Lec1 Introduction To Modelling

Introduction to Geotechnical Modelling
Geotechnical Modelling
G. Della Vecchia
1
Personal card
Prof. Gabriele Della Vecchia
Associate Professor of Geotechnical Engineering
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering DICA
Building 4, second floor
Phone: (02-2399) 4264
Mail: gabriele.dellavecchia@polimi.it
2
The course
Teachers:
• prof. Donatella Sterpi
• Prof. Gabriele Della Vecchia
Teaching assistant and practicals:

• Dr. Liliana Gramegna
Exam:
• One homework to be devoloped during the course (to deliver at least one week
before the oral examination)
• Oral examination, about the homework and the theoretical aspects developed
during the course
3
Educational material – Part I
• Slides used during the lectures

• Selected papers uploaded on BEEP
Suggested books:
• David Muir Wood – Geotechnical Modelling – Taylor

& Francis
4
Educational material – Part I
• Slides used during the lectures

• Selected papers uploaded on BEEP
Suggested books:
• J.C. Simo & T.J.R. Hughes – Computational Inelasticity

– Springer
5
Modelling and design
Design: a specification of an object, intended to accomplish specific goals, in a

particular environment, using a set of primitive components, satisfying a set of
requirements, subject to constraints
Modelling activities are at the basis of the development of a geotechnical design:
‘ Modelling is an implicit part of all engineering design but many engineers are not
aware either of the fact that they are making assumptions as part of the modelling or of
the nature and consequences of those assumptions’
D. Muir Wood, preface to Geotechnical Modelling

6
Modelling and design?
Modelling = the activity of using mathematical models (i.e. simple

descriptions of a system or process) to make calculations or predict what
might happen
7
Modelling and design?
A model is an appropriate simplification of reality
The skill in modelling is to reach the appropriate level of simplification, to recognize

those features which are important and those which are unimportant
Engineering is fundamentally concerned with modelling
Engineers should be able:

• to see through the essence of the problem
• identify the key features which need to be modelled, i.e. those features of which we
need to take into account
• include them the design
8
Reality: maybe not to be definided in this course...
Plato’s theory of Forms (or theory of Ideas) typically refers to the

belief that the material world as it seems to us is not the real
world, but only an "image" or "copy" of the real world
9
Reality: maybe not to be definided in this course...
Plato’s theory of Forms (or theory of Ideas) typically refers to the

belief that the material world as it seems to us is not the real
world, but only an "image" or "copy" of the real world
Despite Plato, for our purposes reality coincides with physical

objects in the material world, as we can observe them: esse est
percipi (to be is to be perceived), George Berkeley (1685-1753)
Die Welt ist alles, was der Fall ist (Ludwig Wittgenstein): there
are two different layers: the world on the one hand and its
logical image on the other hand
10
Examples of reality in structural engineering
Grattacielo Pirelli, Milano

11
Examples of reality in structural engineering
Golden Gate, San Francisco

12
Examples of reality in geotechnical engineering
Foundation pad
13
Examples of reality in geotechnical engineering
Cantilever wall
14
Example of models in structural engineering
Building frame: columns and beams

15
Example of model in structural engineering
Bridge: finite element model

16
Example of model in geotechnical engineering
Anchored sheet pile
From Nova
17
Example of model in geotechnical engineering
Gravity retaining wall with inclined drain
From Nova
18
This is not a pipe
Magritte
19
Example: how to pass from reality to a FEM solution?
Example: modelling scheme of a structural system and prediction via the finite
element method (Tamagnini, 2013)
Tamagnini
20
Tamagnini
Example: how to pass from reality to a FEM 21
solution?
How to build the mathematical model?
The physical system is replaced by a mathematical model (whose response as a

consequence of external solicitations is known) by correspondence laws (semantic
rules that connect the axioms of a theory to something that can be empirically
determined (Losee,1972))
The behaviour of our system is defined on the basis of:
1) Conservation laws: mass (continuity equation); linear momentum (static/dynamic

equilibrium); moment of momentum (rotation equilibrium); energy; electric charge...
2) Constitutive laws: they define the specific behaviour of each material involved in the
system (e.g. stress-strain relations, Darcy law, perfect gas law, Ohm’s law, Fick’s law...).
solution?
Building the mathematical model generally requires
1. Definition of the geometry of the system;
2. Definition of the different materials involved;
3. Choice of constitutive laws which describe, for each material, the fundamental
features of its behaviour (mechanical, thermal, hydraulic ....)
4.Quantitative determination of the values taken by the mechanical/hydraulic/thermal

