This course introduces students the application of numerical methods in geotechnical engineering. Basic background of the finite element (FE) and finite difference (FD) methods are briefly introduced with emphasis on geotechnical applications. A finite element commercial program (GeoStudio) is introduced to students to analyze geotechnical problems, especially using Sigma/W for stress and displacement modeling and Seep/W for seepage analysis. The course includes the following topics: Geotechnical analysis; Finite Element Theory for Linear Materials; Modeling of Shallow Foundations; Geotechnical Considerations; Finite Difference Method, Modeling of Construction and Excavations; Modeling of Seepage.

CILO-1: Describe the basic concept of the finite element method as a numerical modeling technique in geotechnical engineering. [POs: a] CILO-2: Apply fundamentals of soil behavior and numerical method to solve geotechnical problems and discuss the limitations. [POs: a,e] CILO-3: Use commercial finite element software (geostudio) to develop finite element models and simulate real geotechnical problems and interpret modeling results. [POs: e,l]