Course content

The course covers:

Theory of oscillating systems and wave propagation; the basis for determining the necessary geodynamic parameters; foundation vibrations and analog models; pile driving analyzed using wave propagation theory; modelling of vibrations in layered soils; earthquakes; vibrations from blasting and their possible effect on slope stability; vibrations from traffic; offshore foundations exposed to dynamic loads; the finite element method for dynamic analysis.

Learning outcome

KNOWLEDGE

The candidate should have knowledge of how the basic theory yielding oscillating systems and wave propagation may be used to analyse geodynamic problems.

SKILLS

The candidate is able to:

• Determine appropriate geodynamic parameters
• Calculate the oscillation of foundations and determine parameters for analogue models
• Calculate the attenuation of earthquakes in soil deposits
• Assess measured vibrations from traffic or construction activities and compare with acceptance criteria

GENERAL COMPETENCE

The candidate can:

• Assess the effect of earthquakes and traffic vibrations
• Perform dynamic analyses of geotechnical problems by the use of the finite element method

Learning methods and activities

The course is not lectured, but offered as a guided self study.

The course content is presented in a bi-annual summer school at NTNU. The summer school is taught in English and is made up by intensive lecturing in combination with exercises. The summer school is arranged in the fall semester every second year (2027, 2029 etc.). Guest lecturers are invited from the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute and Aarhus University.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

MSc degree in geotechnical engineering or structural mechanics.

Required previous knowledge

Many of those that register for the course are external candidates, whether from the industry, other universities etc. Note that if you wish to take exam in the course, but are not affiliated with the PhD programme in Engineering at NTNU, please contact the course coordinator to check that you have the sufficient background knowledge to attend. Once given the go-ahead from the course coordinator, please forward the correspondence with the course coordinator to our PhD coordinator, maren.grimstad@ntnu.no. She will then help you to register for exam in the course. To check if you are eligible to gain credits for PhD courses at NTNU, please look at https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/researchcourses.

Course materials

Lecture notes will be available from Geotechnical Division, NTNU.