(etc.) properties depending on the constituive laws chosen (e.g. density, strength,
stiffness, permeability, thermal conductivity...)
solution?
1. Definition of the geometry of the system;
Depth and width of the wall, position of the

ground anchors, soil stratigraphy
solution?
2. Definition of the different materials involved
soil
steel
soil
concrete
solution?
3. Choice of the constitutive model  it may depend on the limit state considered
SLE
Soil: Winkler idealization
soil
Concrete: linear elastic

solution?
3. Choice of the constitutive model  it may depend on the limit state considered
SLU
Soil: rigid perfectly plastic
soil
Concrete: rigid
solution?
4. Quantitative definition of the mechanical parameters  it depends on the model

chosen in step 3
SLE
Soil: Winkler idealization  Winkler constant k
soil
Concrete: linear elastic  Young modulus and Poisson ratio

solution?
4. Quantitative definition of the mechanical parameters  it depends on the model

chosen in step 3
SLU
Soil: rigid perfectly plastic  coesion and friction angle
soil
Concrete: rigid
Comparison between structural and geotechnical 29
engineering
1. Definition of the geometry of the system
In structural engineering all the dimensions of the system are known or determined
during the design stage
In geotechnical engineering a part of system characteristics are a priori unknown, and

specific investigations are mandatory
engineering
2. Definition of the different materials involved
In structural engineering all the material are chosen by the designer
In geotechnical engineering the materials involved (i.e. subsoil) are not known a priori
and an adequate ground investigation should be performed
engineering
4. Quantitative definition of the mechanical parameters for the chosen constitutive

laws
In structural engineering the mechanical properties of materials are chosen by the

designer, given by the supplier or determined by means of correlation proposed by
specific regulations
In geotechnical engineering material properties of the ground are not know a

priori and should be determined by means of ad hoc in situ or laboratory
experiments
32
Tamagnini
33
Empirical models
There is a long tradition of empirical modelling in geotechnical engineering
Empiricism is a theory that states that knowledge comes only or primarily from sensory
experience and rejects all a-priori knowledge.
John Locke (1632–1704): the only knowledge

humans can have is a posteriori, i.e., based
upon experience.
Locke is famously attributed with holding the

proposition that the human mind is a white
paper, on which the experiences derived from
sense impressions as a person's life proceeds
are written
34
Empirical models in geotechnical engineering
Why empirical models in geotechnical engineering?
• Soils are tricky materials to deal with, and more rigorous modelling tools have tended
to lag behind the demands of industry
• These procedures have been found to provide satisfactory answers even though the
logical path cannot always be continuously traced
Actually empirical models in geotechnical engineering are semi-empirical, because they

mix (i) basic axioms, (ii) established scientific laws, and (iii) previous experimental results in
order to engage in reasoned model building and theoretical inquiry.
Example: vane strength correction for undrained 35
strength
Application: undrained bearing capacity of a shallow foundation
How we can estimated the value of undrained strength?
Laboratory tests In situ tests

