MABY5440 Geotechnical Models and Simulations Emneplan

Numerical method based on finite element method (FEM) plays an important role in geotechnical analysis and design for consultants. The course focuses on application of soil models in numerical simulation tools (e.g. PLAXIS or GeoSuite). It covers the topics regarding soil physical and mechanical behaviours, elastic-plasticity theory, some frequently used soil models and their parameters. It starts with continuum mechanics and simple soil models based on Tresca and Coulomb criteria. The focus is then on understanding the hardening rule which correlates shear hardening with soil volumetric change and the introduction of 'Critical State Soil Mechanics'. The ideas of FEM and its mathematical basis are also included in this course. Students can be capable of using these soil models to solve geotechnical problems under numerical tools at the end of course.

Graded scale A-F

After completing this course, the student will gain the following knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

Students have in-depth knowledge of:

• general mechanical behaviours of different soil types based on previous laboratory test results
• elastic-plasticity theory and stress-strain relationships
• concept of critical state and critical state soil mechanics
• soil models used in numerical simulation tools and their limitations
• Mathematical and theoretical basis of finite element method

Skills

Students can:

• capture key soil behaviours and interpret important soil parameters to be used for numerical simulation
• understand soil elastic-plasticity and critical state soil mechanics
• derive the simple constitutive equation to describe soil stress-strain behaviours
• modify / develop simple numerical work based on soil models to simulate soil elementary test
• use numerical tool (e.g. PLAXIS or GeoSuite) to solve the boundary value problem in geotechnical design

General competence

Students:

• deepen the understanding of soil mechanical behaviours and can use mathematics to simply describe it
• have good overview of typical soil models and can choose proper model to simulate soil behaviours

can use numerical tools (e.g. PLAXIS or GeoSuite) to perform numerical analysis with the selection of good parameter inputs, right boundary condition setting and result validation

Lectures, exercises and projects

Infrastructure systems are complex systems of links and nodes designed to facilitate human activity such as the movements of people and goods, and water and wastewater. Asset management is used to ensure the condition and performance of the infrastructure throughout its lifecycle to ensure the system’s efficiency, resilience and sustainability. Technology and smart infrastructure are increasingly utilized within asset management for condition monitoring, performance prediction, and selection of treatment alternatives related to operations, maintenance, and replacement. This course allows students to integrate and apply engineering skills to consider the use of smart infrastructure within infrastructure asset management in a problem-based learning context.

Knowledge

The candidate should have knowledge of:

• asset management and how it is currently applied within infrastructure systems
• impacts of digitalization on operations and maintenance of infrastructure systems, including the use of Big Data
• smart infrastructure system components

Skills

The candidate is able to:

• understand a simplified asset management plan, including risk assessment
• describe technological solutions for smart operations/management and maintenance of road and rail infrastructure, and how they can be applied to improve the sustainability and resiliency of infrastructure.
• use and manage simple datasets within infrastructure operations/management and maintenance

Competencies

The candidate can:

• consider a holistic view of the life-cycle of infrastructure and the role of asset management within it
• understand the potential and challenges when transitioning to smart operations of management systems
• work within a team to develop and define a project objective and scope, apply critical thinking skills within an open-ended task, manage workload over the course of the project, and present results in a professional environment.

The following required coursework must be approved before a student can take the exam:

1.The students must complete two intermediate progress presentations associated with the project work (thus in groups or as individuals as decided by their decision of how to work within the project). The presentations will be ca. 15-20 minutes with added time for discussion. Further information about the progress presentations will be given within the project assignment.

2. The students must have individual reflection notes (approx. 4-5 pages per note) approved and linked to 80 % of the total guest lectures. Guest lectures will be clearly identified as such. Students who fail to meet this coursework requirements can be given up to one opportunity to resubmit reflection notes before the exam.

The assessment consists of three parts:

1. Project work - written report of up to 40 pages, which counts 40 %
2. Project work - oral presentation, which counts 20%
3. Individual oral exam, which counts 40 %

Project work in parts 1 and 2 is done in groups with a maximum of 3 students. Students may also choose to work individually.

All assessment parts must be awarded a pass grade (E or better) in order for the student to pass the course.

Assessment parts 1) can be appealed, parts 2) and 3) cannot be appealed

All documents and devices must be approved by the teacher.