Course content

The course is aiming to give students thorough knowledge of numerical analysis for rock engineering. The intention is that students will learn the fundamental theory and application of the numerical methods used in rock engineering. Two introductory lectures will be given at the beginning of the semester. Popular codes like RS2 and ABAQUS will be used in the projects. The course is carried out mainly in guided self-study and a project report shall be submitted. There will be arranged several colloquia throughout the semester where students will present the progress of their course assignments (individual for each student) and discuss various aspects of numerical modelling. The semester's coursework will be a project report, individual for each student. The subject for the project assignment will be individual for each student and will be agreed upon through a discussion with the educator at the beginning of the semester.

Learning outcome

COMPETENCE: After completing the course, the students will be able to:

• explain basic principles of numerical methods used in computational rock mechanics;
• reflect over advantages and disadvantages of various numerical methods used in rock mechanics, also those beyond the "standard methods (i.e. FEM, BEM and DEM);
• deepen their knowledge and skills acquired in the course and use them for more efficient use and/or development of rock mechanical software.

SKILLS: After completing the course, the students will be able to:

• use advanced numerical methods for rock mechanical computations;
• master modern numerical techniques used to model rock failure and fracture propagation;
• understand and explain the differences, advantages and disadvantages of different numerical methods and rock mechanical codes;
• choose the optimal software for specific applications within rock mechanics and rock engineering;
• understand the theory and basic principles of modern numerical methods, including those beyond the "standard methods" (i.e. FEM, BEM and DEM);
• implement in practice the principles of verification and calibration of numerical models;
• use a chosen program to analyse a rock mechanical problem of choice.

Learning methods and activities

This is basically a self-study course. However, 2 lectures will be given: one at the beginning of the course and one at the end. Students will perform an analysis with a selected commercial code on a selected project and submit a report. A number of colloquia will be arranged throughout the semester to discuss the individual assignments.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Theory of elasticity. Theory of plasticity. Rock mechanics.

Required previous knowledge

Requires admission to the PhD programme Engineering, specialization within Engineering Geology and Rock Mechanics, or approval from the person with course responsibility.

Course materials

Individual for each participant in the course.

Credit reductions