Numerical Methods in Geotechnics

Code:

MMSEG1104

Acronym:

MNG

Instance: 2004/2005 - 1T

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Civil and Georesources Engineering
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering.

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MMSEG	5	Oficial 2000	1	1,5	5	-
PMSEG	12	Oficial2004	1	1,5	5	-

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

Introduction to the application of the Finite Element Method to the analysis of geotechnical problems. The presentation of the theoretical foundations of FEM is complemented with the use of a number of didactic FE programs for solution of various geotechnical problems.

Program

Numerical methods and their importance in Geotechnical Engineering. Main features of the finite element method; fields of application; formulations. FEM in mechanical problems. Bar, planar and three dimensional elements. Beam elements. Joint elements. Infinite elements. FEM in materially and/or geometrically nonlinear problems. Geotechnical considerations; drained and undrained analyses; initial stress; construction stages; excavations; fills; constitutive models; applications. FEM in seepage problems; potential and stream function formulations; confined and unconfined seepage; steady state and transient seepage; applications. FEM in consolidation problems; applications.

Mandatory literature

Ibánez de Navarra, Eugenio Onate; Calculo de estructuras por el metodo de elementos finitos
Potts, D. M., Zdravkovic, L.; Finite Element Analysis in Geotechnical Engineering, Thomas Telford, 1999

Complementary Bibliography

Zienkiewicz, O. C.; The finite element method. ISBN: 0-07-084174-8(vol.1)
Hughes, Thomas J. R.; The finite element method. ISBN: 0-13-317017-9

Teaching methods and learning activities

The presentation of the theory is complemented with the solution of problems using didactic FE programs.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam