Subject Datasheet
Completion requirements
Subject Datasheet
Download PDFI. Subject Specification
1. Basic Data
1.1 Title
Soil Mechanics
1.2 Code
BMEEOGMBSFC002-00
1.3 Type
Module with associated contact hours
1.4 Contact hours
| Type | Hours/week / (days) |
| Lecture | 2 |
| Seminar | 2 |
1.5 Evaluation
Exam
1.6 Credits
4
1.7 Coordinator
| name | Dr. Mahler András |
| academic rank | Associate professor |
| mahler.andras@emk.bme.hu |
1.8 Department
Department of Engineering Geology and Geotechnics
1.9 Website
1.10 Language of instruction
hungarian
1.11 Curriculum requirements
Compulsory in the Civil Engineering (BSc) programme
1.12 Prerequisites
Erős követelmény: Statika ; Erős követelmény: Geológia
1.13 Effective date
1 September 2025
2. Objectives and learning outcomes
2.1 Objectives
The objective of the course is for students to master the fundamental elements of geotechnics; to understand the origin of soils, the types of soil exploration and soil samples, the composition of soils (volume ratios of components), their classification (grain size distribution curve, consistency limits). Additionally, students should be able to calculate the stresses in soils (static case and seepage case), the flow of groundwater under gravitational forces (Darcy's law, coefficient of permeability), as well as understand the relationships of soil compression (causes and types of compression, primary consolidation, secondary compression) and the shear strength of soils (Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion, determination of shear strength parameters).
2.2 Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject, the student:
A. Knowledge
Understands the phase composition of soils,
Understands soil identification methods and the related laboratory tests,
Understands the fundamental relationships of seepage in soils,
Understands the deformation characteristics of soils,
Understands the shear strength parameters of soils.
B. Skills
Able to evaluate basic geotechnical laboratory tests,
Able to identify soils based on laboratory results,
Able to solve simpler one-dimensional water flow problems,
Able to calculate soil compression in simpler cases,
Able to determine the shear strength parameters of soils.
C. Attitudes
Cooperates with the instructor in expanding knowledge, Continuously enhances knowledge through ongoing learning, Strives for accurate and error-free problem-solving.
D. Autonomy and Responsibility
Independently carries out the analysis and solution of geotechnical tasks and problems, Applies a systematic approach in their thinking.
2.3 Methods
Lectures, calculation and laboratory exercises, written communication.
2.4 Course outline
1. Phase composition of soils
2. Volume and mass relationships
3. Identification tests and methods for granular soils
4. Identification tests and methods for cohesive soils
5. Determination of vertical stresses in soils, static case
6. Fundamental relationships of seepage in soils.
7. Determination of vertical stresses in soils, seepage case
8. Laboratory determination of the coefficient of permeability for soils
9. Deformation characteristics of soils
10. Time-dependent compression of soils, theory of primary consolidation
11. Laboratory investigation of deformation characteristics of soils
12. Shear strength of soils, Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion
13. Laboratory determination of shear strength parameters of soils
14. Summary and review
The above programme is tentative and subject to changes due to calendar variations and other reasons specific to the actual semester. Consult the effective detailed course schedule of the course on the subject website.
The above programme is tentative and subject to changes due to calendar variations and other reasons specific to the actual semester. Consult the effective detailed course schedule of the course on the subject website.
2.5 Study materials
a) Braja M. Das Principles of Geotechnical Engineering
b) Downloadable Materials Electronic Lecture Notes: Presentation Slides.
2.6 Other information
0
2.7 Consultation
Consultation Hours: As specified on the department's website, or
By prior arrangement via email; email: mahler.andras@emk.bme.hu
This Subject Datasheet is valid for:
2025/2026 semester II
II. Subject requirements
Assessment and evaluation of the learning outcomes
3.1 General rules
The assessment of the learning outcomes specified in point 2.2 is based on two midterm tests and one final exam.
3.2 Assessment methods
| Assessment Name (Type) | Code | Assessed Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Midterm; | ZH1; | A.1-A.2; B.1-B.2; C.3; D.1-D.2 |
| 2. Midterm; | ZH2; | A.3-A.5; B.3-B.5; C.3; D.1-D.2 |
| Final Exam | V | A.1-A.5; B.1-B.5; C.1-C.3; D.1-D.2 |
The dates of deadlines of assignments/homework can be found in the detailed course schedule on the subject’s website.
3.3 Evaluation system
| Code | Weight |
|---|---|
| ZH1; | 20% |
| ZH2; | 30% |
| V | 50% |
| Total | 100% |
3.4 Requirements and validity of signature
Passing the midterms
3.5 Grading system
| Grade | Score (P) |
|---|---|
| excellent (5) | 80≤P |
| good (4) | 70≤P<80% |
| satisfactory (3) | 60≤P<70% |
| pass (2) | 50≤P<60% |
| fail (1) | P<50% |
3.6 Retake and repeat
Second retake – subject to payment of the fee specified in the regulations – is only possible for a maximum of 1 midterm test in total.
3.7 Estimated workload
| Activity | Hours/Semester |
|---|---|
| Participation in contact hours; | 14 × 4 = 56; |
| Preparation for exercises during the semester; | 14 × 2 = 28; |
| Preparation for performance assessments; | 3 × 6 = 18; |
| Independent study of assigned written materials | 18 |
3.8 Effective date
1 September 2025
This Subject Datasheet is valid for:
2025/2026 semester II