COURSES

Content

Basic soil mechanics

• Soil classification and physical characteristics: Grain size distribution and classification of soils; Relative density and plastic behaviour of soils 
• In situ soil investigation: Borings, mechanical tests and geophysical investigation
• Stresses in the soil: Total stress, water pressure and effective stress
• Mechanical characteristics of the soil:Compressiblity and consolidation; Shear resistance

Offshore foundations

• Foundation type overview (piles, gravity base foundations, suction caissons, anchors)
• Forces on various foundation types due to wind, waves and current
• Basics of offshore foundation design and installation calculations
• Design aspects of quay walls lecturer-in-charge
• Geotechnical aspects of cable and pipeline routing

Dredging and land reclamation

• Overview of dredging equipment and basic working principles
• Selection of borrow areas for dredging projects
• Land reclamation techniques
• Ground improvement for dredged landfills

Learning outcomes

1. Understanding of the composition and stress state of soils and the connection ith soil mechanical behaviour.
2. Knowledge of site investigation techniques and laboratory tests for strength and stiffness determination of soils.
3. Ability to derive strength and stiffness parameters for common soil types based on different data sources.
4. Knowledge of different (offshore) foundation types, the forces acting on them and the calculation methods used for design and installation. 
5. Understanding of the risks to offshore cables and pipelines and the geotechnical processes during burial operations.
6. Knowledge of the different types of dredging vessels and their operating principles.
7. Understanding of how land is reclaimed and made ready for economic activity through soil improvement. 
8. Ability to perform calculations for land reclamation (slope stability, settlement calculation, ground improvement calculations)

Teaching methods

Seminar, Lecture, Independent work

Assessment

Assessment moments: end-of-term assessment

Examination methods in case of end-of-term assessment during the first examination period: Oral assessment

Examination methods in case of end-of-term assessment during the second examination period: Oral assessment

Possibilities of retake in case of end-of-term assessment: examination during the second examination period is possible

Extra information on the examination methods: 

Calculation of final mark: Oral exam accounts for 100% of the final grade

Stuyts, Bruno: Lecturer-in-Charge 

Course dates

This course takes place in the second semester of academic year 2026-2027: 

• Educational activities: 08/02 - 15/05 
• Easter recess: 29/03 – 10/04 
• Catch-up activities: 17/05 – 22/05 
• Examination period: 24/05 – 03/07 
• Resit examination period: 16/08 – 18/09

There will be one (online) lecture per week from February 8, 2027, to May 15, 2027. This will take place on Thursday from 14:00 to 17:00 (CET). Lectures will be recorded.

Entry requirements: Background in (applied) sciences with knowledge of basic mechanics (forces, stresses, displacements, rotations, velocities, accelerations) and bachelor’s math.

How to apply

1. Check whether you meet the entry requirements listed above. You cannot apply if you don’t meet the entry requirements.
2. Check with your home faculty or study programme to confirm whether this course can be included in your curriculum, so the ECTS credits will be recognized. If you are unsure who to contact, reach out to your home university’s ENLIGHT office (contact details below). 
3. Apply by completing the Ghent University form (link will follow) by January 18th. 
4. Register at Ghent University. Registration instructions will follow after application. 

Information per university

• University of the Basque Country: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   
• University of Bern: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., see application instructions for students at the University of Bern  
• University of Bordeaux: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.     
• Comenius University Bratislava: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , see application instructions for students at the Comenius University Bratislava 
• University of Galway: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.    
• University of Groningen: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., see information about BIPs and application form  
• University of Göttingen: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (for BIP’s) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (other courses)  
• University of Tartu: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., see information about BIP’s and virtual courses  
• Uppsala University: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., see application instructions for students at Uppsala University 
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For information regarding the procedure to take part in this course: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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