A thorough and intensive study of the differential characteristics of soils and rocks, in relation to soil behavior, bearing capacity or strength"

The program is academically designed to provide in-depth knowledge, starting from advanced concepts already acquired in the world of Civil Engineering and from a practical application point of view, to the most important geotechnical aspects that can be found in different types of civil engineering works.

The content ranges from the specific behavior of soils and rocks, with a constant differentiation of both types of terrain throughout all the topics, to their direct application in foundations and structures.

The program, divided into 10 modules, has a syllabus that mixes some of these modules that have more applied theory (such as those related to soil behavior models, the necessary requirements for a good identification of soils and rocks or the interaction of the soil with seismic disturbances), with others that have an emphasis on practical analysis. The knowledge acquired on the behavior of the soil and its stress-strain states in this first part is applied to the usual structures of Geotechnical Engineering: slopes, walls, screens, tunnels, etc.

Geotechnical engineering and its application in foundations and structures is present in many civil engineering projects and works. This path, which goes from compaction and seismic considerations in linear works to the execution of tunnels and galleries, is the one that is carried out with the case studies addressed in each of the topics. It is a priority to ensure that these case studies are current and relevant. This allows for an original and application-oriented analysis of the theoretical concepts developed throughout the course.

Therefore, the Master's Degree in Geotechnical and Foundation Engineering integrates the most complete and innovative educational program on the current market in terms of knowledge and the latest available technologies, in addition to encompassing all sectors or parties involved in this field. In addition, the program consists of exercises based on real cases of situations currently managed or previously faced by the teaching team.

All this, through a 100% online program that allows the student to take the course wherever and whenever they want. All they will need is a device with internet access, and they will be able to access a universe of knowledge that will be the main basis for engineers to position themselves in a sector that is increasingly demanded by companies in various industries.

An intensive study of the contents and techniques of Geotechnical Engineering and their application to foundations and structures"

This Master's Degree in Geotechnical and Foundation Engineering contains the most complete and up-to-date program on the market. Its most notable features are:

• Practical cases presented by experts in Civil Engineering and Geotechnics
• The graphic, schematic, and practical contents with which they are created, provide scientific and practical information on the disciplines that are essential for professional practice
• Practical exercises where the self-assessment process can be carried out to improve learning
• Special emphasis on innovative methodologies
• Theoretical lessons, questions to the expert, debate forums on controversial topics, and individual reflection assignments
• Content that is accessible from any fixed or portable device with an Internet connection

Acquire the working skills required to develop the initial site survey and valuations that are essential for the creation of adequate and safe structures"

The program’s teaching staff includes professionals from the sector who contribute their work experience to this program, as well as renowned specialists from leading societies and prestigious universities.

Its multimedia content, developed with the latest educational technology, will provide the professional with situated and contextual learning, i.e., a simulated environment that will provide immersive education programmed to learn in real situations.

This program is designed around Problem-Based Learning, whereby the professional must try to solve the different professional practice situations that arise during the academic year. For this purpose, the professional will be assisted by an innovative interactive video system created by renowned and experienced experts with extensive experience.  

A 100% online refresher program that will allow you to balance your studies with the rest of your daily activities"

Make the most of the opportunity and take the step to get up to date on the latest developments in Geotechnical and Foundation Engineering"

The syllabus has been built based on the intensive and high-impact specialization requirements of this program. Through a complete course, which incorporates all the fields of work in which geotechnical analysis intervenes, the student will develop his theoretical and practical knowledge, achieving a professional and personal growth that will allow you to intervene in this field of work with the confidence of an expert.

