29/7/2014 Module Catalogue 2014/15 - - Newcastle University

Newcastle University

Module Catalogue 2014/15

Module Catalogue 2014/15

CEG8205 : Soil Modelling and Numerical Methods

Offered for Year: 2014/15

Module Leader(s): Dr Mohamed Rouainia

Owning School: Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Semesters

Semester 2 Credit Value: 10

ECTS Credits: 5.0

Pre Requisites
Code Title
CEG2201 Geotechnics

CEG3201 Geotechnical Design

Pre Requisite Comment

For GE and EG Courses - CEG1201, CEG2201, CEG3201 (or equivalents from

previous undergraduate regulations) or suitable undergraduate degree qualification in
an engineering, geosciences or geological field.
Co Requisites
Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

The aim of this module is:

To introduce a range of constitutive models capable of describing soil behaviour.
To provide an understanding of the principles of numerical modelling.
To enable students to develop a working knowledge of geotechnical finite element
program.

Summary:
This module will provide an introduction to the basic features of commonly used
constitutive models capable of describing soil behaviour, and provides an
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understanding of the principles of numerical modelling. It will introduce the

advantages and limitations of different models of soil behaviour, and to select the
appropriate soil parameters. Presentations and specially prepared notes and tutorial
exercises are combined with the use of geotechnical finite element software to
provide the students with a thorough knowledge and understanding of soil modelling.

Outline Of Syllabus

1. Introduction- design objectives, theoretical considerations, physical and analytical

models.
2. Elastic models- characteristics of soil behaviour, strain increments and stress
variables, elasticity, drained triaxial test, undrained triaxial test, measurement of
elastic
parameters- oedometer, in-situ geophysics, plate loading, pressuremeter,
anisotropy, nonlinearity-secant and tangent stiffness, advantages and limitations of
elastic models.
3. Elastic-plastic models- yield surface-Tresca criterion, Von-Mises criterion, Mohr-
Coulomb criterion, hardening models, plastic flow rules.
4. Elastic-perfectly plastic Mohr-Coulomb model- Elastic properties, yield criterion,
flow rule, elastic-plastic stiffness matrix, selection of soil parameters.
5. Extended Mohr-Coulomb model
6. Clay-clay model- 3D space, Isotropic consolidation, critical state line, model
ingredients, drained test on NC clay, undrained test on NC clay, elastic properties,
yield surface, flow rule, hardening rule, compliance matrix.
7. Stress paths- foundation loading, slope stability, stress path, 2D stress space, 3D
stress space, examples of stress paths, pore pressure changes, application of
stress paths.
8. Finite element method- Introduction; how does the FE work, mathematical
foundations, nodes, elements and shape functions, principle of virtual displacement,
external work, internal work.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, student will have:

The ability to describe the basic features of commonly used models of soil
behaviour.
The ability to understand the advantages and limitations of different models of soil
behaviour and to select the appropriate soil parameters.
The ability to use a finite element program to analyse a wide range of geotechnical
problems such as foundation or embankment loading situations.
Intended Skill Outcomes

The module should enable the student to become proficient in:

STUDY SKILLS - research, time management and information processing
COMMUNICATION SKILLS - verbal (inquiry and explanation), written (geotechnical
analysis and documentation), visual/graphical (diagrams et FE input/output
EVALUATIVE SKILLS - manual
WORKPLACE SKILLS - group and team working

Graduate Skills Framework

Graduate Skills Framework Applicable: Yes

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Cognitive/Intellectual Skills
Critical Thinking : Assessed
Data Synthesis : Present
Active Learning : Present
Numeracy : Present
Information Literacy
Source Materials : Present
Synthesise And Present Materials : Assessed
Use Of Computer Applications : Assessed
Self Management
Self Awareness And Reflection : Assessed
Planning and Organisation
Goal Setting And Action Planning : Present
Decision Making : Present
Personal Enterprise
Innovation And Creativity : Present
Initiative : Assessed
Problem Solving : Assessed
Interaction
Communication
Written Other : Assessed
Team Working
Relationship Building : Present
Leadership : Present
Application
Commercial Acumen
Market Awareness : Present

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Student
Category Activity Number Length Comment
Hours
Scheduled
Learning And
Lecture 24 1:00 24:00 N/A
Teaching
Activities

Assessment
Guided
preparation Revision for
Independent 24 0:30 12:00
and exam
Study
completion

Assessment
Guided
preparation
Independent 1 2:00 2:00 Exam
and
Study
completion

Assessment
Guided
preparation Coursework -
Independent 1 15:00 15:00
and Group work
Study
completion

Scheduled
Learning And
Practical 3 3:00 9:00 N/A
Teaching

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Activities

Scheduled
Learning And Small group
3 1:00 3:00 Tutorials
Teaching teaching
Activities

Includes
background
Guided reading and
Independent
Independent 1 35:00 35:00 reading lecture
study
Study notes for a full
understanding of
material

Total 100:00

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Teaching and learning is by a combination of presentations, block-courses, directed

reading and through the use of specially prepared notes, small group teaching
exercises and geotechnical finite element software.

Reading Lists

Reading List Website : rlo.ncl.ac.uk (https://rlo.ncl.ac.uk/)

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
When
Description Length Semester Percentage Comment
Set
Written Unseen written
120 2 A 70
Examination examination

Other Assessment
When
Description Semester Percentage Comment
Set
Group work (1000 word
equivalent per student) -
Report 2 M 30 experience of factors that
influence results of numerical
analysis.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

A formal examination will be used to assess understanding of theoretical aspects of

commonly used models of soil behaviour and stress paths. The coursework will
allow to develop students' skill in the use of parametric studies of the constitutive and
numerical aspects of geotechnical design of earth structures.

Timetable

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Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/ (http://www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/)

CEG8205's Timetable
(https://crypt.ncl.ac.uk/controlpanels/timetable/students/search.php?modules=CEG8205)

Past Exam Papers

Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/

(http://www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/)
CEG8205's past Exam Papers (https://crypt.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/search.php?
module_code=CEG8205)

General Notes

N/A

Note: The Module Catalogue now reflects module information relating to academic year 14/15.
Please contact your School Office if you require module information for a previous academic year.

Disclaimer: The University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver modules in accordance
with the descriptions set out in this catalogue. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy
of the information, however, the University reserves the right to introduce changes to the information
given including the addition, withdrawal or restructuring of modules if it considers such action to be
necessary.

New castle University , NE1 7RU, United Kingdom, Telephone: (0191) 208 6000
From outside the UK dial +44 191 208 6000
Website information and feedback (http://www.ncl.ac.uk/inf o)
Last updated 21 March, 2014 © 2014 New castle University (http://www.ncl.ac.uk/inf o/legal/copy right.html)

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