basic knowledge of geotechnical engineering gained in other courses, incorporate concepts acquired in other engineering courses and apply them to the design of underground structures.

Syllabus

Types of tunnels and underground structures. Geotechnical characterization: soil and rock mass description, field and laboratory testing methods applied to underground structures. Behaviour of underground structures. The importance of the equilibrium of the excavation head. Construction technologies. Design methods: empirical and numerical methods. Lining types: primary and final. Prediction and numerical modeling of the behaviour of underground and retaining structures. Importance of construction phasing. Construction of cut- and-cover tunnels and bored tunnels. Ground improvement applied to tunnels. Instrumentation, monitoring and application of the observational method. Case studies.

Prerequisites

Attendance of the CU Modelling of Geotechnical Structures

Cross Competence Component

The CU allows the development of transversal competences on Critical Thinking, namely strategic thinking and problem solving approaches, within the practical works and oral presentations; Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills (oral, organizational and teamwork, self-discipline, perseverance, self-motivation skills - within the practical works and oral presentations); and Information and Media Literacy (ability to locate and access information, as well as to analyze and evaluate media content - within the practical works and oral presentations). The assessment percentage associated with these competences should be around 20%.

Ethical Principles

All members of a group are responsible for the group's work. In any assessment, every students shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used. In an oral assessment, every students shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.