A high-impact syllabus, focused on the complete acquisition of knowledge, incorporating both theoretical knowledge and practical skills"

Module 1. Soil and Rock Behavior

1.1. Fundamental Principles and Magnitudes

1.1.1. Ground as a Three-Phase System
1.1.2. Types of Stress States
1.1.3. Constitutive Quantities and Relationships

1.2. Semi-Saturated Soils

1.2.1. Soil Compaction
1.2.2. Water in Porous Environment
1.2.3. Stress in Soil
1.2.4. Behavior of Water in Soil and Rocks

1.3. Behavior Models in Soils

1.3.1. Constitutive Models
1.3.2. Non-Linear Elastic Models 
1.3.3. Elastoplastic Models
1.3.4. Basic Formulation of Critical State Models

1.4. Soil Dynamics

1.4.1. Behavior after Vibrations    
1.4.2. Soil-Structure Interaction    
1.4.3. Soil Effect on Structures    
1.4.4. Behavior in Soil Dynamics

1.5. Expansive Soils

1.5.1. Saturation Processes Swelling and Collapse
1.5.2. Collapsible Soils 
1.5.3. Soil Behavior under Swelling

1.6. Rock Mechanics

1.6.1. Mechanical Properties of Rocks
1.6.2. Mechanical Properties of Discontinuities
1.6.3. Applications of Rock Mechanics

1.7. Characterization of the Rock Massif

1.7.1. Characterization of the Properties of Massifs    
1.7.2. Deformity Properties of Massifs    
1.7.3. Post-Breakage Characterization of the Massif 

1.8. Rock Dynamics

1.8.1. Crust Dynamics
1.8.2. Rock Elasticity-Plasticity
1.8.3. Rock Elasticity Constants

1.9. Discontinuities and Instabilities

1.9.1. Geomechanics of Discontinuities
1.9.2. Water in Discontinuities
1.9.3. Discontinuity Families

1.10. Limit States and Loss of Equilibrium

1.10.1. Natural Stress in Terrain
1.10.2. Types of Breakages
1.10.3. Flat Break and Wedge Break

Module 2. Terrain Reconnaissance: Characterization and Auscultation

2.1. Geotechnical Study

2.1.1. Terrain Recognition
2.1.2. Content of the Geotechnical Study
2.1.3. On-Site Testing and Trials

2.2. Standards for the Execution of Tests

2.2.1. Comparison of International Standards
2.2.2. Results and Interactions 

2.3. Field Probes and Reconnaissance

2.3.1. Probes 
2.3.2. Static and Dynamic Penetration Tests
2.3.3. Permeability Tests

2.4. Identification Tests

2.4.1. Status Tests
2.4.2. Resistance Tests 
2.4.3. Expansivity and Aggressivity Tests 

2.5. Considerations Prior to Proposing Geotechnical Surveys

2.5.1. Perforation Program
2.5.2. Geotechnical Performance and Scheduling
2.5.3. Geological Factors 

2.6. Perforation Fluids

2.6.1. Variety of Perforation Fluids  
2.6.2. Fluid Characteristics: Viscosity
2.6.3. Additives and Applications

2.7. Geological-Geotechnical Testing, Geomechanical Stations

2.7.1. Test Typology
2.7.2. Determination of Geomechanical Stations
2.7.3. Characterization at Great Depth

2.8. Pumping Wells and Pumping Tests

2.8.1. Typology and Means Required
2.8.2. Test Planning
2.8.3. Interpretation of the Results 

2.9. Geophysical Investigation

2.9.1. Seismic Methods
2.9.2. Electric Methods
2.9.3. Interpretation and Results

2.10. Auscultation

2.10.1. Superficial and Firm Auscultation 
2.10.2. Auscultation of Movements, Stresses and Dynamics
2.10.3. Application of New Technologies in Auscultation

Module 3. Behavior of Water in the Terrain 

3.1. Partially Saturated Soils

3.1.1. Storage Function and Characteristic Curve
3.1.2. Condition and Properties of Semi-Saturated Soils
3.1.3. Characterization of Partially Saturated Soils in Modeling 

