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.

Aase Reyes

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

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge:

The student:

• has advanced knowledge about the simulation and analysis of concrete and metal structures.
• has knowledge about basic theory of elasticity and plasticity.
• has knowledge about material models used in FEA.
• has in-depth knowledge of the non-linear behaviour of structural materials.
• understands how to quantify uncertainties in load and material descriptions.

Skills:

The student is capable of:

• modelling and simulating components and structures with non-linear behaviour, and evaluating the results.
• selecting appropriate analysis and material models, and carrying out structural analyses for determining internal forces and moments, stresses, strains, and displacements with a satisfactory degree of accuracy.
• choosing appropriate material models and material properties to solve the problem in question.
• determining the parameters of mathematical models for materials from laboratory experiments or from the literature.
• describing the difference between linear and non-linear structural analysis.
• explaining the theoretical basis for linear and non-linear geometry and material behaviour.

General competence:

The student is capable of:

• using FEM software in practical structural analyses.
• assessing approaches to and limitations in linear and non-linear analyses.
• using scholarly reports and articles to gain an overview of the latest developments in research in the field of non-linear analysis of structures.

The teaching consists of lectures, 3-4 exercises (written assignments or computer-based assignments) and project work. The exercises are linked to the topics taught. The project assignment is to be carried out in groups of 1-3 students and concerns FE-analysis of a structure. The report forms part of the assessment for the grade awarded for the course. Detailed guidelines for the project assignment will be published in Canvas.

If lectures are delivered online, they may be recorded, and the recordings will be made available to students on Canvas.

Four individual assignments, three of which must be approved before the student can take the exam. Students who fail to meet the coursework requirements can be given up to one re-submission opportunity before the exam.

Type of assessment:

1) Individual written exam under supervision (three hours), weighted 60 %.

2) Project report prepared in groups of 1-3 students, approx. 20-30 pages, weighted 40 %.

The exam can be appealed.

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

In the event of a resit or rescheduled exam, oral examination may be used instead. If oral exams are used for resit and rescheduled exams, the result cannot be appealed.

Assessment parts:

1) Written Exam: All printed and written aids and a calculator that cannot be used to communicate with others. Excel will be avaliable during the exam.

2) Project Report: All aids are permitted.

Grade scale A-F.

1) and 2): one internal examiner.

External examiners are used regularly