• CPT
• FVT
• …
strength
The Field vane test is principally used for the in-situ determination of the
undrained shear strength of intact, fully saturated soft clays (Su<50-60 kPa)
Main idea: find the relation

between the external maximum
torque measured during the test
Mmaxext and the shear resistence
mobilized along the cylindric failure
surface
The vane measures a mixed

strength, combining shearing on
horizontal and vertical surfaces of
the soil
strength
Main idea: find the relation between the external maximum torque measured during
the test Mmaxext and the shear resistence mobilized along the cylindric failure surface
Hp. Rigid-perfectly plastic soil, characterized by an undrained shear strenght Su,v on

vertical surfaces and Su,h on horizontal surfaces (if isotropic Su= Su,v= Su,h)
Moment equilibrium:
The external torque applied to the rod should be
equal to the net torque due to the stresses
trasmitted by the soil to the vane
Lateral
surface (SL)
Base (SB)
strength
Most of strength models forget complicating issues in soil behavior (e.g. rate effetts,
anisotropy…)
Which assumptions are hidden is the procedure of obtaining Su from M?
• Perfectly plastic behavior
• Tresca-like failure criterion on terms of total stresses
• Isotropy of strength
• Negligible rate effects

strength
Under these assumptions:
...despite any actual failure mechanism of geotechnical structures will require the
clay to shear along surfaces having completely different alignments
…despite the strain rate induced by the vane rotation maybe very different from the
strain rate induce by slope insability
Muir Wood, 2004

strength
Empirical evidentce: Su values estimated from the vane test generally proved to be
different from the values obtained by back-analysis of real scale tests also due to
time effects:
1) the excess pore pressure induced by vane penetration should be already

dissipated before applying the torque
2) the rotation rate of the blades can influence the estimated values of Su if the soil
has viscous properties (Su increases for increasing rotation rate)
Bjerrum (empirical) correction factor (1972)

strength
From Lancellotta
 The correction factor has been determined empirically: they can be applied
with some confidence to future ULS to embankments and excavations which
share the same generic characters of the bank of observations from which
they were deduced
 They do not provide any secure route for extrapolation from vane strengths
to design calculations in other circumstances: very specific application!
Example 2: determination of the oedometer 42
modulus via the flat dilatometer test
The test consists in inserting the dilatomer probe

to the depth of interest, by driving or pushing
Flat dilatomer: steel blade (thickness 14 mm) with

a flexible circular membrane on one side
(diameter 60 mm)
The membrane is connected to a pneumatic

system which allows the application from the
inside of a known pressure. An electric
displacement transducer is able to measure the
inflection w of the membrane.
Lancellotta
The dilatometer is pushed in the soil at a constant rate (same equipment used for CPT
testing), measuring the resistance to blade penetration
Bowles
During penetration, the blade is stopped every 20 cm to perform the real

dilatometric measurements
DMT measurements constist in measuring two characteristic pressure values acting on

the membrane
• p0: internal membrane pressure (initially inflected toward the inside due to the
horizontal stress in the soil) needed to restore the at rest condition (w = 0)
• p1: pressure needed to obtain a membrane external expansion of w=1.1 mm.

Lateral stress index
σ’v0 = in situ effective vertical stress
Allows estimating the earth coefficient at rest K0:
• If no penetration disturbance were present, p0 would coincide with σh0, so that

KD would be equal to K0  due to the effect of the insertion of the finite-
thickness probe blade, a correction must be applied
• Ok for NC o slightly OC clays, over-estimation for highly OC clays

Estimate the oedometer modulus Eed from the dilatometer modulus Ed

Example 3: Schmertmann method to estimate 47
settlemente via CPT
Settlement δ evaluation at the center of a circular footing on sand
For a linear isotropic soil in axis-symmetric conditions:
Stress variable that drives the

settlement
Increase in vertical stress Increase in deviator stress

settlemente via CPT
Variation in stress which drives the settlement ∆σsett
∆σsett /∆q
Evolution of ∆σsett
(normalized with the
applied pressure ∆q) with
normalized depth from
elasticity theory
Muir Wood, 2004

settlemente via CPT
Variation in stress which drives the settlement ∆σsett
∆σsett /∆q
• Huge contribution of
shearing in settlement
evolution (not just vertical
load)
• Maximum value of ∆σsett

does not occur at the
surface!
Muir Wood, 2004

settlemente via CPT
Schmertmann took inspiration from the theory of elasticity to device his procedure
Dimensionless influence factor which varies

with depth
Elasticity theory Schmertmann

(empirical)
settlemente via CPT
Schmertmann uses a simplified profiles of Iz, partly derived

