GUJARAT TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Engineering
Subject Code: 3170620
Page 1 of 2
Subject Name: Computational Geotechnics
Semester – VII
Type of course: Program Elective
Prerequisite: Knowledge of Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Mathematics, Mechanics of Solids
Rationale: Computational Geotechnics is specialized subject dealing with numerical modeling, constitutive
modeling, continuum and discrete modeling of various geotechnical problems in lieu with soil and rock
behavior. Solutions of linear and non-linear equations using numerical approach and FDM approach are quite
useful for many complex geotechnical issues. The course on Computational Geotechnics provides the
students necessary skills to model various geotechnical problems viz. standard laboratory & field tests,
analysis of tunnels, modeling flow problems, soil-structure interaction, earth retaining structures, cut slopes,
embankments and foundations using numerical approach.
Teaching and Examination Scheme:
Teaching Scheme
Credits
Examination Marks
Total
Marks
L T P C
Theory Marks
Practical Marks
ESE(E)
PA (M)
ESE (V)
PA(I)
3
0
2
4
70
30
30
20
150
Content:
Sr.
No.
Content
Total
Hrs
1
Solution of Linear &Non-linear Equations: Jacobi’s method, Gauss Seidal method,
Successive over relaxation method. Bisection, False Position, Newton-Raphson,
Successive approximation method, Iterative methods
12
2
Finite Difference Method: Two point Boundary value problems – Disichlet conditions,
Neumann conditions; ordinary and partial differential equations.
08
3
Discrete modeling: discrete versus continuum modeling, introduction to discrete
element method (DEM), DEM solution procedure, contact model and detect algorithms
07
4
Classical plasticity and soil behavior: One-dimensional (1D) plasticity theory basics, 1D
frictional models, initial boundary value problems, integration algorithm, General
framework of classical plasticity, elastic models and plastic models: Tresca, Huber-von
Mises, Mohr-Coulomb, Drucker-Prager, Lade-Duncan, Cam clay, soil behavior and its
relation to constitutive models, FEM solutions
11
5
Numerical solutions: General procedure, examples : 1D consolidation, Tri-axial test,
Embankments, Foundation, Flow Through Porous Media
04
Reference Books:
1. S. Chandrakant, Desai and John T. Christian, “Numerical Methods in Geotechnical
GUJARAT TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Engineering
Subject Code: 3170620
Page 2 of 2
Engineering”, Mc. Graw Hill Book Company, 1977.
2. M.K. Jain, S.R.K. Iyengar and R.K. Jain, “Numerical Methods for Scientific and Engineering
computations”, Third edition, New Age International (P) Ltd. Publishers, New Delhi.
3. Bowels, J.E., “Analytical and Computer methods in Foundation” McGraw Hill Book Co., New
York.
4. C.O’Sullivan, ”Particulate Discrete Element Modeling”, A Geomechanics Perspective, Spon Press,
2011
5. S. Helwany, Applied Soil Mechanics with ABAQUS Applications, John Wiley & Sons, 2007
Course Outcomes: Students will be able to
Sr.
No.
CO statement Marks % weightage
CO-1
Distinguish between different types of linear and non-linear solutions and
its particular relevance
15
CO-2
Distinguish between different types of constitutive models and identify
appropriate model according to soil type and loading conditions
20
CO-3
Select the correct integration algorithm for a specific constitutive model
10
CO-4
Explain basic concepts and models for discrete modelling, numerical
procedures and interpret results in the geotechnical engineering context
35
CO-5
Conduct computer simulations to solve geotechnical engineering problems
using FDM, FEM and other numerical solutions.
20
List of Experiments/Tutorials:
Numerical methods, FDM and FEA for various linear and non-linear materials, constitutive models, discrete
models, tunnels, earth retaining structures, shallow foundations, embankments. Maximum no of problems
may be equal to 5-7. Apart from above tutorials/experiments a group of students has to undertake one open
ended problem/modeling problem based on any one applications of geotechnical engineering using any one
software. Few examples of the same are given below:
1. Modeling soil parameters based on stress analysis.
2. Modeling elastic and elasto-plastic constitutive models – linear and non-linear.
3. Modeling Non-linear materials – Mohr-Coulomb soil, Huber-Von Mises, etc
4. FEM for seepage and consolidation problems.
5. Use of software for soil-structure interaction problems.
List of Open Source Software/learning website:
1. http://nptel.ac.in/
2. http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/civil-and-environmental-engineering/
