Validation of Numerical Analysis in Geotechnical Engineering

A seminar for senior managers, technical reviewers and project managers in partnership with NAFEMS, the International Association of the Engineering Modelling, Analysis and Simulation Community.

Overview

Numerical analysis using finite element and finite difference methods has become a mainstream design tool within geotechnics in the last decade or so. This is due to the development of sophisticated yet accessible 2D and 3D computer programs that can realistically model the ground and adjacent structures. With increasing reliance placed on this type of complex modelling effective training in the use of this technology and effective procedures to validate the analyses are required.

This seminar will outline a framework for validation of numerical analysis. The process will be illustrated through a number of case studies across a wide range of projects solving geotechnical challenges.

Undertaking mainstream geotechnical design with numerical methods is relatively new for the industry and senior engineers potentially unfamiliar with the methods are required to put in place structures and procedures to guide the outcome and ensure reliability of design.

Objectives

The objectives of the seminar are:

• An overview of the validation process for numerical analysis including highlights from the new NAFEMS book ‘Validating numerical models …’
• What to expect and what NOT to expect from finite element calculations
• What managers of the users of finite element software need to understand
• What project managers need to understand
• Asking the right questions when guiding and supervising numerical analysis
  

Jointly Organised by