Newcastle University

Pre Requisite Comment

For GE and EG Courses - CEG1201, CEG2201, CEG3201 (or equivalents from previous undergraduate regulations) or suitable undergraduate degree qualification in an engineering, geosciences or geological field.

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

The aim of this module is:
To introduce a range of constitutive models capable of describing soil behaviour.
To provide an understanding of the principles of numerical modelling.
To enable students to develop a working knowledge of geotechnical finite element program.

Summary:
This module will provide an introduction to the basic features of commonly used constitutive models capable of describing soil behaviour, and provides an understanding of the principles of numerical modelling. It will introduce the advantages and limitations of different models of soil behaviour, and to select the appropriate soil parameters. Presentations and specially prepared notes and tutorial exercises are combined with the use of geotechnical finite element software to provide the students with a thorough knowledge and understanding of soil modelling.

Outline Of Syllabus

1. Introduction- design objectives, theoretical considerations, physical and analytical models.
2. Elastic models- characteristics of soil behaviour, strain increments and stress variables, elasticity, drained triaxial test, undrained triaxial test, measurement of elastic
parameters- oedometer, in-situ geophysics, plate loading, pressuremeter, anisotropy, nonlinearity-secant and tangent stiffness, advantages and limitations of elastic models.
3. Elastic-plastic models- yield surface-Tresca criterion, Von-Mises criterion, Mohr-Coulomb criterion, hardening models, plastic flow rules.
4. Elastic-perfectly plastic Mohr-Coulomb model- Elastic properties, yield criterion, flow rule, elastic-plastic stiffness matrix, selection of soil parameters.
5. Extended Mohr-Coulomb model
6. Clay-clay model- 3D space, Isotropic consolidation, critical state line, model ingredients, drained test on NC clay, undrained test on NC clay, elastic properties, yield surface, flow rule, hardening rule, compliance matrix.
7. Stress paths- foundation loading, slope stability, stress path, 2D stress space, 3D stress space, examples of stress paths, pore pressure changes, application of stress paths.
8. Finite element method- Introduction; how does the FE work, mathematical foundations, nodes, elements and shape functions, principle of virtual displacement, external work, internal work.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, student will have:
The ability to describe the basic features of commonly used models of soil behaviour.
The ability to understand the advantages and limitations of different models of soil behaviour and to select the appropriate soil parameters.
The ability to use a finite element program to analyse a wide range of geotechnical problems such as foundation or embankment loading situations.

Intended Skill Outcomes

The module should enable the student to become proficient in:
STUDY SKILLS - research, time management and information processing
COMMUNICATION SKILLS - verbal (inquiry and explanation), written (geotechnical analysis and documentation), visual/graphical (diagrams et FE input/output
EVALUATIVE SKILLS - manual
WORKPLACE SKILLS - group and team working

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Teaching and learning is by a combination of presentations, block-courses, directed reading and through the use of specially prepared notes, small group teaching exercises and geotechnical finite element software.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

A formal examination will be used to assess understanding of theoretical aspects of commonly used models of soil behaviour and stress paths. The coursework will allow to develop students' skill in the use of parametric studies of the constitutive and numerical aspects of geotechnical design of earth structures.

General Notes

N/A