course-details-portlet

BM6400 - Soil Modelling

About

New from the academic year 2024/2025

Examination arrangement

Examination arrangement: Home examination
Grade: Letter grades

Evaluation Weighting Duration Grade deviation Examination aids
Home examination 100/100 4 hours

Course content

Finite element based computer codes for geotechnical analysis are today frequently used in design by consulting engineers. This course provides a background for development and application of soil models in such computer tools. This is done by focusing on soil behavior, elasto-plastic theory, hyperplasticity using thermodynamics, some material models and their parameters. In addition the course aims at providing a theoretical framework for understanding the mechanical behavior of soils. A short summary of relevant continuum mechanics is given in the first lectures followed by a detailed presentation of simple models based on Tresca and Coulomb. The main principles are discussed with emphasis on shear hardening in combination with dilatancy control. Further, a model based on "Critical State Soil Mechanics" with volumetric hardening will be covered. The models will be evaluated partly by using a thermodynamic approach and compared to observed soil behavior from laboratory tests. An introduction to more advanced models is given together with a discussion of current research topics. Algorithms for implementation in computer codes are covered.

Learning outcome

KNOWLEDGE

The candidate should have knowledge of how elasto-plastic stress-strain relations for soils are formulated and how these relations may describe the strength and stiffness of soils.

SKILLS

The candidate is able to:

  • develop simple numerical models for soil behavior
  • modify existing numerical soil models
  • assess input parameters for characterising relevant elasto-plastic soil behaviour
  • test the characteristic behaviour of the model

GENERAL COMPETENCE

The candidate can:

  • understand the soil behaviour in the theory frame of elasto-plasticity
  • describe field and laboratory tests through elasto-plastic numerical soil models
  • implement soil models in a finite element program

Learning methods and activities

The course is taught in English and is made up by intensive lecturing in combination with exercises. The course is offered in the fall semester every second year (2024, 2026 etc.).

This course is part of NTNUs continuing education portfolio and has a tuition fee.

Compulsory assignments

  • Exercises

Further on evaluation

Home exam, 4 hours. Compulsory exercises must be passed before the exam. If there is a resit exam it might be an oral exam.

Required previous knowledge

MSc degree in geotechnical engineering or structural mechanics.

Course materials

Lecture notes in English will be available from Geotechnical Divison, NTNU.

More on the course

No

Facts

Version: 1
Credits:  10.0 SP
Study level: Further education, higher degree level

Coursework

Term no.: 1
Teaching semester:  AUTUMN 2024

Language of instruction: English

Location: Trondheim

Subject area(s)
  • Building and Construction Engineering
  • Structural Engineering
  • Geotechnical Engineering
  • Technological subjects
Contact information
Course coordinator:

Department with academic responsibility
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Timetable

List view
Calendar view

Examination

Examination arrangement: Home examination

Term Status code Evaluation Weighting Examination aids Date Time Examination system Room *
Autumn ORD Home examination 100/100

Release
2024-11-29

Submission
2024-11-29


09:00


13:00

INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
  • * The location (room) for a written examination is published 3 days before examination date. If more than one room is listed, you will find your room at Studentweb.
Examination

For more information regarding registration for examination and examination procedures, see "Innsida - Exams"

More on examinations at NTNU