Numerical Models in Geotechnical Engineering (250820) – Course 2025/26 PDF
Syllabus
Learning Objectives
To conceive soils and rocks as porous media governed by Solid and Fluid Mechanics. To characterize the geological environment and its interaction with civil works. To interpret laboratory tests and field observations so as to identify the mechanisms responsible for soil response. To propose testing programmes. To formulate and implement Finite Element and Finite Differences numerical models with the objective to analyze the processes that govern ground response, to interpret field information and to predict soil response. To analyze, discriminate and integrate geological and geotechnical information in studies and projects. To analyze, from the perspective of an expert, cases of failure in Geotechnical Engineering. To report the evidences, identify the mechanisms responsible for the failure and verify using back- analysis models.Eventually provide solutions to risk reduction. (Specific competence of the specialization in Geotechnical Engineering). To use, in a discriminate manner, commercial software for numerical calculations in order to design and eventually monitor geotechnical structures. (Specific competence of the specialization in Geotechnical Engineering). * To apply advanced concepts in continuum media and material mechanics to soils and rocks. * To use advanced behaviour laws to model the stress-deformation response of soils and rocks. * To differentiate the response of laboratory reconstituted soils from that of natural soils. * To correctly interprete the response of the latter. * To use laws of behaviour that include the effect of environmental variables. * To use in a discriminated manner calculation software to model geotechnical engineering problems. - Introduction. Finite element method. - Soil constitutive models. - Special problems and boundary conditions. Effective stress. Excavations. Embankments construction. Natural slopes. - Rock mechanics problems. - Structure and use of a Finite Element program.
Total hours of student work
| Hours | Percentage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supervised Learning | Large group | 25.5h | 56.67 % | |
| Medium group | 9.8h | 21.67 % | ||
| Laboratory classes | 9.8h | 21.67 % | ||
| Self Study | 80h | |||
Teaching Methodology
The course consists of 3 hours/week of classes in a small group. Approximately, 2 hours/week correspond to theoretical classes and the rest to practical classes involving examples developed on a computer. Additional material is also provided on the website ATENEA, including the material used in the class as well. Although most of the sessions will be given in the language indicated, sessions supported by other occasional guest experts may be held in other languages.
Grading Rules
The evaluation calendar and grading rules will be approved before the start of the course.
Final exam of the subject at the end of the semester. Additional examination after at least a week for students who do not pass the initial exam.
Test Rules
Exams consist of several short questions to answer in the sheets provided. Books, class-notes, etc. are not allowed. Typical duration: 2 hours,
Office Hours
Class days before or after class. Agreed hours.
Bibliography
Basic
- Potts, D.M., Zdravkovic, L. Finite element analysis in geotechnical engineering. London: Thomas Telford, 1999-2001. ISBN 0727727532.
- Zienkiewicz, O.C.; Morgan. K. Finite elements and approximation. Mineola, NY: Dover, 1983. ISBN 9780486453019.
Complementary
- Profesores asignatura. Material Adicional disponible en Atenea.