Geotechnical Modelling
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| CIVE4115 | Civil Engineering | 4 | 20 | Autumn Malaysia |
- Code
- CIVE4115
- School
- Civil Engineering
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn Malaysia
Summary
This course (module) will reinforce and advance some of the principles of soil mechanics previously learnt, and describe the principles of Critical State Soil Mechanics (CSSM), a model used to predict the behaviour of soils. The course will include revision of previous concepts, shear box and triaxial tests data analysis, critical state line, elasticity and plasticity, development of an elasto-plastic soil model, and constitutive model application in numerical simulations. Students will learn about and conduct their own triaxial tests on soil samples within the laboratory such that they can obtain constitutive model parameters for the soil. Students will learn to use a finite element method (FEM) software package that is popular for geotechnical analyses as well as the principles of physical modelling using a geotechnical centrifuge. The coursework element will require students to use constitutive model parameters obtained from triaxial testing within FEM analyses. The FEM analyses will include (i) the replication of the triaxial tests and verification of results against analytical predictions (using CSSM), and (ii) simulation of a boundary value problem (e.g. vertical loading of a foundation), for which they will compare numerical predictions against a centrifuge test data set provided to them.
For students requiring reassessment, this will be limited to the components which have been failed and these will be in the same form as the original assessment.
Target Students
Part III MEng students and MSc students in the Department of Civil Engineering
Classes
- Three 2-hour practicums each week for 4 weeks
- Three 2-hour lectures each week for 5 weeks
- Three 2-hour computings each week for 3 weeks
Assessment
- 25% Coursework 1: Triaxial test report
- 25% Coursework 2: Numerical modeling report
- 50% Exam (2-hour): Two hour written examination
Educational Aims
• To introduce students to the fundamental principles of constitutive modelling in geomechanics with the focus on the popular critical state framework for soil material modelling, and to enable students to apply these principles to predict soil behaviour under different conditions and model relevant problems in civil engineering.• To introduce students to the practical application of advanced soil testing using a triaxial apparatus, and the interpretation of test results to obtain constitutive model parameters.• To introduce students to experimental and numerical modelling techniques, and to enable students to use a conventional numerical analysis software to perform predictions of geotechnical problems.Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course (module), students will be able to:
1. Use a critical state framework to determine soil response.
2. Use a constitutive model to determine soil response.
3. Analyse the behaviour of soil under different boundary conditions.
4. Demonstrate competency with technical equipment within a geotechnical laboratory.
5. Analyse geotechnical test data to determine model parameter values.
6. Analyse geotechnical problems using a numerical model.
7. Understand the role of a constitutive model in geotechnical modelling.
This will contribute to the following programme learning outcomes (see Programme (Plan) Specifications for details):
- Knowledge and Understanding: M1, M2
- Intellectual Skills: M3
- Professional/Practical Skills: M12
Conveners
- Dr Min Lee Lee
- Dr Soon Yee Wong