3.2. Effective and Total Pressure

3.2.1. Total, Neutral and Effective Pressure
3.2.2. Darcy’s Law in Terrain
3.2.3. Permeability

3.3. Drainage Incidence in Tests

3.3.1. Drained and Undrained Shear Tests
3.3.2. Drained and Undrained Consolidation Tests
3.3.3. Post-rupture Drainage

3.4. Soil Compaction

3.4.1. Principle Fundamentals in Compaction
3.4.2. Compaction Methods 
3.4.3. Tests, Trials and Results

3.5. Saturation Processes

3.5.1. Swelling
3.5.2. Suction
3.5.3. Liquefaction

3.6. Stresses in Saturated Soils

3.6.1. Tension Spaces in Saturated Soils
3.6.2. Evolution and Transformation in Stresses
3.6.3. Associated Displacements

3.7. Application to Roads and Plains

3.7.1. Compaction Values
3.7.2. Bearing Capacity of the Soil 
3.7.3. Specific Tests

3.8. Hydrogeology in Structures

3.8.1. Hydrogeology in Different Soil Types
3.8.2. Hydrogeology Model
3.8.3. Problems that Groundwater Can Cause

3.9. Compressibility and Preconsolidation

3.9.1. Compressibility in Soils
3.9.2. Preconsolidation Pressure Terms
3.9.3. Water Table Oscillations in Preconsolidation

3.10. Fluid Analysis

3.10.1. One-Dimensional Flow
3.10.2. Critical Hydraulic Gradient
3.10.3. Flow Modelling

Module 4. Seismicity Mechanics of the Continuous Medium and Constitutive Models Application to Soil and Rocks

4.1. Seismic Response of Soils

4.1.1. Seismic Effect in Soils
4.1.2. Non-Lineal Behavior in Soils 
4.1.3. Induced Effects Due to Seismic Action

4.2. Seismic Study in Regulations

4.2.1. Interaction Between International Standards
4.2.2. Comparison of Parameters and Validations 

4.3. Estimated Ground Motion under Seismic Conditions

4.3.1. Predominant Frequency in a Stratum
4.3.2. Jake's Thrust Theory
4.3.3. Nakamura Simulation

4.4. Earthquake Simulation and Modeling

4.4.1. Semiempirical Formulas 
4.4.2. Simulations in Finite Element Modeling
4.4.3. Result Analysis  

4.5. Seismicity in Foundations and Structures

4.5.1. Modulus of Elasticity in Earthquakes
4.5.2. Variation in the Stress-Strain Relationship 
4.5.3. Specific Rules for Piles

4.6. Seismicity in Excavations 

4.6.1. Influence of Earthquakes on Earth Pressure
4.6.2. Typologies of Equilibrium Losses in Earthquakes
4.6.3. Measures for Control and Improvement of Excavation in Earthquakes 

4.7. Site Studies and Seismic Hazard Calculations

4.7.1. General Criteria of Design
4.7.2. Seismic Danger in Structures
4.7.3. Special Seismic Construction Systems for Foundations and Structures 

4.8. Liquefaction in Saturated Granular Soils

4.8.1. Liquefaction Phenomenon
4.8.2. Reliability of Calculations Against Liquefaction
4.8.3. Evolution of Parameters in Liquefactive Soils 

4.9. Seismic Resilience in Soils and Rocks

4.9.1. Fragility Curves 
4.9.2. Seismic Risk Calculations
4.9.3. Estimation of Soil Resistance

4.10. Transmission of Other Types of Waves in the Field Sound Through Ground

4.10.1. Vibrations Present in the Ground
4.10.2. Transmission of Waves and Vibrations in Different Types of Soil
4.10.3. Disturbance Transmission Modeling

Module 5. Land Treatment and Improvement

5.1. Objectives Movements and Property Enhancement

5.1.1. Internal and Global Property Enhancement 
5.1.2. Practical Objectives
5.1.3. Improvement of Dynamic Behaviors

5.2. Improvement by High-Pressure Mixing Injection 

5.2.1. Typology of Soil Improvement by High-pressure Grouting
5.2.2. Characteristics of Jet-Grouting
5.2.3. Injection Pressures

5.3. Gravel Columns

5.3.1. Overall Use of Gravel Columns
5.3.2. Quantification of Land Property Improvements
5.3.3. Indications and Contraindications of Use 