form the theory, partly inspired by experiments
settlemente via CPT
Logical engineering approach:
• Stress changes induced by the

foundation fall with depth
• Maximum Iz at z=B/2, according to

elasticity theory
• For z>2B negligible influence factor:

real soils tend to become stiffer with
depth and soil stiffness becomes
higher for reducing applied strain
increments
Potential errors wrt to empirical models: 53
1) don’t go beyond the range of experience
 The problem of empirical modelling is related to the problem of induction:

no number of confirming observations can verify a universal generalization.
Are all swans white?
Up to now probably you have just seen white swans, but the absence of
evidence does not coincide with the evidence of the absence.
1) don’t go beyond the range of experience
Be careful with the black swans! these methods cannot be secure if
extrapolated to new geological conditions or to different soil types!
The use of empirical models is appropriate for interpolation within the range of
experience and for known soils from which the empirical rules were originally
generated. Just in the case such procedures will be secure.
2) don’t consider them useless
Despite the limitations described, empirical modelling is

SCIENTIFIC
Karl Popper stresses the problem of demarcation -

distinguishing the scientific from the unscientific - and
makes falsifiability the demarcation criterion, such that:
 what is unfalsifiable is classified as unscientific
 and the practice of declaring an unfalsifiable theory
to be scientifically true is pseudo-science
A theory in the empirical sciences can never be proven, but it

can be falsified, meaning that it can and should be scrutinized by
decisive experiments.
56
Theoretical modelling
A theoretical model in classical geotechnical engineering consists in the

solution of a problem that satisfies the following requirements:
1.Balance equations, e.g. linear momentum balance (equilibrium) and water

mass balance (if Sr=1);
2.Compatibility: no rupture or overlapping of the soil. The requirement is

imposed on soil deformations, and it can be ensured by defining consistent
strains;
3.Constitutive laws: they express the properties of the considered material,

e.g. Stress-strain relation form the mechanical point of view, Darcy’s law from
the hydraulic one
4.Boundary conditions
57
1. Balance equations
• Expressions of the conservation of some physical quantity

• Applicable to all material continua and result in equations that must always be
satisfied
From the practical point of view….
 If you want to calculate stress, strains, displacements --> linear momentum balance
equation (i.e. equilibrium)
58

satisfied
 If you want to calculate pore water pressure and water flow  water mass balance
equations for saturated porous medium
59

satisfied
 If you want to calculate pore air pressure and air flow  air mass balance equation
 If you want to calculate temperature and heat flux –> energy balance equation
 If you want to calculate contaminat concentration and flux  solute species mass
balance equation
60
• The balance laws are usually formulated in the context of global (integral)
relationships derived by a consideration of the conservation of some property of the
body as a whole
• The global equations are then be used to develop associated field equations which are
valid at all points within the body and on its boundary
61
In geotechnics, all the balance equations are coupled!
Example: hydro-mechanical coupling for saturated soil

62
2. Compatibility: link between displacement and strain field, to avoid overlapping and
fracture in the continuum
63
3. Constitutive laws
• Balance equations are developed for all continuous media, but they say nothing about
the response of specific materials
• Constitutive equations specify the mechanical/hydraulic/thermal (etc) properties of

particular materials based upon their internal constitution
• Mathematically, the usefulness of these constitutive equations is to describe the

relationships among the kinematic, mechanical, thermal (etc) field equations and to
permit the formulations of well-posed problems in continuum mechanics
• Physically, the constitutive equations define various idealized materials which serve as
models for the behavior of real materials
• It is perhaps philosophically correct to think of constitutive equations as being

representative of a particular behavior rather than of a particular material
64
3. Constitutive laws: examples
• Mechanical constitutive equation: link between stress and strain tensor

65
• Hydraulic constitutive equation:
 Darcy law linking water discharge to hydraulic head gradient

66
• Air constitutive equation:
 ‘Darcy-like’ law linking air discharge to air head gradient
 u 
qa = - K a ( Sr ) ∇  z + a 
 γa 
 Link between air pressure and air volume (air compressibility)

