AF160V Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering 7.5 credits

• Basic characteristics 
• Laboratory methods
• Effective stress concept 
• Shear strength 
• Consolidation
• Lateral earth pressure
• Bearing capacity
• Slope stability
• Risk management and dimensioning principles

After completion of course the students should be able to:

- Define and use the basic concepts of Soil Mechanics, e.g. total and effective stress, pore water pressure, shear strength, elastic- and oedometer modulus

- Calculate the initial vertical stresses in a stratum and calculate the additional stresses from loading and from this analyze the oedometer process.

- Given a problem, chose proper soil mechanical model for the design of a construction.

- Analyze and design shallow foundations with respect to settlements and stability.

- Analyze and specify maximum allowed excavation depth and maximum slope inclination with respect to stability, hydraulic failure, and heave.

- Analyze, design and value embankments and slopes with respect to stability.

- Calculate the lateral earth pressures acting on earth retaining walls and sheet pile walls according to Rankine theory.

- Explain the principles for geotechnical risk management of the safety of geotechnical constructions.

- Execute and report a geotechnical routine- and CRS test on clay soil sample.

- Write a geotechnical design memorandum.

Given realistic problems, you will be exercised in modelling and solving problems, alone and as a member of a group. Your writing skills will be exercised from continuous feedback given on all written assignments. Corresponding English terminology will be presented during lecture and in literature.

General entry requirements and 30 university credits (hp) in Mathematics/Statistics and 5 hp in Geology, Geotechnical Engineering or Geosciences.  

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

• TENA - Examination, 4.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• ÖVNA - Exercises, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Written examination (TENA, 4,5 cr)

Exercises and laboratory work (ÖVNA, 3,0 cr)       

The written examination settles the grade of the course

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