5.4. Improvement by Impregnation and Chemical Injection 

5.4.1. Characteristics of Injections and Impregnation
5.4.2. Characteristics of Chemical Injections
5.4.3. Method Limitations

5.5. Freezing

5.5.1. Technical and Technological Aspects
5.5.2. Different Materials and Properties
5.5.3. Application and Limitation Fields

5.6. Preloading, Consolidations and Compactions  

5.6.1. Preloading
5.6.2. Drained Preloading
5.6.3. Control During Ejection

5.7. Improvement by Drainage and Pumping

5.7.1. Temporary Drainage and Pumping
5.7.2. Utilities and Quantitative Improvement of Properties
5.7.3. Behavior After Restitution 

5.8. Micropile Umbrellas 

5.8.1. Ejection and Limitations
5.8.2. Resistant Capacity
5.8.3. Micropile Screens and Grouting 

5.9. Comparison of Long-Term Results

5.9.1. Comparative Analysis of Land Treatment Methodologies
5.9.2. Treatments According to Their Practical Application
5.9.3. Combination of Treatments

5.10. Soil Decontamination

5.10.1. Physicochemical Processes
5.10.2. Biological Processes
5.10.3. Termical Processes

Module 6. Slope Analysis and Stability

6.1. Slope Stability and Calculations

6.1.1. Factors Affecting Slopes Stability 
6.1.2. Slope Foundation Stability 
6.1.3. Slope Body Stability 

6.2. Factors That Influence Stability

6.2.1. Geotechnical Stability
6.2.2. Conventional Slope Loads 
6.2.3. Accidental Slope Loads  

6.3. Ground Slopes

6.3.1. Stability in Ground Slopes 
6.3.2. Elements Influencing Stability 
6.3.3. Calculation Methods 

6.4. Rock Slopes

6.4.1. Stability in Rock Slopes 
6.4.2. Elements Influencing Stability 
6.4.3. Calculation Methods 

6.5. Foundation and Slope Base

6.5.1. Important Land Requirements 
6.5.2. Typology of Foundations 
6.5.3. Base Land Considerations and Improvements 

6.6. Breakages and Discontinuities

6.6.1. Typologies of Slope Instability 
6.6.2. Characteristic Detection of Stability Losses 
6.6.3. Short and Long-Term Stability Improvement 

6.7. Slope Protection 

6.7.1. Parameters That Influence Stability Improvement 
6.7.2. Short and Long-Term Slope Protection 
6.7.3. Temporal Validity of Each Type of Protection Element 

6.8. Slopes in Dams with Loose Material 

6.8.1. Particular Features of Slopes in Dams 
6.8.2. Slope Behavior Under Loose Materials Dam Loads 
6.8.3. Auscultation and Monitoring of Slope Evolution 

6.9. Dikes in Maritime Works

6.9.1. Particular Features of Slopes in Maritime Works 
6.9.2. Slope Behavior Under Maritime Works 
6.9.3. Auscultation and Monitoring of Slope Evolution 

6.10. Simulation and Comparative Software

6.10.1. Simulations for Slopes in Rock and Soil
6.10.2. Bidimensional Calculations 
6.10.3. Finite Element Modeling and Long-Term Calculations

Module 7. Superficial Foundations

7.1. Footings and Foundation Slabs

7.1.1. Most Common Types of Footings 
7.1.2. Rigid and Flexible Footings  
7.1.3. Large Shallow Foundations 

7.2. Design Criteria and Regulations

7.2.1. Factors that Affect Footing Design 
7.2.2. Elements Included in International Foundation Regulations  
7.2.3. General Comparison Between Normative Criteria for Shallow Foundations 

7.3. Actions Carried Out on Foundations

7.3.1. Actions in Buildings 
7.3.2. Actions in Retaining Structures
7.3.3. Terrain Actions 

7.4. Foundation Stability

7.4.1. Bearing Capacity of the Soil 
7.4.2. Sliding Stability of the Footing 
7.4.3. Tipping Stability

7.5. Ground Friction and Adhesion Enhancement 

7.5.1. Soil Characteristics Influencing Soil-Structure Friction 
7.5.2. Soil-Structure Friction According to the Foundation Material 
7.5.3. Soil-Citation Friction Improvement Methodologies 

