Bachelor of Engineering in Geotechnical Engineering

• Background

The recent concerns for energy and the environment have led to increased activity in the field of Geotechnical Engineering. The practice of Geotechnical Engineering requires a knowledge of geology, soil and rock mechanics, and experience. Geotechnical Engineering at  IST BURKINAFASO focuses on soil mechanics, which concerns the engineering behavior of soil and its application to the design and performance of earth and earth-supported structures. These studies involve the measurement of stress-strain, strength and permeability properties of soil and the development of theories based on these measured properties to predict the response of structures to static and dynamic loading. Environmental Geotechnics emphasizes the geotechnical and environmental aspects of contaminant management, by considering the characteristics of contaminants and the problems encountered in designing and constructing facilities to manage or contain them. Although geotechnical engineers involved in waste management issues must be increasingly aware of the inter-disciplinary nature of their undertakings, an understanding of soil behavior, waste characteristics and contaminant-soil interaction is a basic building block for more specialized studies.

Geotechnical engineers apply scientific principles and engineering methods for developing civil engineering infrastructure on the surface and within the ground including prediction, mitigation and prevention of geological hazards. The major in geotechnical engineering is unique in Burkina Faso and designed to meet the demands of mining companies, geotechnical consultations and construction managers, who look for graduates with a qualification in geotechnical engineering. The courses offered as part of this major will extend fundamental knowledge of the geotechnics of soils and rock to explore more complex processes, such as those associated with tunnels, mining operations, dams, roads, underground structures and waste management facilities.

• Justification

Combined with our graduate program, students will be equipped with the background knowledge and training to analyze, design, and construct structures, and to provide solutions to problems in geotechnical engineering and environmental geotechnics.

• The targeted group includes holders of:

-Advanced Level Certificate of Education;
-Diplomas in Engineering and other related Science and Technology fields;
-Degrees  in the Physical Sciences.

• General Objectives

Graduate study in geotechnical engineering at IST BURKINAFASO emphasizes the integration of the principles of soil mechanics and the art of foundation and earth structure engineering. Theory is prominent, but it is constantly and critically re-evaluated with respect to its limitations and applicability to the practice of good geotechnical engineering.

• Specific Objectives

The geotechnical engineering program provides background knowledge and training to prepare students to analyze, design, and construct structures, and to provide solutions to problems in geotechnical engineering and environmental geotechnics. The subjects include engineering behavior of soil and rock, geomechanics, foundations, earth support structures, dams, tunnels, slope stability, geotechnical earthquake engineering and soil dynamics, site improvement, geosynthetics, groundwater, pollutant transport, chemical behavior of soil, and waste disposal facilities. Laboratory experiments and computer analyses/modeling are incorporated.

Duration of the Programme: 4 years   and one Year for advanced Diploma student