On 10 March 1997, a landslide stripped away 100 metres of the railway line in Jelvika south of Steinkjer. Attributed to the engine driver Ola Hofstad being able to stop the train in time, the catastrophic consequences were avoided and few Norwegians remember the incident. But what caused the landslide? And why does it often happen in Nepal? How can engineers reduce the risks attached to natural disasters?

Geotechnics and Geohazards (geo-related natural disasters) is a two-year long Master’s degree programme taught in English at NTNU. The programme aims to provide technical-scientific insight into phenomena connected with landslides and avalanches.

- Why do they occur?

- Where is it dangerous to build, where is it safe, and when?

- How may we evaluate the stability of a slope above the settlement, be it in Norway or in Las Colinas in El Salvador?

Internationally, challenges within and the consequences of geohazards are even bigger than they are in Norway. Analysis of the problems and the need for satisfying answers require qualifications within several subjects:

• geology

• hydrogeology

• geotechnics

• mechanics

• numeric modelling

• risk analyses

• earthquakes.

The entire set of problems must be seen from an interdisciplinary perspective which includes a number of disciplines.

Geotechnics and Geohazards is an MSc programme closely related to the building and construction programme, but it provides the opportunity for specialization within Geotechnics and Geohazards. Geotechnics is the study of how we may build safely on, in or of soil. Numerous challenges exist and they are often related to the optimal exploration of limited areas in and close to cities and densely populated areas. Deep excavations and creative subsoil solutions in city centres could for instance free space on the surface and create an oasis in a busy city. Laying the foundation for large bridges and high-rise blocks on soft subsoil is another giant challenge. With a good theoretical and practical basis, you may help us face these challenges.

The following brochure is to give you a printout possibility of the main information of the programme. We are happy to send you printed color copies of this on your demand. Contact marit.skjak-brak@ntnu.no with your wishes.

• Brochure for study programme Geotechnics & Geohazards (pdf 431 kB)