Hydrology and Geotechnical Techniques for Construction Teaching Lab

Lab Objectives

• Study the interaction between rainfall and soil o Analyse water infiltration in different soil types. o Assess the ability of soils to resist erosion during intense rainfall events. o Understand the influence of vegetation cover and slope on soil loss.
• Observe fundamental hydrological phenomena o Simulate controlled rainfall in the lab to study surface runoff. o Detect evapotranspiration, drainage and water balance phenomena under different crop conditions. o Determine the relationship between rainfall intensity, soil absorption capacity and erosion risk.
• Develop experimental and analytical skills o Use lysimeters and rainfall simulators to collect quantitative and qualitative data. o Interpret changes in weight and volume linked to the soil water balance. o Compare the data collected with theoretical models of infiltration and erosion.

Educational Aims

• Consolidate theoretical knowledge of hydrology and environmental science through practical experiments.
• Teach scientific observation and the use of teaching instruments to study the water cycle and soil erosion.
• Develop technical and lab skills in simulating rainfall events and monitoring hydrological processes.
• Promote critical reasoning and the experimental method, from designing the test to collecting and interpreting data.
• Link teaching to real applications such as land management, prevention of hydrogeological instability and the design of drainage and irrigation systems.

Conclusion

By the end of the lab activities, students will have: 1. Understood the dynamics of infiltration, runoff and erosion according to soil type and vegetation. 2. Acquired practical skills in using rainfall simulators and lysimeters to analyse the water balance. 3. Developed an experimental and analytical approach to studying hydrological and environmental phenomena. 4. Gained an applied perspective useful for sustainable land management, erosion prevention and the design of agricultural and hydrological systems. This lab provides a bridge between theory and application, allowing students to observe natural phenomena directly on a controlled scale and develop concrete scientific skills. This solution includes technology systems that support inclusion and equal opportunities through the use of innovative teaching methods. It is designed to promote active and collaborative learning.