Member $945.00 | Non-Member $1165.00
INSTRUCTOR: D. Vaughan Griffiths, Ph.D., D.Sc., P.E., C.Eng., F.ASCE
Excellent introduction to FE method, yet practical with the right balance of theory and tools for geotechnical engineers. Reviewing programs to actually do analysis in seepage, elasticity, slope stability, review of soil parameters were the best aspects of this course. Jeffery L. Fouse, Reitz & Jens, Inc., St. Louis, MO
Purpose and Background
Routine geotechnical predictions relating to foundations, slopes and soil/structure interaction performance can often be obtained from charts or standard methods of analysis, but when complex boundary conditions or combinations of material properties are encountered, the classical approaches are severely limited. The finite element method is ideally suited for modeling these more complex problems and most programs can now be run comfortably on a personal computer. After a brief introduction on the finite element method, the course will concentrate on some practical applications of the finite element method, e.g. seepage, consolidation, settlements and slope stability.
Seminar Benefits
- Gain insight into the workings of the finite element method and the basic architecture of the programs
- Learn the advantages and the possible pitfalls of the finite element method as applied to geotechnical problems
- Receive a complete set of finite element source codes relating to the geo-technical applications covered in the course as well as others in the general area of engineering analysis (the suite contains almost 50 main programs and over 100 subroutines for solving a wide range of engineering problems)
- Leave the course with a powerful capability for solving both routine and complex geotechnical engineering problems
Upon completion of this seminar, you will be able to:
- Understand in general how finite elements obtain approximate solutions to differential equations
- Appreciate the structure of a typical finite element program
- Gain experience of finite element analysis applied to classical geotechnical problems (e.g. settlement, seepage, consolidation, slope stability)
- Gain insight into the soil properties needed for finite element analysis
- Run finite element programs for geotechnical analysis using the software provided as part of the course materials
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed through a post-course quiz, class interactions, Q&A sessions, and hands-on demonstrations of the FE method applied to familiar geotechnical problems. Participants with their own laptops can run examples during class and become familiar with data preparation.
Special Features
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Each participant will receive a copy of the textbook co-authored by the instructor, "Programming the Finite Element Method" by I.M. Smith and D.V. Griffiths, 5th edition, Wiley, 2014 and a complete set of course software.
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Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptops to the seminar so they can install the course software and try some of the demonstration problems.
This course will benefit engineers either personally involved in or managing geotechnical analyses who wish to gain a better insight into the finite element method and its application to geotechnical engineering problems.
Summary Outline
Time: Day 1: 8:30am 4:30pm Day 2: 8:00am - 12:00pm
Introduction to the Software and Course Materials
- Finite element basics
- Weighted residuals
- Trial solutions, shape functions
- 1-d elasticity
- Element and global matrices, assembly
- Boundary conditions
Settlement Analysis
- 2-d elasticity
- Code validation
- Introduction to programs p51 and p54
Steady Seepage Analysis
- Finite element solutions of Laplaces equation
- Introduction to programs p73 and p74
Consolidation Analysis
- Coupled and uncoupled formulations
- Algorithms for transient analysis
- Introduction to program p81
Choice of Soil Properties for Finite Element Analysis
- Laboratory and field data
- Compressibility and moduli
- Permeability and coefficient of consolidation
- Shear strength parameters
- Failure criteria for soils
- Introduction to Elasto-plasticity (Mohr-Coulomb)
Slope Stability Analysis
- Introduction to program slope1
- Code validation and examples
Discounted hotel rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. See discount deadline and rates below.
About Face-to-Face Seminars
Westin Tampa Bay
7627 W Courtney Campbell Cswy
Tampa, FL 33607-1431
(813)281-0000
www.westin.com
ASCE Hotel Rate: $150 Single/Double
Hotel Cut-Off: 4/24/2014