The course is taught almost entirely on campus, through lectures and calculation workshops. The exercise component is assessed through group assignments in the form of written calculation reports. The course concludes with a written examination. Attendance is not mandatory, but is in practice necessary to follow the course effectively and to work together with your group during the workshops.
AF2609 Foundation Engineering 7.5 credits
The course provides advanced knowledge in the design of geotechnical structures using analytical methods and builds on introductory courses in geotechnical engineering. The course specifically covers the design of deep mixing, pile foundations, sheet pile walls and other retaining structures, as well as foundations on rock.
Figure: Drilling for pile installation for the construction of the U building on KTH campus (photo: William Bjureland).
Information per course offering
Choose semester and course offering to see current information and more about the course, such as course syllabus, study period, and application information.
Course syllabus as PDF
Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.
Course syllabus AF2609 (Autumn 2026–)Headings with content from the Course syllabus AF2609 (Autumn 2026–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )
Content and learning outcomes
Course disposition
Course contents
- Geotechnical investigations
- Ground improvement, with focus on dry deep mixing
- Piling
- Retaining walls with focus on sheet pile walls
- Foundations on rock
- Soil reinforcement
Intended learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the student shall be able to:
- Design ground improvement with focus on deep mixing,
- Design pile foundations,
- Design sheet pile walls,
- Evaluate bearing capacity for foundations on rock,
- Write a geotechnical design report.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Documented knowledge in soil mechanics or foundation engineering. And structural mechanics, structural engineering in at least total 12 ECTS points corresponding to the content in courses AF1601 or AE1106 and AF1005.
Eng B/6 according to the Swedish upper secondary school system.
Literature
You can find information about course literature either in the course memo for the course offering or in the course room in Canvas.
Examination and completion
Grading scale
A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Examination
- ÖVN1 - Exercise, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
- TEN1 - Examin, 4.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, 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.
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Examiner
Ethical approach
- 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.
Further information
Course room in Canvas
Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.
Offered by
Main field of study
The Built Environment
Education cycle
Second cycle