67
• Thermal constitutive equation:
 Fourier law linking heat flow to temperature gradient
Temperature gradient
Specific heat flux
Material thermal
conductivity
68
Theoretical modelling: analytical solutions
Some theoretical models are characterized by
• Simple geometry
• Simple constitutive laws
…such that for given boundary conditions an analytical solution does exist
Analytical solutions in
geotechnical engineering are
exceptions, rather than the rule!
Theoretical modelling: analytical solutions. 69
Example 1
Theory: the steady flow of an incompressible fluid through a saturated rigid porous
medium  the governing PDE is the Laplace equation
Assumptions:
 Constant porosity
 Incompressible fluid
 Saturated porous medium
 Water velocity is linearly dependent on the hydraulic gradient (Darcy’s law)
 Isotropic material from the hydraulic point of view
 2D conditions
Example 1
Flow through a permeable half-space under a sheet pile wall
Muir Wood, 2004
Flow lines are confocal ellipses
Equipotential lines are confocal hyperbolae

Example 2
If the ground can be considered to be

• Isotropic
• Homogeneous
• Elastic
• Linear
The combination of
• Equilibrium equations
• Kinematic compatibility (i.e. The definition of strain in terms of gradient of
displacement)
• Elastic constitutive law (Hooke’s law)
leads to a set of PDEs which is capable of exact explicit solutions for certain sets of
boundary conditions.
Another significant advantage of assuming linear elastic response is that stress resultants
deduced as effects of different applied loading can be superimposed
Example 2
Stress state produced by a vertical point load P acting at the surface of a semi-
infinite elastic half space
Muir Wood, 2004

Example 2
Stress state produced by a line load of intensity p per unit length acting at the
surface of a semi-infinite elastic half space
Major principal stress
Minor principal stress
Intermediate principal stress
Muir Wood, 2004

Example 2
Stress state produced by a uniformly loaded strip of intensity ζ per unit area
acting at the surface of a semi-infinite elastic half space
Muir Wood, 2004

Example 2
Any elastic solution for problems of relevance in geotechnical engineering is presented in
the Poulos & Davis (1984) book
Free download: http://research.engr.oregonstate.edu/usucger/PandD/PandD.html

Example 3
Consolidation is a transient process of unsteady flow in which there is coupling
between flow and volume change as the soil gradually adjust to a new effective stress
regime.
Assumption: Saturated soil, incompressible fluid and Darcy law, small strains
Water mass balance equation
Muir Wood, 2004

Example 3
Assumption: linear elastic mechanical behaviour
Assuming also constant total vertical stress and introducing the coefficient of
consolidation cv a standard diffusion equation is obtained
Using non-dimensional variables

Example 3
In the simple case of a layer of soil for which the vertical stress has been increased
rapidly over an area of large lateral extent:
Muir Wood, 2004
Initial condition: for T=0, U=1 everywhere
Boundary condition: for Z=0, U=0 for T>0 (overlying soil fully drained)
Example 3
Solution for semi-infinite layer
being erf the error function
Dimensionless variation of
pore pressure with depth
Muir Wood, 2004

Example 3
Solution for a compressibile finite layer of thickness H underlain by impervious rock
being m an integer
Dimensionless variation of pore

pressure with depth
Muir Wood, 2004

81
Theoretical modelling: analytical solutions
Laplace equation for fluid flow, but...

• The soil can be heterogeneous
• The soil can be unsaturated
• Fluid density may not be constant (e.g. sea-water inclusions, density driven flow)
• Non linear relation between seepage velocity and hydraulic grandient
Stress distribution and settlement evaluation via elastic solutions, but...

• The soil is not linear also at small strain
• The soil is not elastic
• Superimposition principle does not hold
• Soil is not homogenours
1D consolidation theory, but...

