Course detail

Soil Mechanics

FAST-BFA103Acad. year: 2026/2027

The course is thematic split into the following areas:

  1. Introduction to Soil Mechanics

  2. Soil Behavior & Laboratory Testing – Description of soil behavior in relation to defining parameters and selecting appropriate laboratory tests for their determination. Soil parameters are explained within the context of index/physical, hydraulic, mechanical, and technological properties (i.e., 1. classification and description; 2. effect of water in soil; 3. response of soil under compression and shear loading; 4. soil compactibility). Laboratory testing focuses on defining boundary conditions and procedures for conducting tests to determine physical/index, hydraulic, deformation, and strength properties for structural design. Practical laboratory sessions include performing selected types of tests.

  3. Stability Analysis – Shallow foundations and slope stability.

  4. Earth Pressure

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

5

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. Ing. Lumír Miča, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Geotechnics (GTN)

Entry knowledge

Prerequisites: Knowledge from the courses Geology, Engineering Geological Investigation, and Structural Mechanics 1, 2 is required.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Credit: processing of individual tasks during the semester

Exam: written examples, theory + oral exam

Aims

Professional Knowledge:

Upon completion of the course, students will understand soil behavior under loading (loading/unloading) and shear stress, while also mastering the principles of conducting laboratory testing.

Professional Skills:

Students will be able to determine soil parameters and specify the appropriate test methods for their measurement. They will be capable of applying this knowledge to selected stability problems and earth pressure calculations.

Professional Competencies:

Students will be able to apply these skills and knowledge within the context of geotechnical design.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

MIČA, Lumír, Boštík, Jiří. Elektronické učební texty z Mechaniky zemin, Brno, VUT FAST Brno, 2021 (pdf) (CS)
VANÍČEK, Ivan. Geomechanika 10. Mechanika zemin, Praha, Vydavatelství ČVUT, 2000, ISBN 80-01-01437-1 (CS)

Recommended reading

BUDHU, Muni. Soil mechanics and foundations, USA, Wiley, 2011,  ISBN 978-0-470-55684-9 (EN)
MENCL, Vojtěch. Mechanika zemin a skalních hornin, Praha, Academia, 1966, ISBN 978-800-7234-739-1 (CS)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme akr_BPC-SIS Bachelor's

    specialization C_K , 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory
    specialization E_V , 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory
    specialization D_M , 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory
    specialization E , 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory
    specialization S , 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory
    specialization F_:E_akr , 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory
    specialization B_S_akr , 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory

  • Programme BPC-SIS Bachelor's

    specialization K , 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory
    specialization E , 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory
    specialization S , 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory
    specialization M , 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory
    specialization V , 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory
    specialization _F_:E_akr , 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory
    specialization _B_S_akr , 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Lumír Miča, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Introduction to Soil Mechanics.

2. Soil Description and Index Properties (laboratory testing and practical applications).

3. Index Properties and Water in Soil (theory and laboratory testing).

4. Geostatic Stress and Stress Due to Applied Loads.

5. Soil Response to Loading and Unloading (theory, laboratory testing, and practical applications).

6. Consolidation (theory, laboratory testing, and practical applications).

7. - 9. Shear Strength of Soil (Theory, Laboratory Testing).

10. Stability Analysis (theory and practical applications related to soil strength).

11. - 12. Earth Pressure – Theory, Practical Applications Related to Soil Strength.

13. Soil Compaction.

Exercise

26 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Lumír Miča, Ph.D.

Syllabus

  1. Course Project Specification & Project Assignment.
  2. Construction of Engineering Geological / Geotechnical Cross-Section.
  3. Laboratory Session I – Determination of Particle Size Distribution and Atterberg Limits.
  4. Evaluation of Index and Physical Properties.
  5. Calculation of Geostatic Stress and Stress Due to Applied Loads.
  6. Determination of Compressibility Parameters and Settlement Calculation.
  7. Determination of Consolidation Coefficient and Consolidation Calculation.
  8. Laboratory Session II – Direct Shear Box Test (Sand) / Oedometer Test.
  9. Evaluation of Triaxial Testing (Unconfined Compression, CIU/CU with Pore Pressure Measurement) for Clay.
  10. Slope Stability Analysis.
  11. Computer Applications in Deformation and Stability Problems in Soil Mechanics.
  12. Earth Pressure Calculations.
  13. Final Evaluation of Course Project and Course Credit Assessment.

Individual preparation for an ending of the course

48 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Lumír Miča, Ph.D.

Syllabus

The primary instructional approach is verbal, consisting of lectures, interactive Q&A, and discussions. This is complemented by visual and demonstrative methods, including videos and experiments.

Teaching aids primarily include a combination of PowerPoint presentations and blackboard demonstrations. The course also incorporates simple physical models (experiments) alongside video sequences related to the topics discussed (e.g., footage of landslide events). Standard audio-visual equipment (PC, digital projector, overhead projector) is used for instruction.

In seminar sessions, computer software will also be utilized to a certain extent to automate and visualize problem-solving tasks. Students will be introduced to laboratory equipment and will perform hands-on exercises using these apparatuses.

Self-study

30 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Lumír Miča, Ph.D.

Syllabus

Part-time (distance learning) students attend lectures and individual consultations with the instructor at two-week intervals. Instructors are also available for online consultations via digital communication tools (MS Teams, Zoom, email). Study materials are accessible to students through the department’s web database and the faculty e-learning platform (Moodle).