Abstract
While geotechnical and structural engineers routinely rely heavily on finite element (FEM) modeling for analysis and design, exposure to numerical modeling and to software used in industry is generally limited in most civil engineering undergraduate curricula. This document summarizes the experience of introducing an industry FEM software - Midas GTS NX – into the Geotechnical Engineering I course at Purdue University in the Spring 2020 semester, through two laboratory modules built around key topics covered in the course: 2D groundwater flow and stress analysis. In addition to providing exposure to tools used in practice, the modules were designed to consolidate the comprehension of fundamental concepts, and enhance students’ learning experience by facilitating rapid iterative exploration of different technical scenarios in the context of practical applications of geotechnical engineering.
Date of this Version
2020
Recommended Citation
Vitali, Osvaldo P. M.; Getchell, Amy; and Santagata, Marika, "Development of FEM laboratory modules for an introductory undergraduate Geotechnical Engineering course" (2020). Lyles School of Civil Engineering Education and Instruction Resources. Paper 1.
https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/civeng-instres/1