Numerical Modeling and Field Validation in Geotechnics

About

Day 1: 2D Finite Element Modeling of Deep Excavations
Introduction to the principles of temporary deep excavation support systems in urban environments. Topics include site characterization, geomechanical parameter selection, and development of 2D finite element models. Participants will learn how to define geometry, liners, and support elements while addressing groundwater effects and common design errors.
The session also covers uncertainty in input parameters and their influence on excavation performance.
The second part introduces geotechnical monitoring for deep excavations, including monitoring design, sensor selection, installation basics, and interpretation of deformation measurements to assess excavation and nearby structure performance.

Day 2: Engineering Characterization and Stability Analysis of Waste Dump Slopes
Focus on engineering characterization of rock waste dumps and engineered fills using in-situ and laboratory testing methods. Participants will review a real case study used to develop constitutive models for fill materials.
The course continues with 3D geometry modeling and slope stability analysis using limit equilibrium and finite element methods under various loading conditions, including seismic and groundwater effects.
The day concludes with slope monitoring strategies, covering sensors, remote sensing technologies, monitoring plan development, and preparation of technical specifications and budgets.

Day 3: Ground Improvement for Settlement-Sensitive Structures
Covers soil characterization and settlement analysis under foundation loads using numerical tools. A real case study demonstrates prediction of elastic and consolidation settlement in layered soils.
Participants will explore ground improvement techniques used to mitigate settlement and liquefaction risks. The session concludes with field performance verification, including instrumented load tests, monitoring systems, and interpretation of measurements from settlement plates, piezometers, extensometers, and pressure cells.

Day 4: Numerical Analysis of Underground Openings
Introduces fundamental geomechanical concepts related to tunnel behavior, including stress redistribution, convergence-confinement, excavation sequencing, and tunnel–support interaction.
Participants will gain hands-on experience with finite element modeling of tunnels, including meshing, boundary conditions, groundwater effects, and jointed rock behavior.
The module concludes with tunnel monitoring and instrumentation strategies, supported by case studies from transportation infrastructure projects.

Day 5: Numerical Modeling of Rock Slopes Controlled by Discontinuities
Focus on characterization and stability analysis of rock slopes influenced by discontinuities. The session demonstrates how neglecting structural features affects safety factors in limit equilibrium analyses.
Participants will examine mechanical anisotropy and scale effects, and learn how to incorporate joint networks into 2D and 3D numerical models using both limit equilibrium and finite element methods. The module concludes with applications of 3D fracture networks for rock slope stability assessment.

Course leader

Goran Vlastelica

Target group

Students and Professionals

Course aim

Main Topics:

• Deep Excavation Support System Design Using Finite Elements, Monitoring of Deep Excavations
• Characterization and Stability Analysis of Slopes and Engineered Fills Under Various Loading Conditions, Field Performance Assessment of Fill Sites
• Analysis of Settlement Under Foundations, Ground Improvement, Axial Static Load Testing of Instrumented Piles, Area Loading of Improved Ground Sites Under Design Loads
• Geomechanical Behaviour of Tunnels, Finite Element Analysis of Tunnels, Tunnel Monitoring
• Slope Stability Assessment in Rock Masses, Modeling Anisotropy in Rock Masses, Limit Equilibrium and Finite Element Based Slope Stability Evaluation

Fee info