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AT-301
Arctic Infrastructures in a Changing Climate (10 ECTS)
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Course period: |
Autumn (August – September), annually. Next course starts: 23.08.12 |
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Language of instruction: |
English |
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Credit reduction/overlap: |
10 ECTS with AT-801 |
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Grade: |
Letter grade (A through F) |
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Course materials: |
Books: Andersland O. B. and B. Ladanyi (2004): "Frozen Ground Engineering". McClung D. and P. Schaerer (2006): "The Avalanche Handbook". Arctic Council report (2005): "Arctic Climate Impact Assessment ACIA" (Ch. 16). Jones Ch. L., J. R. Higgins and R. D. Andrew (2000): "Colorado Rockfall Simulation Program, version 4.0". Norwegian Public Road administration: Handbook 174 (1994): "Snow Engineering for Roads" |
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Course responsible: |
Jan Otto Larsen |
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Course costs: |
None |
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Required previous knowledge/specific course requirements:
Enrolment in a relevant Master's degree program. Knowledge in mathematics and physics at Master level.
Learning outcome:
Through lectures and field trips students will be introduced to weather related geological processes and geotechnical aspects connected to planning, design and protection of infrastructures as buildings, roads, bridges and pipelines in a changing Arctic climate.
- Knowledge about the impact of climate change on infrastructures in the Arctic, and how to solve this expected issue.
- The influence of climate change on Natural disasters as snow avalanches and slides in rock and soils.
- Knowledge about how to take natural hazards into consideration in areal planning.
- How to protect infrastructures as buildings, roads, pipelines etc. against snow avalanches and slides.
- Design of buildings and roads in snow drift areas
Academic content:
Due to the fact that the climate is changing with higher expected temperatures, higher precipitation and probably higher storm activity, infrastructures have to be designed for this new climate scenario. Settlements in the vicinity of steep slopes will be exposed to increasing risk for slope failures, slides in soil and rock, slush and snow avalanches. The course will focus on recognizing terrain exposed to avalanches and slides, and how to plan the location of infrastructures to avoid natural disasters.
Teaching methods and activities:
The course extends over 5 weeks in combination with AT-801.
Total lecture and seminar hours: 40 hours.
Fieldwork: 3 days.
Fieldwork will consist of registration of different foundation methods used in the Arctic environment and describe structure failures due to lack of maintenance and a warmer climate. Lectures and seminar with experience from domestic and international projects will be presented and discussed. Students will be given assignments and have to write reports.
Compulsory assignment:
Students are required to participate in seminars and fieldwork.
Assessment:
| Method |
Time |
Percentage of final grade |
| Assignments |
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20 % |
| Written field report |
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10 % |
| Written report on personal chosen subject |
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20 % |
| Written exam |
4 hours |
50 % |
All assessments must be fulfilled in order to receive a final grade.
Application deadline: 15. April 2012.
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