CE5602 NUMERICAL MODELING IN GEOMECHANICS
| Course Code: | 5625602 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): | 3 (3.00 - 0.00) |
| ECTS Credit: | 8.0 |
| Department: | Civil Engineering |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Level of Study: | Graduate |
| Course Coordinator: | Prof.Dr. KEMAL ÖNDER ÇETİN |
| Offered Semester: | Spring Semesters. |
Course Objectives
The objective of this course is to familiarize the followers to the geotechnical constitutive laws and the applications of numerical methods to the analysis of boundary value problems in geomechanics. In particular, the course provides discussions of actual material response vs. predictions based on the results of implemented numerical model. It also illustrates the concepts with practical applications in geotechnical engineering. The student will develop their plasticity theory based finite element code, written in Mathcad.
Course Content
A brief review of some fundamental methods in numerical modeling with emphasis on finite element formulation. Development of constitutive laws for geotechnical materials including linear or nonlinear elastic (hyperbolic), linear elastic perfectly plastic, and non-linear elastic-plastic models based on the Critical State Soil Mechanics theory. Employment of a finite element computer program for the analyses of a geotechnical engineering problem. Discussion of the new developments in numerical modeling of geotechnical problems including modeling of dynamic problems and new constitutive models.
Course Learning Outcomes
1) Analyze and apply fundamental numerical methods, with an emphasis on the finite element formulation, to solve boundary value problems in geomechanics.
2) Explain the theory and application of various constitutive laws for geotechnical materials, including linear elastic, perfectly plastic, and nonlinear elasto-plastic models based on Critical State Soil Mechanics.
3) Develop a foundational understanding of plasticity theory, including yield criteria (e.g., Mohr-Coulomb), plastic potential, flow rules, and hardening laws.
4) Implement a plasticity theory-based finite element code (e.g., in Mathcad) to model and analyze the behavior of geotechnical materials.
5) Critically evaluate the results of numerical models by comparing predictions with actual material response and assessing the advantages and limitations of different constitutive models.
6) Formulate and solve practical geotechnical problems using a finite element computer program and interpret the results to inform engineering decisions.
Program Outcomes Matrix
| Contribution | |||||
| # | Program Outcomes | No | Yes | ||
| 1 | Conducts research to investigate and solve advanced civil engineering problems using appropriate scientific methods and acquires the fundamental knowledge to evaluate the results. | ✔ | |||
| 2 | Reviews and synthesizes relevant literature to identify the current state of the art. | ✔ | |||
| 3 | Engages in lifelong learning and professional development, and gains familiarity with emerging practices. | ✔ | |||
| 4 | Formulates and solves complex civil engineering problems by selecting and applying appropriate tools and techniques. | ✔ | |||
| 5 | Communicates effectively in written and oral forms, particularly in conveying research processes and outcomes to diverse audiences. | ✔ | |||
| 6 | Upholds professional and ethical responsibility in research, with an awareness of global, societal, environmental, and scientific contexts. | ✔ | |||