The NUMGE classes are intended to introduce the students to the use of numerical methods in the geotechnical engineering practice. Fundamentals and theoretical aspects of numerical modeling methods will be described together with their application to slope stability analyses, tunnel, retaining structures and foundations design.

At the end of the classes, students will be able to distinguish among the different numerical modeling techniques available to engineers in order to choose the appropriate method to face a geotechnical problem. Students will learn which conditions, parameters, aspects need to be evaluated and determined together with their role in order to allow for reliable and useful results to be obtained. Students will also learn how to judge and validate the results obtained, stimulating criticisms and engineering judgment.

Students are required to have a good knowledge of the topics of the Geotechnics and Rock Mechanics classes.

Lectures will cover topics within:
- the Finite Element Method (15 h)
- constitutive modeling of geomaterials (8 h)
- seepage and consolidation (10 h)
- other numerical methods of interest in Geomechanics, e.g. BEM, DEM, FDEM (10 h)
- case studies of engineering problems solved by different numerical methods, e.g. the design of tunnels in urban environment, tunnels in squeezing and/or swelling conditions, slope stability problems, construction of retaining walls, etc. (20 h)

The NUMGE course will include lectures and exercise classes. During exercise classes students will be asked to work on a real project and take advantage of the knowledge on numerical methods gained during lectures to solve the engineering problem proposed. Students will be asked to prepare a written report out of their work. Application classes will take place at the LAIB (computer lab) with the use of dedicated software.

Reading material will be made available to students during lectures.
Additional reading material is:
- Elementi di meccanica e ingegneria delle rocce by Marco Barla, Celid 2010
- Finite element analysis in geotechnical engineering – theory by David M Potts & Lidija Zdravkovic, Thomas Telford 1999
- Geotechnical modeling by David Muir Wood, Spon Press 2004
- The Finite Element Method: its basis and fundamentals (7th edition) by O. C. Zienkiewicz, R. L. Taylor, J.Z. Zhu Elsevier 2013

Open queries and exercise to be solved with pc available at the Laib Durata della prova: between 2 to 3 hours Uso materiale didattico: the notes distributed during lectures can be used freely Valutazione massima: 30/30 Descrizione della prova orale: discussion over the topics presented during lectures and exercise classes