• During consolidation of soft clays, strains may not be small (high void ratio
variation)
• Soil is not linear: stiffness depends on the effective stress and permeability depends
on the void ratio
• Possible variation of stiffness and permeability during the consolidation process
82
Theoretical models. Numerical solutions
Theoretical modelling: real comprehension of the physics of the problem
But exact closed-form solutions are in general only obtainable for a rather limited set of
conditions
 When the departure from the ideal situation is clearly too great, there is the
possibility of using numerical techniques to obtain a solution
 The starting point is also in this case a theoretical description of the problem on a
local scale, but the numerical approximation allows
• Realistic boundary conditions
• Realistic geometry
• Complex material models
to be accomodated
E.g. Finite Element Method, Finite Difference Method and so on

83
Example. FEM simulation of plane strain compression of rock: shear band development
(brittle-damage constitutive model)
pc = 5 MPa
Experimental Numerical
simulation
84
Example. FEM simulation of hydraulic fracturing of a porous medium: damage

distribution (brittle damage constitutive model, hydro-mechanical coupling)
85
Example. FEM simulation of piled foundations (complex geometry, stratigraphy, soi-

structure interaction)
Courtesy Castellanza
86
Example. PFEM simulation of dam breaking tests on a liquefied sand (large

displacements, Bingham rheology)
87
Example. PFEM simulation of pipeline flotation in a reconsolidating soil after liquefaction

(large displacements, soil-structure interaction with a fluidized soil, Bingham rheology
with evolving parameters)
88
One of the key motivation in using numerical models in geotechnical engineering is to

overcome the idealisations in terms of soil mechanical response necessary to develop
simple theoretical models.
Linear Elasticity: convenient because of the wide range of analytical results
Rigid perfectly plastic soil: possibility to have analytical solution account for non-
linearity of soil response
Muir Wood, 2004

89
What if I use the wrong constitutive law in my model?
The elastic material clings togheter: a movement in

one location is felt at great depth
The plastic material is happy to separate into blocks

of soils as it gradually form a failure mechanism
 Displacements entirely contained into the failure

mechanism
 Gradients of displacement only occur at
boundaries between the sliding blocks
 Elements of soil at depths below the mechanism
are completely unaware of the presence of the
footing
Muir Wood, 2004

90
What if I use the wrong constitutive law in my model?
In the elastic material each pile of the

group tends to drag down the
surrounding soil in which the adjacent
piles are founded.
The plastic material all the

displacements are concentrated at the
interface between the pile and the soil
 no effect beyond the interface
Muir Wood, 2004
Non linearity of the mechanical response can have a major effect on the
interaction between soils and structures!
91
Lesson learned:
• Each constitutive model is a simplification of soil behavior, but it is a simplification

inspired by experimental observations
• The art of constitutive modelling is to identify the features of soil behaviour that are
necessary in a particular application
• The penalty for increased complexity in the constitutive model is the increased
number of material properties that must be defined from a greater number of
laboratory and in situ tests
92
Physical modelling: full scale
A full-scale physical model is usually associated to the performance of physical testing

of complete physical systems, usefull when we loose confidence on our theories
• assumptions are too sweeping

• material response is too complex: role of actual soil fabric and structure
• numerical simulations are not reliable
 In full scale physical model we test the real soil under real loading conditions
93
Example: trial embankments to evaluate processes of ground improvement

94
Example: trial embankments to evaluate processes of ground improvement
• Evaluation of the role of different types and spacing between drains to speed up the
consolidation process in clays  drain installation produces fabric changes and in
situ fabric has a strong influence on flow characteristics
• Evaluation of the effects of ground improvements via grids, grounting, installation of

stone columns
• Installation processess difficult to be reproduced at a small scale
• Uncertainties make theoretical and numerical analysis often not viable

95
Example: trial piles
• Uncertainties linked to the construction technique

Most reliable method to
• Empirical parameters for calculations
evaluate pile behaviour
• Direct verification of ULS and SLS
• Role recognized also by Eurocode and NTC
96
Pros
• We work with real ground conditions, real soils, real loads, real stress levels, real
stress histories (all things that we need to consider in any geotechnical modelling)
• We don’t need to tune theoretical model parameters
• Unknown details or complicating issues (e.g. soil anisotropy) are already built in in
the model
• Fundamental tool to validate theoretical models