7.6. Foundation Repairs Underlay

7.6.1. Need for Foundation Repair 
7.6.2. Types of Repairs
7.6.3. Underlay Foundations 

7.7. Displacement in Foundation Elements

7.7.1. Displacement Limitation in Shallow Foundations 
7.7.2. Consideration of Displacement in the Calculation of Shallow Foundations 
7.7.3. Estimated Calculations in the Short Term And in the Long Term  

7.8. Comparative Relative Costs

7.8.1. Estimated Value of Foundation Costs 
7.8.2. Comparison According to Superficial Foundations 
7.8.3. Estimation of Repair Costs 

7.9. Alternative Methods Foundation Pits 

7.9.1. Semi-deep Superficial Foundations  
7.9.2. Calculation and Use of Pit Foundations 
7.9.3. Limitations and Uncertainties About the Methodology 

7.10. Types of Faults in Superficial Foundations

7.10.1. Classic Breakages and Capacity Loss in Superficial Foundations 
7.10.2. Ultimate Resistance in Superficial Foundations 
7.10.3. Overall Capacities and Safety Coefficients

Module 8. Deep Foundations

8.1. Piles: Calculation and Dimensioning

8.1.1. Types of Piles and Their Application to Each Structure 
8.1.2. Limitations of Piles Used as Foundations 
8.1.3. Pile Calculation as Elements of Deep Foundations

8.2. Alternative Deep Foundations

8.2.1. Other Types of Deep Foundations 
8.2.2. Particularities of Pile Alternatives 
8.2.3. Specific Works that Require Alternative Foundations 

8.3. Pile Groups And Pile Caps

8.3.1. Limitations of Piles Used as Individual Elements 
8.3.2. Pile Caps of Pile Groups 
8.3.3. Limitations of Pile Groups and Interactions Between Piles 

8.4. Negative Friction

8.4.1. Fundamental Principles and Influence 
8.4.2. Consequences of Negative Friction 
8.4.3. Calculation and Mitigation of Negative Friction 

8.5. Maximum Capacity and Structural Limitations

8.5.1. Individual Structural Topping of Piles 
8.5.2. Maximum Capacity of Pile Groups 
8.5.3. Interaction with Other Structures 

8.6. Faults in Deep Foundations 

8.6.1. Structural Instability in Deep Foundations 
8.6.2. Bearing Capacity of the Terrain 
8.6.3. Maximum Ground Capacity

8.7. Deep Foundation Repairs 

8.7.1. Interventions on Ground
8.7.2. Interventions on Foundations
8.7.3. Unconventional Systems

8.8. Pile-Piles in Large Structures 

8.8.1. Special Needs in Special Foundations 
8.8.2. Mixed-Pile Piles: Types and Uses 
8.8.3. Mixed Foundations in Special Structures 

8.9. Sonic Continuity and Auscultation Checks

8.9.1. Pre-Execution Inspections 
8.9.2. Checking the Condition of the Casting: Sonic Checks 
8.9.3. Auscultation of Foundations During Service 

8.10. Dimension Software for Foundations

8.10.1. Individual Pile Simulations
8.10.2. Modeling of Pile Caps and Structural Assemblies 
8.10.3. Finite Element Methods in the Modeling of Deep Foundations

Module 9. Retaining Structures: Walls and Screens

9.1. Ground Thrusts

9.1.1. Ground Thrusts Present in Retention Structures
9.1.2. Impact of Surface Loads on Thrusts
9.1.3. Modeling of Seismic Loads in Retaining Structures 

9.2. Pressure Modulus and Ballast Coefficients

9.2.1. Determination of Geological Properties Influencing within Retaining Structures 
9.2.2. Spring Type Models of Simulation in Retention Structures
9.2.3. Pressure Modulus and Ballast Coefficient as Elements of Soil Resistance  

