Program Overview

Program Details

The program in question is Pohjarakenteiden suunnittelu (AVOIN YO), which translates to "Foundation Structure Design" in English.

Program Overview

This 5-credit course is part of the continuous learning offerings at the University of Oulu, specifically under the category of Avoin yliopisto-opetus, or open university studies. It is scheduled to take place from January 7, 2025, to February 27, 2026, with a registration period from November 19, 2025, to December 18, 2025.

Course Content

The course covers key concepts such as Eurocodes, excavations, supported excavations, retaining structures, steel structures for retaining walls, piles, and geopolymers. It aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of foundation structure design, including theoretical knowledge and practical skills in calculating and designing different types of foundations and retaining walls.

Learning Objectives

Upon completing the course, students are expected to:

• Understand Eurocodes from the perspective of foundation structures
• Know the factors affecting excavation safety and the selection of excavation types
• Be familiar with the process of designing retaining walls and the factors influencing their design
• Be able to manually calculate the design of a singly supported retaining wall using the limit equilibrium method
• Calculate the hydraulic failure of the bottom of an excavation using traditional calculation formulas
• Understand the design process of steel structures for retaining walls and their special features
• Know the types of piles used in Finland, their modes of action, and design limit states
• Be aware of the long-term durability of foundation structures and how to consider it in design
• Understand how geopolymers can be utilized in foundation construction

Teaching Methods

The course combines contact teaching (30 hours) with independent study (105 hours). Contact sessions include lectures and guidance on exercises, with an option for remote participation in lectures, although these will not be recorded.

Assessment

The course assessment includes a written final exam, return assignments, and a group project. The grading scale is from 1 to 5, with a fail grade also possible.

Instructor and Organization

The course is taught by Minna M鄢i-Asiala and is part of the University of Oulu's offerings in the field of Technology, specifically under the subject of Rakennus- ja yhdyskuntatekniikka (Building and Community Engineering).

Target Audience and Prerequisites

The course is designed for those interested in foundation structure design, with prerequisites including basic knowledge of geotechnology, foundation construction, soil mechanics, and structural design principles.

Tuition Fee

The course has a tuition fee of 100 euros.

Location and Schedule

The course takes place in Oulu, with lectures and exercise sessions scheduled during period 3 of the spring semester. While remote participation in lectures is possible, attendance at exercise guidance sessions on the Linnanmaa campus is required.