College: Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences

This specialization focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of underground infrastructure such as tunnels and subways. Students develop skills in geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, and construction management. Graduates are prepared for careers in civil engineering, construction, and infrastructure development.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the basics of tunnels and underground structures.
• Develop skills in geotechnical and structural engineering, and construction management.
• Learn techniques for designing, constructing, and maintaining underground infrastructure.
• Explore principles of underground excavation, soil mechanics, and rock mechanics.
• Analyze geotechnical data and structural performance metrics.
• Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and engineering skills.

Major Syllabus:

1. Introduction to Tunnels and Underground Structures - An overview of underground infrastructure and construction methods.
2. Geotechnical Engineering - Principles of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and foundation engineering.
3. Structural Engineering for Underground Structures - Load analysis, structural design, and material selection for underground structures.
4. Underground Drilling Techniques - Methods of tunneling, drilling, blasting, and mechanical excavation.
5. Construction Management - Project planning, scheduling, cost estimation, and quality control.
6. Environmental Impact and Sustainability - Environmental assessments, mitigation strategies, and sustainable practices.
7. Safety and Risk Management - Hazard identification, risk assessment, and safety planning.
8. Practical/Hands-On Training - Practical experiences in civil engineering firms or construction companies.
9. Graduation Project - A comprehensive project applying skills in geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, or construction management.

Assessment Methods:

• Includes geotechnical engineering analyses, structural engineering designs, drilling plans, construction management projects, environmental impact studies, safety plans, training reports, graduation projects, group projects, and presentations.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Tunnels and Underground Structures" by various authors.
• "Geotechnical Engineering" by various authors.
• "Structural Engineering for Underground Structures" by various authors.
• "Underground Drilling Techniques" by various authors.
• "Construction Management" by various authors.
• "Environmental Impact and Sustainability" by various authors.
• "Safety and Risk Management" by various authors.

Prerequisites:

A strong foundation in mathematics and physics, and an interest in civil engineering.

Duration of the Specialization:

Typically 4 years to obtain a bachelor's degree. Advanced degrees may take an additional one or two years.

Certification:

Graduates can obtain certifications from organizations such as the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

Target Audience:

Aspiring civil engineers, construction managers, geotechnical engineers, and professionals seeking careers in infrastructure development. This specialization equips students with the skills necessary to excel in tunnels and underground structures, supporting careers in designing, constructing, and maintaining underground infrastructure.