After successful completion of the course, students are able to a) formulate the ideas and concepts behind the explicit finite difference method (FDM) and the discrete-element method (DEM), b) distinguish between continuum and discontinuum mechanics, and c) use the FD-codes FLAC, UDEC, and PFC (Itasca Consulting Group) to solve geotechnical problems in the field of tunneling, slope stability, and runout (rock falls and rock avalanches).

1) Ideas and Concepts behind the explicit Finite Difference Method (FDM), 2) the Distinct Element Method (DEM), 3) Problem solving with FLAC (Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua), 4) Shear strength reduction technique, Factor of safety (FoS), 5) Problem solving with UDEC (Universal Distinct Element Code), 6) Basics of the Particle Flow Code (PFC), 7) Macro- and Micromechanics, 8) Inverse Modelling with unknown Microproperties

Introduction to the use of the software FLAC, UDEC and PFC of the Itasca Consulting Group.
Working on exercises on the topics of slope stability, runout processes (rockfall and rock avalanche) and tunneling.

Zuordnung im Masterstudium Bauingenieurwesen (Studienkennzahl: 066 505):
Modul 2 der Vertiefungsrichtung Geotechnik;
Modul 3 der anderen Vertiefungsrichtungen

Presentation of an elaborated exercise example

Study sheets are available, these are issued at the beginning of the respective lecture.

Basic knowledge in mechanics and geology