We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Mostafa Ismail

Course Contents

1. Introduction to Tutorial 1: Slope stability analysis of an embankment, determination of safety factor (FoS) - Plane Strain

3. Explanation of Mohr-Coloumb (MC) and Hardening Soil constitutive models

4. Tutorial 2: Axial capacity of a single pile - Axi-symmetry model

5. Tutorial 3: Design of the retaining structure of a deep excavation consisting of soldier pile walls and prestressed ground anchors. This tutorial includes the application of dewatering and performing consolidation calculations.

Read more

Course Contents

1. Introduction to Tutorial 1: Slope stability analysis of an embankment, determination of safety factor (FoS) - Plane Strain

3. Explanation of Mohr-Coloumb (MC) and Hardening Soil constitutive models

4. Tutorial 2: Axial capacity of a single pile - Axi-symmetry model

5. Tutorial 3: Design of the retaining structure of a deep excavation consisting of soldier pile walls and prestressed ground anchors. This tutorial includes the application of dewatering and performing consolidation calculations.

In this comprehensive course tailored specifically for beginners, students will embark on an empowering journey into the world of geotechnical engineering software, focusing on the renowned Throughout this transformative learning experience, participants will acquire the fundamental knowledge and practical skills necessary to confidently navigate the complexities of

The course begins with a solid foundation, ensuring students grasp the essential concepts of building a numerical model. They will become familiar with the essential skills, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of

Students will dive into the software, exploring its intuitive user interface and gaining proficiency in model creation and manipulation. Through hands-on exercises, they will learn to efficiently generate meshes, analyze soil-structure interaction, and interpret modeling results and outputs. From foundational concepts such as boundary conditions and soil material models to advanced topics like slope stability assessments and dep excavations, participants will gain a holistic understanding of

Moreover, the course will empower students to solve real-world geotechnical challenges. They will learn to simulate ground settlement, evaluate the stability of retaining walls, and analyze the behavior of soil-structure systems. Through comprehensive tutorials and practical examples, students will develop a problem-solving mindset and learn to make informed engineering decisions using

By the end of this empowering course, beginners will have gained a solid command of Armed with a deep understanding of modeling principles and hands-on experience with the software, students will be prepared to tackle complex geotechnical challenges, optimize designs, and contribute to the field of numerical modeling with excellence and proficiency. With this newfound expertise, students will be well-equipped to take their first steps toward a successful geotechnical engineering career, focusing on numerical analysis.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

Introduction to PLXIS 2D (Plane strain versus Axi-symmetry models), borehole creation, soil creation, the input of soil parameters, and basic drawing tools

Read more
Perform slope stability analysis of an embankment, determination of safety factor (FoS) - Plane Strain
Slope stability Analysis
How to use MC and Hardening Soil Models
Explanation of Mohr-Coulomb (MC) and Hardening Soil constitutive models
Tutorial 2: Axial capacity of a single pile - Axi-symmetry model
Axial capacity of a single pile
Design of the retaining structure of a deep excavation consisting of soldier pile walls and prestressed ground anchors.
Deep Excavation - Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Save this course

