INTRODUCTION
This course focuses on the practical aspects of the finite element method (FEM). Over 200 similar courses have been given throughout the USA and at many other locations around the world.
The course is meant for professionals from consulting and contracting companies, public work bodies and universities, who are interested in applying advanced tools to practical geotechnical engineering. Experts will give presentations on finite element modeling aspects as well as engineering applications, such as staged construction and stability, excavations, tunnels, foundations and embankments. The course consists of a balanced mixture of presentations and hands-on computer analyses using the user-friendly PLAXIS programs.
FORMAT
Each day consists of a morning and an afternoon session. Each session deals with a specific topic and starts with a general presentation, followed by an introduction to the practical application and a handson computer exercise. At the end of each day, extra time is reserved to complete exercises and to discuss the computational results.
The specific topics of the presentations are:
• Elasticity theory (Hooke’s law)
• Plasticity theory (the Mohr-Coulomb criterion)
• Parameter selection
• Non-linear computations
• Excavations
• Undrained behavior & consolidation
• Dams and embankments
SUBJECT MATTER
The main subject of the course is the practical application
of the finite element method (FEM) for stress,
deformation and stability in geotechnical engineering
and design. The course concentrates on the following
issues: Modeling complex soil conditions, analyzing
deformations due to phased construction and excavation,
obtaining input data and model parameters from
soil investigation, interpreting computational results.
The course provides the necessary background information
for a proper use of the finite element method
in geotechnical engineering applications.
INTRODUCTION DAY MONDAY, 10 APRIL 2017
• Introduction to PLAXIS 2D
• Footing on Elastic and Elastoplastic Soil
(exercise)
• Structural elements in PLAXIS
• Warehouse Foundation (exercise)
• Meshing and initial stresses
• Tied-back excavation with M-C model (exercise)
• Modeling groundwater in PLAXIS
• Construction of an embankment (exercise)
TUESDAY 11 APRIL, 2017
• Mohr-Coulomb and soil stiffness
• Hardening Soil model and parameters
• Introduction to SoilTest
• Parameter determination from triaxial test
(exercise)
• Non-linear analysis
• Parameter determination from SPT and CPT
• Parameter determination from oedometer test
(exercise)
WEDNESDAY 12 APRIL, 2017
• FE in Geotechnical Engineering
• Excavations
• Modeling excavations in PLAXIS
• Modeling groundwater flow
• Excavation and dewatering (exercise)
• Undrained soil behavior
• Factors of Safety in PLAXIS
• Undrained Excavation (exercise)
THURSDAY 13 APRIL, 2017
• Dams and embankments
• Consolidation
• Geometry and mesh selection
• Boston Embankment with HS model (exercise)
• Master Case (exercise)
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