geotechnical

Explore the programs and courses offered by geotechnical

Browse Programs Admission Information

Program Overview

The Master's program in Geotechnical Engineering aims to train highly skilled engineers and researchers in the fields of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, foundation engineering, and geotechnical structures. The program focuses on studying the behavior of soils and rocks under engineering loads, analyzing the stability of geotechnical structures, and designing appropriate solutions for soil-related problems in engineering projects.

Training Objectives

  • Deepen theoretical and practical knowledge in soil and rock mechanics.
  • Master numerical modeling tools in geotechnical analysis.
  • Develop the ability to design foundations, retaining walls, and underground structures.
  • Prepare students for scientific research or work in engineering offices, public works companies, and consulting agencies.

Main Training Areas

  • Advanced soil mechanics
  • Rock mechanics and its applications
  • Seismic geotechnics and slope stability
  • Design of shallow and deep foundations
  • Geotechnical investigations, field and laboratory tests
  • Injection and reinforcement techniques
  • Numerical modeling using software such as PLAXIS and FLAC

Career Prospects

Graduates holding a Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering can work in:

  • Geotechnical and engineering study offices
  • Large construction companies and contractors
  • Research institutions and higher education
  • Technical departments of the public sector (public works, housing, water resources, etc.)


Teaching Language : French

Curriculum Highlights

Core Courses

First Semester (S1)

  1. Advanced Soil Mechanics
  • Study of the mechanical behavior of soil under different loads, stress analysis, stress-strain laws in soils, shear resistance criteria.
  1. Rock Mechanics
  • Rock properties, classification of rock masses, behavior under loading, applications in tunnels and rock structures.
  1. Geotechnical Investigation
  • Drilling techniques, field and laboratory soil tests, preparation of geotechnical reports, determination of layer properties.

Second Semester (S2)

  1. Foundation Design
  • Shallow and deep foundations, bearing capacity, settlement calculation, groundwater effects, special foundation cases.
  1. Seismic Soil Behavior
  • Effects of earthquakes on soils and structures, soil liquefaction, dynamic response analysis.
  1. Slope Stability Analysis
  • Analytical methods (manual and numerical), slope and earthen structure stability, treatment and stabilization techniques.

Third Semester (S3)

  1. Soil Improvement
  • Injection techniques, mechanical and chemical treatment, stone columns, geosynthetic reinforcement.
  1. Geotechnical Design for Special Structures
  • Analysis and design of complex geotechnical structures: tunnels, anchored walls, dams, reservoirs, special bridges.
  1. Deep Foundations and Underground Structures
  • Piles, retaining walls, deep excavations, excavation effects on neighboring structures.

These core units are supplemented by methodological units (such as numerical modeling and statistics) and horizontal units (language, information technology, research techniques...) in addition to the final year project (PFE) in the fourth semester.


Advanced Topics

  1. Non-linear Behavior of Soils and Rocks
  • Non-linear stress-strain analysis
  • Constitutive models such as modified Mohr-Coulomb, Hardening Soil, Cam-Clay
  1. Advanced Numerical Modeling in Geotechnics
  • Using software such as PLAXIS 3D, FLAC, or GeoStudio
  • Soil-structure interaction simulations
  • Dynamic stability analysis of slopes
  1. Settlement and Liquefaction
  • Study of soil liquefaction under earthquakes
  • Laboratory testing and numerical modeling
  • Liquefaction design criteria
  1. Foundation Design in Weak or Expansive Soils
  • Differential settlement issues
  • Soil improvement before construction
  • Engineering solutions for foundations in expansive clay
  1. Soil and Geotechnical Structure Reinforcement Techniques
  • Injection, geogrids, sand/stone columns
  • Use of Geosynthetics in soil and foundation reinforcement
  • Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Walls
  1. Environmental Geotechnical Engineering
  • Site contamination isolation
  • Control of leakage in hydraulic structures
  • Interaction of contaminants with different types of soil
  1. Geotechnics of Tunnels and Underground Structures
  • Behavior of soil surrounding excavations
  • Tunnel support (lining)
  • Modern excavation techniques (TBM, NATM)
  1. Geotechnical Hazards and Natural Disasters
  • Soil slips, earthquakes, landslides
  • Risk analysis and disaster management in geotechnical engineering
  • Use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for hazard assessment
  1. Seismic Response of Geotechnical Structures
  • Dynamic analysis of sites and structures
  • Earthquake-resistant foundation design
  • Seismic isolation techniques for structures
  1. Advanced Applied and Field Projects (PFE)
  • Real-case analysis of a large geotechnical project (dam, tunnel, skyscraper foundations, etc.)
  • Application of investigation, modeling, and field analysis techniques
  • Partnership with design offices or construction companies


View Full Curriculum

Admissions Information

Admission Requirements

Admission to this program is based on the following criteria:

  1. Possession of a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent in one of the following fields:
  • Civil Engineering
  • Geotechnical Engineering
  • Public Works
  • Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering
  • Soil or Rock Mechanics (or closely related fields)
  1. Overall ranking of the student in their Bachelor's degree and the number of related credits obtained in geotechnical subjects.
  2. File review (Sélection sur dossier) by the Master's training committee, according to the approved criteria (graduation average, relevance of previous training, grades in core subjects, etc.).
  3. Oral interview may be organized with candidates if necessary, especially in cases of equal qualifications or differing previous training.

Number of Available Positions

  • The number of available pedagogical positions is determined annually based on:
  • Available supervision capacity
  • Pedagogical seats
  • Local and national demand for this specialization

Target Audience

  • Graduates from the University of Jijel or other Algerian universities in the mentioned fields.
  • Professionals wishing to enhance their skills in geotechnical engineering (in case of continuous education later).


Apply Now