Save PLAXIS 2D for Beginners - Geotechnical Numerical Analysis to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in PLAXIS 2D for Beginners - Geotechnical Numerical Analysis with these activities:
Review Soil Mechanics Fundamentals
Reinforce your understanding of soil mechanics principles, which are essential for using PLAXIS 2D effectively. A strong foundation will help you interpret results and understand the underlying behavior of soil in your models.
Browse courses on Soil Mechanics
Show steps
  • Review your notes from previous soil mechanics courses.
  • Work through practice problems related to stress distribution and consolidation.
  • Familiarize yourself with different soil types and their properties.
Review 'Soil Mechanics: Concepts and Applications' by Craig
Gain a deeper understanding of soil mechanics principles, which are crucial for effective use of PLAXIS 2D. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the subject.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on effective stress and shear strength.
  • Work through the example problems in the book.
  • Relate the concepts in the book to the soil models used in PLAXIS 2D.
Practice Mohr-Coulomb Parameter Estimation
Improve your ability to estimate Mohr-Coulomb parameters from soil data. This skill is essential for accurately modeling soil behavior in PLAXIS 2D.
Show steps
  • Gather soil data from various sources (e.g., lab reports, site investigations).
  • Estimate the Mohr-Coulomb parameters (cohesion, friction angle) based on the data.
  • Compare your estimates with typical values for similar soil types.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Document a PLAXIS 2D Model Setup
Solidify your understanding of PLAXIS 2D by documenting the setup of a model for a specific geotechnical problem. This will help you organize your thoughts and identify any gaps in your knowledge.
Show steps
  • Choose a geotechnical problem (e.g., slope stability, retaining wall design).
  • Create a PLAXIS 2D model for the problem.
  • Document each step of the model setup, including geometry, material properties, boundary conditions, and mesh generation.
  • Explain the reasoning behind your choices.
Model a Deep Excavation in PLAXIS 2D
Apply your knowledge of PLAXIS 2D to model a deep excavation, a common geotechnical engineering problem. This project will challenge you to integrate various concepts learned in the course.
Show steps
  • Define the geometry of the excavation and the surrounding soil.
  • Assign appropriate soil models and parameters.
  • Model the retaining structure (e.g., soldier pile wall, sheet pile wall).
  • Perform consolidation calculations to assess settlement.
  • Analyze the results and evaluate the stability of the excavation.
Review 'Numerical Methods in Geotechnical Engineering' by Potts and Zdravkovic
Gain a deeper understanding of the numerical methods used in PLAXIS 2D. This book provides valuable insights into the algorithms and techniques behind the software.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on finite element analysis and constitutive modeling.
  • Focus on the sections relevant to the soil models used in PLAXIS 2D.
  • Consider the limitations and assumptions of the numerical methods.

