15 years of experience using a physical model exercise in a Masters' course

• Modelling in Geotechnics' has been taught for two hours over 14 weeks in the 2nd, and later 3rd, semester of the Masters' studies at ETH Zurich. In addition to a series of frontal lectures on modelling techniques, as well as for their application to various boundary value problems, this course contains an exercise that compares 3 ways of modelling a practical case. Students are invited to investigate a common boundary value problem through complementary analytical, physical and numerical (finite element) modelling. A suitable boundary value problem, such as for shallow foundations or slopes, is selected to ensure that the exercise can be conducted in the limited time available for the students, and that the physical model takes only a finite amount of time so that all students can witness a test from start to finish. A comparison allows the assumptions made for the various models or calculations to be discussed and trains the students to put the different results into perspective. Practical aspects such as feasibility and timing, as well as applicability to reaching the learning goal of the class, will be reviewed. © 2010 Taylor & Francis Group, London.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Samhällsbyggnadsteknik -- Geoteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Civil Engineering -- Geotechnical Engineering (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Geoteknik

Soil Mechanics

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

kon (ämneskategori)