course-details-portlet

BM6401

Geodynamics

New from the academic year 2025/2026

Credits 10
Level Further education, higher degree level
Course start Autumn 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Home examination

About

About the course

Course content

The course is given every second year, next time fall semester 2025.

Basic theory for dynamic systems with one or many degrees of freedom. Wave propagation in elastic media and soils. Development of simple spring-dashpot analogs for foundations on soils. Earthquake engineering. Pile driving. Traffic vibrations. Parameters for soil dynamics determined by laboratory and field tests. Examples of application, partly by Finite Element Methods.

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 taught in English and is made up by intensive lecturing in two periods of four days each in combination with exercises. The course is offered in the fall semester every second year (2025, 2027 etc.). Guest lecturers are invited from the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute and Aarhus University.

Physical attendance is recommended, but it will be possible to follow the course digitally. Video recordings of the lectures will be made available.

The course is part of NTNUs continuing education portfolio and has a tuition fee.

Further on evaluation

Home exam, 4 hours.

Retake exam will be arranged as oral exam.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Continuing Education, Faculty of Engineering Science and Technology (EVUIVC51)

Required previous knowledge

MSc degree in geotechnical engineering or structural mechanics.

Course materials

Lecture notes in English will be available from Geotechnical Divison, NTNU.

Subject areas

  • Building and Construction Engineering
  • Structural Engineering
  • Geotechnical Engineering
  • Technological subjects

Contact information

Course coordinator

Lecturers

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Home examination
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

Home examination
Weighting 100/100 Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment