Numerical Methods in Geotechnics

Code:

EC0120

Acronym:

MNGE

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Geotechnics

Instance: 2010/2011 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Geotechnics Division
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Civil Engineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MIEC	15	Syllabus since 2006/2007	5	-	5	52,5	133

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

Introduction to the application of the Finite Element Method to the analysis of geotechnical problems.
The presentation of the theoretical fundamentals of finite element method is complemented with a didactic program in order to solve geotechnical problems.

Program

Numerical methods and their importance in Geotechnical Engineering; General aspects of finite element methods; application fields; formulation; Finite element methods in mechanical problems; plans and three dimensional; beam elements; joint elements; finite elements; Finite element methods in material problems and/or geometrically non-linear; analysis of total or effective stress; state of initial stress; constructive phasing; staging; excavations; landfill; constitutive laws; applications; Finite element methods in seepage problems; formulation of potential and current function; confined and unconfined seepage; applications; Finite element methods in consolidation problems; applications.

Mandatory literature

Ibánez de Navarra, Eugenio Onate; Calculo de estructuras por el metodo de elementos finitos
Zienkiewicz, O. C.; The finite element method. ISBN: 0750650494 (v. 1)

Teaching methods and learning activities

The theoretical presentation of the themes of the program is complemented with problem solving using didactic and commercial finite element methods programs.

Software

Phase2
Geo-Slope Office
Plane
Mef1D
Quasar

keywords

Technological sciences > Engineering > Civil engineering > Geotechnics
Technological sciences > Engineering > Simulation engineering

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Eligibility for exams

Students have to reach a passing grade in the continuous assessment.
Continuous Assessment will have the following weights:
- Students’ assignments during classes (75%)
- Attendance to theoretical classes (25%)

Calculation formula of final grade

Final Grade will be based on the following components:
- Students’ assignments during classes (75%)
- Attendance to theoretical classes (25%)

Examinations or Special Assignments

Students have to do three or four individual or group assignments. The themes have to be chosen based on a list defined by the professor.
Each group can be composed by a maximum of three students, however, the ideal number of students is two.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

According to General Evaluation Rules of FEUP
SPECIAL RULES FOR MOBILITY STUDENTS:
Proficiency in Portuguese and/or English;
Previous attendance of introductory graduate courses in the scientific field addressed in this module;
Evaluation by exam and/or coursework(s) defined in accordance with student profile.

Classification improvement

According to General Evaluation Rules of FEUP

Observations

SPECIAL RULES FOR MOBILITY STUDENTS: Classes will be given in Portuguese; Main bibliography is in Portuguese, English and Spanish.
Students should understand the Portuguese and English languages.
When writing their assignments, students can use the following languages: English, French, Spanish and Italian.
Estimated time of work out of classes: 3 hours per week