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Modelling in Geotechnics
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:10:37
Objective
Aspects of both physical and numerical modelling in geotechnical engineering Leading to an appreciation of the typical mechanisms pertaining Insight into resulting design methods
Content
Principles of modelling: Centrifuge (physics, scaling laws, errors), numerical (finite elements, finite difference) Experimental methods: Geotechnical (sand/clay model making, site investigation), mechanical (packages, actuators), electronic (data acquisition) Numerical methods: Finite element, finite difference Typical geotechnical problems: Review of mechanisms observed, comparison with numerical or classical plasticity methods, implications for design From:- Foundations (shallow and deep), bridge abutments, reinforced soils, soil nailing & anchorages, tunnels & deep excavations, earthquake effects, dynamic problems, environmental geomechanics, transport processes, dams, embankments & slopes, cold regions engineering
Resources
Lecture Notes
Handout notesExample worksheets
Literature
- Taylor, R.N. (Ed): Geotechnical centrifuge technology, Blackie Academic & Professional, 1995 - Craig, W.H.; James, R.G.; Schofield, A.N. (Eds): Centrifuges in soil mechanics, Balkema, 1988 - Britto, A.M.; Gunn, M.: Finite elements with critical state soil mechanics, Ellis Horwood, 1987
General Information
- Language
- English
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Modelling in Geotechnics |
|
2 h weekly |