Career center

Learners who complete PLAXIS 2D for Beginners - Geotechnical Numerical Analysis will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Geotechnical Engineer
A Geotechnical Engineer analyzes soil and rock properties to design foundations and earthworks. This course helps build a foundation in numerical modeling using PLAXIS 2D, a core tool in geotechnical analysis. The course's focus on slope stability, pile capacity, and retaining structure design provides direct, practical skills needed for a geotechnical engineer. The hands-on tutorials, including slope stability analysis and deep excavation design, equip aspiring Geotechnical Engineers to tackle real-world projects involving soil-structure interaction and ground settlement.
Engineering Consultant
An Engineering Consultant provides expert advice and solutions to clients on a variety of engineering projects. This course helps engineering consultants who specialize in geotechnical engineering. Learning PLAXIS 2D can help them model and analyze soil behavior. With modules covering soil-structure interaction and ground settlement, engineering consultants can enhance their ability to provide informed recommendations and innovative solutions to clients facing geotechnical challenges.
Civil Engineer
A Civil Engineer designs and oversees the construction of infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and buildings. This course helps civil engineers who want to specialize in geotechnical aspects of projects. Learning to use PLAXIS 2D, as taught in the course, facilitates the modeling and analysis of soil behavior under various loads. With modules covering slope stability, axial capacity of piles, and retaining structure design, civil engineers can use this course to enhance their ability to ensure the safety and durability of infrastructure projects.
Geological Engineer
A Geological Engineer applies geological principles to engineering projects, ensuring the stability and safety of structures. This course helps geological engineers who want to improve their skills in numerical modeling. The course's modules on slope stability, pile capacity, and retaining structure design provide practical skills needed for geological engineering projects. By learning PLAXIS 2D, geological engineers can enhance their ability to analyze and predict ground behavior under different loading conditions.
Dam Engineer
Dam Engineers specialize in the design, construction, and maintenance of dams and related structures, often requiring advanced degrees. This course helps Dam Engineers assess the stability and safety of embankment dams. Learning the fundamentals of PLAXIS 2D enhances their ability to model and analyze dam structures. With practical training in slope stability analysis, Dam Engineers can ensure the long-term performance and safety of dams, mitigating risks associated with soil-structure interaction.
Lecturer
A Lecturer teaches courses in higher education, sharing knowledge and expertise with students. This course may be useful for lecturers in geotechnical engineering or civil engineering. The practical focus on PLAXIS 2D helps lecturers to provide hands-on training to their students. The course's modules on slope stability, pile capacity, and retaining structure design helps give lecturers current, practical skills needed to enhance their teaching and curriculum development.
Pavement Engineer
A Pavement Engineer focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of road pavements. This course provides insights into soil behavior under cyclic loading, which can be useful in pavement design. Learning PLAXIS 2D helps Pavement Engineers model and analyze the performance of pavement structures, ensuring their durability and load-bearing capacity. The course’s focus on constitutive soil models helps Pavement Engineers understand how different soil types affect pavement performance.
Research Scientist
A Research Scientist conducts experiments and analyzes data to advance scientific knowledge. This course may be useful for research scientists studying soil mechanics or geotechnical engineering. The course's emphasis on numerical modeling, using PLAXIS 2D, provides a foundation for simulating and analyzing soil behavior. Modules on constitutive soil models and soil-structure interaction can enhance a research scientist's ability to conduct advanced research in geotechnical engineering.
Mining Engineer
A Mining Engineer plans and designs mines, ensuring efficient and safe extraction of minerals. This course may be useful for mining engineers who need to analyze slope stability and soil-structure interaction in mining operations. Learning to use PLAXIS 2D helps them model and simulate ground behavior. With training in slope stability analysis and constitutive soil models, mining engineers can use the course to enhance their ability to predict and prevent geotechnical failures in mining environments.
Structural Engineer
A Structural Engineer designs structures to withstand various loads and environmental conditions. This course may be useful to structural engineers dealing with soil-structure interaction. It helps build a practical understanding of how soil properties affect structural stability. By learning PLAXIS 2D, structural engineers can analyze the behavior of foundations, retaining walls, and other structures interacting with the ground. The course modules on slope stability and deep excavation design offers insights into soil mechanics relevant to structural design.
Environmental Engineer
An Environmental Engineer works to protect the environment and human health through the design of solutions to environmental problems. This course may be useful to environmental engineers involved in projects such as landfill design or remediation of contaminated sites. The course's focus on soil behavior and numerical modeling, using PLAXIS 2D, offers insights into ground settlement and stability, which are critical in environmental engineering projects. The modules on soil material models can help environmental engineers assess the environmental impact of construction.
Project Engineer
A Project Engineer manages and coordinates engineering projects from conception to completion. This course may be useful for project engineers overseeing geotechnical aspects of construction. Learning PLAXIS 2D may help them understand and address potential geotechnical challenges. The focus on slope stability and retaining structure design ensures that project engineers are better prepared to manage projects involving complex ground conditions.
Construction Manager
A Construction Manager oversees construction projects, ensuring they are completed safely, on time, and within budget. This course may be useful for construction managers who need to understand the geotechnical aspects of their projects. By learning about PLAXIS 2D, construction managers can gain insights into soil behavior. Modules on retaining structure design and slope stability analysis prepare construction managers to anticipate and address potential geotechnical challenges during construction.
Geoscientist
A Geoscientist studies the Earth's composition, structure, and processes. This course may be useful for geoscientists involved in geotechnical investigations or research. Learning PLAXIS 2D can help them model and analyze soil behavior. The course's focus on constitutive soil models and slope stability may enhance a geoscientist's ability to understand and predict ground deformation and failure.
CAD Technician
A Computer Aided Design Technician creates technical drawings and models using CAD software. This course may be useful for CAD technicians who need to create models for geotechnical engineering projects. A CAD technician can use the course to understand how numerical models are built in PLAXIS 2D. The course's emphasis on model creation may enhance a CAD technician's effectiveness in supporting geotechnical engineering teams.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in PLAXIS 2D for Beginners - Geotechnical Numerical Analysis.
Provides a comprehensive overview of soil mechanics principles, covering topics such as soil classification, effective stress, consolidation, and shear strength. It is particularly useful for understanding the theoretical background behind the soil models used in PLAXIS 2D. The book is commonly used as a textbook in geotechnical engineering courses and provides a solid foundation for numerical analysis.
Delves into the numerical methods used in geotechnical engineering, providing a deeper understanding of the algorithms and techniques behind software like PLAXIS 2D. While not strictly necessary for beginners, it offers valuable insights into the limitations and assumptions of numerical modeling. This book is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference, but it is commonly used by researchers and advanced practitioners.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser