The NUMGE lectures 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, as well as tunnels, 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 specific 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) - coupled problems (seepage, consolidation, thermo-hydro-mechanical) (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, energy geostructures and climate change issues, 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

Modalità di esame: Prova scritta (in aula); Prova orale obbligatoria; Progetto individuale;

Exam: Written test; Compulsory oral exam; Individual project;

... Scope of the exam is to ascertain that the student has assimilated all topics presented and is able to apply the theories and methods for the solution of practical geotechnical engineering problems. Votes are on a basis of thirty and is considered sufficient when the vote is at least 18/30. The exam consists in a written test, an oral examination and the writing up of a technical report. The technical report will be completed during the exercise classes and needs to be submitted at the latest during the written exam. Maximum vote will be: 30/30. The written exam consists of open queries and exercises to be solved with a pc available at the Laib. It will last between between 2 to 3 hours. Students will be allowed to use freely the notes distributed during lectures. Maximum vote will be: 30/30. The results will be published on the Portale della didattica, together with the dates for the oral examination and for consultation. The oral exam will consist of a discussion over the topics presented during lectures and exercise classes. Maximum vote will be: 30/30. The final mark will be obtained by combining the votes of the technical report (20%), the written exam (40%) and the oral exam (40%).

Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilità o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unità Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione più idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.