9.3. Walls: Types and Foundations

9.3.1. Types of Walls and Behavior Differences 
9.3.2. Particularities of Each Type With Regard to Calculation and Limitation 
9.3.3. Factors That Affect Inside the Foundation of the Walls 

9.4. Continuous Sheet Piles, Sheet Piling and Pile Screens

9.4.1. Basic Differences in the Application of Each of the Screen Types 
9.4.2. Individual Characteristics in Each Type 
9.4.3. Structural Limitations of Each Type

9.5. Design and Pile Calculations

9.5.1. Sheet Piles
9.5.2. Sheet Pile Use Limitations
9.5.3. Planning, Performance and Execution Details 

9.6. Design and Continuous Sheet Calculations 

9.6.1. Continuous Sheets
9.6.2. Limitation of the Use of Continuous Sheets
9.6.3. Planning, Performance and Execution Details 

9.7. Anchoring and Bracing

9.7.1. Movement-Limiting Elements in Retaining Structures 
9.7.2. Types of Anchoring and Limiting Elements 
9.7.3. Control of Injections and Injection Materials 

9.8. Ground Movements in Containment Structures  

9.8.1. Stiffness of Each Type of Retaining Structure 
9.8.2. Movement Limitations in the Ground 
9.8.3. Empirical and Finite Element Computational Methods for Motions 

9.9.  Decrease of Hydrostatic Pressure

9.9.1. Hydrostatic Loads in Retaining Structures 
9.9.2. Behavior of Retention Structures According to Long-Term Hydrostatic Pressure 
9.9.3. Drainage and Waterproofing of Structures 

9.10. Reliability in the Calculation of Retaining Structures

9.10.1. Statistical Calculation in Retaining Structures
9.10.2. Safety Coefficients for the Design Criterion
9.10.3. Types of Faults in Retaining Structures

Module 10. Tunnel and Mining Engineering

10.1. Excavation Methods

10.1.1. Application of Methodologies According to Geology
10.1.2. Excavation Methodologies According to Length
10.1.3. Construction Risks of Tunnel Excavation Methodologies 

10.2. Tunnels in Rock-Tunnels in Soil

10.2.1. Basic Differences in Tunnel Excavation According to Terrain 
10.2.2. Problems in the Excavation of Tunnels in Soil 
10.2.3. Problems Encountered in the Excavation of Rock Tunnels

10.3. Tunnels with Conventional Methods 

10.3.1. Conventional Excavation Methodologies
10.3.2. Excavation Ability of Terrain 
10.3.3. Yields According to Methodology and Geotechnical Characteristics 

10.4. Tunnels with Mechanical Methods (TBM)

10.4.1. Types of TBM
10.4.2. Tunnel Supports in Tunnels Excavated With TBM 
10.4.3. Yields According to Methodology and Geomechanical Characteristics 

10.5. Microtunnels

10.5.1. Range of Use of Microtunnels
10.5.2. Methodologies According to the Objectives and Geology 
10.5.3. Coatings and Limitations of Microtunnels 

10.6. Support and Coatings

10.6.1. General Support Calculation Methodology 
10.6.2. Sizing of Final Coatings 
10.6.3. Long-Term Behavior of Coatings

10.7. Wells, Galleries and Connections 

10.7.1. Well and Gallery Sizing
10.7.2. Connections and Provisional Breakages of Tunnels 
10.7.3. Auxiliary Elements in the Excavation of Shafts, Galleries and Connections

10.8. Mining Engineering

10.8.1. Particular Characteristics of Mining Engineering 
10.8.2. Particular Types of Excavation
10.8.3. Particular Planning for Mining Excavations 

10.9. Ground Movements Seating

10.9.1. Movement Stages in Tunnel Excavations 
10.9.2. Semiempirical Methods for the Determination of Tunnel Seating 
10.9.3. Finite Element Calculation Methodologies 

10.10. Seismic and Hydrostatic Loads in Tunnels

10.10.1. Influence of Hydraulic Loads in Support Coatings 
10.10.2. Long-Term Hydrostatic Loads in Tunnels 
10.10.3. Seismic Modeling and its Impact on Tunnel Design

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