97
Cons
• Time: a full scale embankment test on a soft ground may take years to complete
• Cost: the large the size of the test, the larger the cost
• No control of some details of the model

98
Physical modelling: small scale
Key question: is the model valid at a scale smaller than the real one? Do we have a
secure route to extrapolate the result obtained at the small scall to the expected
behaviour at the prototype scale?
 Relevant role of supporting theoretical models for small scale test interpretation 
Extrapolation is possible if scaling laws and dimensional analysis are correctly
understood
Pros
• Full control on all the details of the model: boundary conditions, loading conditions,
materials…
• Short duration of the test due to smaller drainage paths
• Possibility of repeating observations changing key parameters
Cons
• Geometrical scaling of soil particles, with respect to structure dimesions: may we
use the same material?
99
The course
Mainly focused on:
• Theoretical modelling (balance equations + constitutive laws), including unsaturated

soils and the role of pore fluid chemistry
• Numerical modelling (FEM)

100
The course
Theoretical and
numerical model
Inductive process: choice/ Deductive process

formulation of the model
- Design needs - Use of the

model
- Experimenta
data - Calculation of
the required
- Technical skills quantities

Lec1 Introduction To Modelling

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Lec1 Introduction To Modelling

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Introduction to Geotechnical Modelling

Prof. Gabriele Della Vecchia

Associate Professor of Geotechnical Engineering

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering DICA

Building 4, second floor

Phone: (02-2399) 4264

Teaching assistant and practicals:

• Slides used during the lectures

• David Muir Wood – Geotechnical Modelling – Taylor

• Slides used during the lectures

• J.C. Simo & T.J.R. Hughes – Computational Inelasticity

Design: a specification of an object, intended to accomplish specific goals, in a

Modelling activities are at the basis of the development of a geotechnical design:

D. Muir Wood, preface to Geotechnical Modelling

Modelling = the activity of using mathematical models (i.e. simple

A model is an appropriate simplification of reality

The skill in modelling is to reach the appropriate level of simplification, to recognize

Engineering is fundamentally concerned with modelling

Engineers should be able:

Reality: maybe not to be definided in this course...

Plato’s theory of Forms (or theory of Ideas) typically refers to the

Reality: maybe not to be definided in this course...

Plato’s theory of Forms (or theory of Ideas) typically refers to the

Despite Plato, for our purposes reality coincides with physical

Grattacielo Pirelli, Milano

Golden Gate, San Francisco

Building frame: columns and beams

Bridge: finite element model

Anchored sheet pile

Gravity retaining wall with inclined drain

How to build the mathematical model?

The physical system is replaced by a mathematical model (whose response as a

The behaviour of our system is defined on the basis of:

1) Conservation laws: mass (continuity equation); linear momentum (static/dynamic

Building the mathematical model generally requires

1. Definition of the geometry of the system;

2. Definition of the different materials involved;

4.Quantitative determination of the values taken by the mechanical/hydraulic/thermal

Building the mathematical model generally requires

1. Definition of the geometry of the system;

Depth and width of the wall, position of the

Building the mathematical model generally requires

2. Definition of the different materials involved

Building the mathematical model generally requires

Soil: Winkler idealization

Concrete: linear elastic

Building the mathematical model generally requires

Soil: rigid perfectly plastic

Building the mathematical model generally requires

4. Quantitative definition of the mechanical parameters  it depends on the model

Soil: Winkler idealization  Winkler constant k

Concrete: linear elastic  Young modulus and Poisson ratio

Building the mathematical model generally requires

4. Quantitative definition of the mechanical parameters  it depends on the model

Soil: rigid perfectly plastic  coesion and friction angle

1. Definition of the geometry of the system

In geotechnical engineering a part of system characteristics are a priori unknown, and

2. Definition of the different materials involved

In structural engineering all the material are chosen by the designer

4. Quantitative definition of the mechanical parameters for the chosen constitutive

In structural engineering the mechanical properties of materials are chosen by the

In geotechnical engineering material properties of the ground are not know a