Delta Geotechnics

Geotechnical Engineering in delta areas, in the Netherlands and worldwide, must face challenges associated to soft, and possibly unstable, soils. Such challenges must inevitably be tackled at different levels, i.e., from fundamental understanding and simulation of deltaic soil behaviour, to their in-situ characterisation for geotechnical design. More specifically, the module covers the design, monitoring and assessment of geotechnical structures. It addresses the mechanics of deltaic soils, the interaction between soil layers and the geotechnical structure, and the impact of geotechnical structures on other structures in an urban environment. Applications include the design of geotechnical structural elements (e.g., tunnel lining, soil reinforcement).

This module includes three units, namely Geotechnical Design, Site Investigation and Monitoring, and Mechanics of Deltaic Soils.

The learning line on Monitoring and Data Science is included through the analysis of conventional and innovative geotechnical monitoring, and the evaluation of data from site investigation and physical modelling (Site Investigation en Monitoring).

Parts of this module follow the learning line on Ethics by considering ethical aspects in geo-risk management. In the Site Investigation and Monitoring unit, students will gain understanding into approaches used to reduce risk in geotechnical engineering. Ethical aspects associated with human factors and risk communication in geo-engineering will be also covered.