Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years (1.8.2018-31.7.2020), which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Student can evaluate solutions of typical engineering problems with finite element software, can suggest solution methods and constitutive models to be used for such problems and can solve them.
In particular student can choose the right constitutive model for given problem and use the right parameters for the model based on results of soil tests, as well as analyse the results and assess their correctness
2. Student is familiar with the finite element method theory and derivation. Student has some understanding of how the finite element software he / she is using works and how adjusting the parameters in the software may affect the solution, convergence and accuracy
3. Student knows and can evaluate the approximations typically used in finite element software, as well as typical implementations of hydro-mechanical coupling
4. Student can assess the accuracy of the FE solutions and relate it to the errors due to finite element method approximation, as well as modelling simplifications. Student knows how to improve the accuracy of presented solution and can compute problems with required accuracy.
5. Student knows typical enhancements of constitutive models used in finite element software and can apply them in practical cases. Student is familiar with some software specific constitutive models such as extended Mohr-Coulomb model and Hardening soil model and limitations of these models
6. Student can make independent modelling choices in finite element modelling and explain the benefits drawbacks of the taken course of action
7. Student is able to self-learn finite element software
8. Student can clearly communicate the outcomes of the analysis, write a report and defend the modelling choices made.
Credits: 5
Schedule: 19.04.2021 - 27.05.2021
Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Wojciech Solowski
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Wojciech Solowski
Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):
CEFR level (applies in this implementation):
Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):
Teaching language: English
Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
The course will concentrate on application of finite element method in geoengineering. In particular, the course participants will gain understanding of how the commonly used finite element software work and how the analyses should be made.
The course will focus on application of finite elements in geotechnical engineering practice. Therefore, the typical enhancements of constitutive models present in commonly used engineering software will be described in detail. Finally, the application of numerical methods in rock engineering will be shortly introduced.
The course participants will solve number of engineering problems with two different finite element software codes. Thanks to comparison between the obtained results, students will gain working understanding of approximations and accuracy of the performed calculations.
The course finishes with a design project which will consolidate the geotechnical knowledge obtained in previous courses with newly acquired numerical skills.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
The final assessment criteria will be agreed upon during first lecture of the course. The suggestion is:
Lectures (tests during the lectures): 30%
Homeworks: 30%
Final Project: 40%
No final exam.
Each part must be passed. The evaluation methods and percentages may be changed in agreement with the students during the course.
Note that the final project may be additionally presented to some delegates from major construction companies operating in Finland which will provide opportunity for exchange of ideas and networking. Should such a special session be organised, the participation is highly recommended (at least for the Aalto students). This session usually takes place after formal endo of the course, typically in the first week of June
Workload
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
5cr, 135h
Lectures (53 h)
Lectures: 10 x 2 h = 20 h
Preparation for the lectures: 6x2h - 12h
Preparation for the tests: 3 x 7h - 18h
Exercises (39h):
Exercises: 9 x 2 h = 18 h
Finishing exercises: 6 x 1h = 6 h
Homeworks 3 x 5h = 15h
Final project (43h):
Exercises: 3 x 2h = 6h
Final Project, self work 3 x 9h= 27h (2 x 9 before exercises, 1x9 after the third exercise).
Preparation of a poster: 8h
Attending final presentation: 2h
DETAILS
Study Material
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Lecture notes, lecture slides and some auxiliary materials will be provided during the course, as well as further reading suggestions.
The course will somewhat rely on the David M. Potts, Lidija Zdravkovi , Finite Element Analysis in Geotechnical Engineering. Vol. 1-Theory. as well as Finite Element Analysis in Geotechnical Engineering. Vol. 2-Application. books (published by Thomas Telford).
Substitutes for Courses
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
none
Prerequisites
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
For Aalto students: GEO-E2010, Advanced Soil Mechanics L
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals
9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
12 Responsible Production and Consumption
FURTHER INFORMATION
- Teacher: Gupta Abhishek
- Teacher: Seyedan Seyedmohammadjavad
- Teacher: Solowski Wojciech