2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses School of Environment and Society Undergraduate major in Civil and Environmental Engineering
Geotechnical Engineering in Practice
- Academic unit or major
- Undergraduate major in Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Instructor(s)
- Chiaki Oguchi / Akihiro Takahashi / Mai Sawada
- Class Format
- Lecture
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - Class
- -
- Course Code
- CVE.C311
- Number of credits
- 200
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 4Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 5, 2026
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
The ground is formed through various geosphere processes, such as geological and geomorphological processes, and consists of materials that exhibit diverse properties distinct from those of other engineering materials. Moreover, because most structures on Earth are constructed either on or within the ground, which is composed of complex stratified layers, site-specific geological and geomorphological conditions provide essential information for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of civil engineering structures. This course introduces site investigation methods for obtaining information on subsurface conditions and ground properties, as well as construction techniques for various geotechnical structures based on investigation results. These topics are discussed through specific case studies from the perspectives of soil mechanics and engineering geology.
Course description and aims
Students will acquire knowledge of the geological and geomorphological information required for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of civil engineering structures that closely interact with the ground, as well as site investigation methods for obtaining such information and the fundamental principles of engineering geology essential for interpreting the results. In addition, students will develop a deeper understanding of construction techniques for various geotechnical structures based on site investigation results, along with disaster prevention and mitigation measures and geo-environmental engineering technologies.
Keywords
geosphere system, applied engineering geology, topographical map, geological map, geotechnical investigations and construction, tunneling, disaster prevention facilities, dams, mass movement
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
Lectures will be delivered on knowledge and technologies related to the field, and a short quiz will be administered at the end of each class. In addition, site visits related to geology and construction will be organized, enabling students to learn about the relationship between theory and practice.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Introduction: Necessity of geological information in civil engineering projects |
Understanding the importance of geological information in civil engineering projects |
| Class 2 | Geosphere system: geological and geomorphological processes |
Understanding of geological and geomorphological processes within the Earth system |
| Class 3 | Minerals and rocks |
Understanding of the relationship between mineral composition and rock texture in determining rock types, together with the weathering and alteration processes |
| Class 4 | Application of topological maps and its interpretation |
- Understanding geomorphological processes by interpretation of topographical maps |
| Class 5 | Geological structure and application of geological map |
Understanding various features of geological structures, interpretation and application of geological maps for engineering purposes |
| Class 6 | Geological and geotechnical risks and mass movement |
Learning ground and rock mass classifications and mass movement, and their importance in civil engineering |
| Class 7 | Geotechnical investigations and foundation construction |
Understanding various types of foundations and geological requirements |
| Class 8 | Dams, embankments and slope stability |
Understanding dam construction methods and investigation/reinforcement methods for improving slope stability |
| Class 9 | Excavation and tunnelling |
Understanding investigation and construction methods for excavation and tunnelling |
| Class 10 | Earthquake disaster prevention technology |
Understanding investigation methods for earthquake disaster prevention and countermeasures |
| Class 11 | Field excursion and observation |
Practical study using topographic and geological maps, aimed at developing an understanding of geological phenomena |
| Class 12 | Site visit |
Visiting a construction site |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
Nothing
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Handouts will be uploaded to LMS or distributed in the class.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Short tests at the end of each class (50%),
Reports (50%)
Related courses
- CVE.C201 ： Soil Mechanics I
- CVE.C202 ： Soil Mechanics II
- CVE.C401 ： Mechanics of Geomaterials
- CVE.C402 ： Stability Problems in Geotechnical Engineering
- CVE.C432 ： Rock Engineering
- CVE.C431 ： Physical Modeling in Geotechnics
Prerequisites
Students are expected to have knowledge of earth science, particularly geomorphology and geology.
A basic understanding of soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering is preferred.
An interest in infrastructure development and disaster prevention and mitigation is encouraged.