Finite Element
Methods in
Geotechnical
Engineering
Advanced Geotechnical Engineering
Dr. Muhammad Rehan Hakro
Finite Element Method
of Analysis
• Numerical methods are typically
used to solve engineering
mathematical models – referred to
as numerical simulation.
• Finite element method (FEM) is a
numerical procedure for solving
mathematical models numerically.
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Finite Element Method of
Analysis
• FEM uses discretization (nodes and
to
elements) the i.e
subdivi engineering system, .,
model
de the or
components problem system
pieces called sma
elementsinto
and the elements are ll
comprised of nodes.
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Finite Element Method of
Analysis
• Useful for problems with complicated
geometries, loadings, and material
properties where analytical solutions
can not be obtained.
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Finite Element Method of Analysis
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Finite Element Method of
Analysis
• Discretizations
Model body by dividing it into an
equivalent system of many smaller
bodies or units (finite elements)
interconnected at points common to
two or more elements (nodes or nodal
points) and/or boundary lines and/or
surfaces.
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Finite Element Method of Analysis
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Finite Element Method of Analysis
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Finite Element Method of Analysis
9
Finite Element Method of Analysis
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Finite Element Method
The finite element approach is gaining popularity in all
disciplines of engineering as a way of solving systems of
partial differential equations that represent various physical
phenomena.
These equations can be used to describe solid body
deformation, fluid flow, or almost any other effect that can
be described using classical physics laws.
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Finite Element Method
The continuum medium is divided into a finite number of
blocks (elements) that are only linked to one another at
specific nodes.
Inside each element, the displacement distribution is
estimated using a simple function, and the variation
principle determines the relationship between nodal force
and nodal displacement.
Assembling all elements' nodal force displacement
relations yields a set of algebra equations with nodal
displacements as unknowns.
The displacement information at a finite number of nodes
within the continuum medium can be obtained by solving 12
Finite Element Method
The Finite Element Method analysis can be broken down into the
following six steps.
1. Discretization of a system
The first stage in a finite element analysis is to discretize a system. It
comprises of the following steps: (1) dividing a system's domain into a
finite number of elements; (2) placing nodes at defined positions on each
element; (3) connecting adjacent elements solely through these nodes;
and (4) assembling all elements to replace the original system.
2. Determination of a displacement model
3. Analysis of mechanical properties of an element
4. Calculation of equivalent nodal forces
5. Integration of element stiffness equations and formulation of
equilibrium equations for the entire system.
6. Solution of unknown nodal displacements and calculation of element
stresses 13
Constitutive Models
With the advent of numerical methods like finite element
and finite difference approaches, it is now possible to
evaluate and forecast the behaviour of complex soil
structures and soil/structure interaction problems.
In numerical computations, the relationships between
stresses and strains in a specific material are represented
by a so-called constitutive model, which consists of
mathematical equations that reflect the behaviour of the
soil in a single element
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Constitutive Models
In numerical computations, the objective of a constitutive
model is to accurately replicate the soil's behaviour under
all loading circumstances
Constitutive model based on elasticity and 15
plasticity theories
Implementation in Numerical Computer Programs
Numerous commercially accessible finite element and finite
difference programmes, including as ABAQUS, PLAXIS, and
FLAC, permit the implementation of the majority of basic
and complex constitutive models.
Because of the complex nature of soil, the development of
constitutive models capable of capturing ‘real’ soil behavior
is a key aspect of analyses of geotechnical structures.
The developments of the constitutive models implemented
in commercial codes are PLAXIS, STRAUS-7, FLAC-3D,
ABACUS.
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PLAXIS 2D
With numerous commercially available FEA-based software
packages, PLAXIS is one of the few two-dimensional
software packages built exclusively for geotechnical
applications.
The modelling process consists of creating a soil profile,
applying a soil model, adding structural components,
meshing, and calculating the water table.
Incorporated inside the software are predefined soil models
and soil sample data. However, there is also support for
user-defined modelling.
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