After successful completion of the course, students are able to...

• list practical applications for numerical modelling in soil mechanics,
• discuss the differences between the Discrete Element Method (DEM), the Boundary Element Method (BEM) and the Finite Element Method (FEM), and to explain the basics of FEM,
• explain the basics of elastoplasticity,
• explicate the basics of Crititical State Soil Mechanics,
• describe important elastoplastic models used in soil mechanics,
• discuss possibilities for modelling the behaviour of rock mass numerically,
• explain the importance of considering drained and undrained conditions in soil mechanical modelling with FEM,
• discuss the determination of the factor of safety of a structure using the shear strength reduction technique.

The basics for numerical modelling of geotechnical tasks are presented. Consequently, frequently used elastoplastic material models will be discussed and the theoretical background of these models will be explained. In addition, possibilities for the modelling of rock and the consolidation process of fine-grained soils with FEM are shown. Furthermore, the strength-reduction-technique for the determination of the factor of safety in slope stability analysis and examples for modelling deep excavations and tunnels with FEM are described.

Introduction to the basics of numerical modelling in geotechnical engineering. The fundamentals of FEM are discussed, and various elastoplastic constitutive models are presented, and their theoretical background is explained. Furthermore, possibilities for the modelling of rock and the consolidation process of fine-grained soils are presented and practical examples of the modelling of deep excavations and tunnels are analysed. During the lecture students will be asked multiple-choice questions. These questions will be answered anonymously by the students using controllers. The distribution of the chosen options and the correct answer will be discussed after each question.

Lecture mode in summer semester 2022:
The course will be held in presence in the summer semester 2022. In case the holding of lectures in presence is no longer permitted due to the requirements of the Federal Government or the TU Wien, a change to an online-mode is carried out.

Examination mode in summer semester 2022:
Oral exams are planned to be held in presence. In case the holding of examinations in presence is no longer permitted due to the requirements of the Federal Government or the TU Wien, a change to oral online exams is carried out. Examination duration and assessment scheme remain unaffected. In this context, please refer to the COVID-19 Distance Examination Regulations of the Research Unit of Ground Engineering, Soil and Rock Mechanics.

Oral exam

The graduation of the following courses, in the meaning of a soil mechanical education, are listed as a condition, in order to be able to follow the contents conveyed:

221.008 (VO) Ground Engineering and Soil Mechanics

221.009 (UE) Ground Engineering and Soil Mechanics

221.010 (VO) Ground Engineering and Soil Mechanics 2

221.005 (LU) Ground Engineering and Soil Mechanics 2