Chapter 1: NUMERICAL

METHODS IN
GEOTECHNICAL ENG.
Finite Element vs. Finite Difference
Finite Difference
 Introduction

In the evolutionary process of numerical modeling, finite difference method was the
logical choice to the geotechnical engineers as they were conversant with the concept
of differential equations. The discretization procedure in finite difference method was
on replacing continuous derivatives in equations governing the physical problems by
the ratio of change in the variable over a small but finite increment. Thus a differential
equation is converted to difference equation. The differential equations involved in
geotechnical problems are generally to the order of four and accordingly difference
approximations to these fourth derivatives are made.

Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/numerical-methods-geotechnical-engineering-2-finite-vipin-tyagi
Commercial Software Packages

FLAC© software is one of the commercial finite difference software having good reliability and validity
in solving geotechnical problems using finite difference approach. A variety of methods e.g. Taylor series
and polynomial interpolation can be used for deriving approximations to these derivatives. MATLAB©
and R© softwares can be used for finding solutions to various series and polynomials. Various schemes
can be deployed for evaluating solutions to finite difference solutions. In implicit scheme, solution of
simultaneous equation at next time level is required. The explicit schemes are relatively straight forward,
permit step-by-step evaluation of deformation directly, and do not require solution of simultaneous
equations. Explicit methods are very useful for dynamic problems where solution is required at every
step for simulating animation of structure.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssl4sbwY91I
Explicit vs. Implicit Finite Difference Method

The common method usually used to solve

The EFDM is most commonly used problems in two dimensional space is the
in seismic modelling due to its fast explicit finite difference method.
computational speed.
Although this method is easy to be
implemented, it is not unconditionally stable.
An IFDM is usually considered
expensive due to the requirement Therefore, the time interval and width of the
finite difference grids should be selected so
of solving a larger number of
that the solution becomes unique and stable.
equations and is therefore not very
Source: DEVELOPMENT OF FINITE
popular. DIFFERENCE METHOD APPLIED TO
Source:https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-2132/6/3/003 CONSOLIDATION ANALYSIS OF
EMBANKMENTS
 Explicit vs. Implicit Finite Difference Method

Alternatively, an implicit finite difference The advantages are:

method which is well known as the Alternating 1. It is convergent and unconditionally stable.

Direction Implicit (ADI) method can be used to 2. It has second order accuracy in both space

solve problems in two dimensional space. and time.

Remson et al. [6] adopted the ADI method which 3. It leads to a tridiagonal system of equations.

has advantages in solving finite difference

equations.
 Numerical Methods In Geotechnical
Engineering: From Research to Practice

Solution Requirements:
Only the elastoplastic analyses are
Many geotechnical problems involve an capable of providing a solution while
assessment of stability and deformation, and for satisfying (sometimes approximately) all
this class of problems here are four (4)
four solution requirements
fundamental conditions that should be satisfied
by the solution: There are: The difficulty of obtaining closed-form
1. Equilibrium
elastoplastic solutions for practical
2. Compatibility problems means that the numerical
3. Material Constitutive behaviour methods are the only generally applicable
4. Boundary Conditions techniques
Boundary How do we specify boundary conditions
Conditions in finite difference problems is very
important?
Well, in mathematical terms, it is the
value of the dependent variable
(derivative) on the boundaries (or edges)
of the region of interest.
As basic differential equation can be
satisfied with many solutions, a unique
solution can only be obtained by
applying boundary conditions.
The boundary conditions are often classified as Dirichlet,
Neumann and third, or mixed, boundary conditions. The
Dirichlet condition is introduced by setting a value of
deformation at the given point like in a cantilever with
non-yielding support, the displacement at the end of prop
is set to zero.
In consolidation problem, prescribed value of deformation
can be specified at the top. An impervious layer where
flow vanishes can correspond to Neumann conditions.
In the mixed conditions, both deformation and its gradient
can be specified. Example is of problem of seepage
through a dam where known heads at the upstream face of
the dam constitute the Dirichlet condition, the condition of
a zero flow across the impervious surface represents a
Neumann condition, and the conditions of no flow across
the free surface and a head equal to the elevation at the
free surface represent a mixed condition.
Finite Element
Intro

● Introduction to Finite Element Analysis (FEA) or Finite Element Method

(FEM)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YuM0BvB8cVN7jORrHKDMKKmtxLPDlhv
W/view?usp=sharing
● Historical Background of FEM
● Finite Elements in Geotechnical Design
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lkVcHBETnCesd3ECRLZfPUzSRgrF48-D/v
iew?usp=sharing
Simplying FEM model corresponding to 3D
system
● Plain strain vs. plain stress model
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hnMvFPCnJJe5IHnbq2zkVgsmXiL79zKH
/view?usp=sharing
● When I decide to use the plain stress or plain strain in ABAQUS?
https://www.researchgate.net/post/When_I_decide_to_use_the_plain_stre
ss_or_plain_strain_in_ABAQUS
● Asymmetric model

https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-differences-between-a-plane-strain-a
nd-axisymmetric-condition-in-a-Plaxis-model
Simplying FEM model corresponding to 3D
system (continued…)
● Points of interest for pile modelling in a 2D
plane strain model
https://communities.bentley.com/products/geot
ech-analysis/w/wiki/45996/points-of-interest-for
-pile-modelling-in-a-2d-plane-strain-model
● Application of axisymmetric model

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RxzULfWjGw
Ny-5lBBxyyXSTuj14NuS8M/view?usp=sharing
FEM: Linear vs. Non linear model

● FEM linear

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PFj8vuOJtk2HtAnBqTxTZ9O5uDXrJgza/vi
ew?usp=sharing

● FEM Non-linear
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vZWUfFG-lflyGEepFCDBwocFmz_VFnWq/
view?usp=sharing
Important Keywords in Geotech. FEA Model

● Geometry
● FEM Mesh
● Boundary
● Soil Model (constitutive model)
● Interface
● Phreatic level/groundwater condition
● Initial stress
● Type of analysis (stability analysis, consolidation analysis, dynamic
analysis, etc….)
Plaxis 2D Modelling

● Plaxis 2D course materials

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-bIIWNf-oEPtn7F2eo_K-GcS5c8mipnw/vie
w?usp=sharing
● Mesh and Geometry Selection
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T8vTtWlN-FiCGIFW1EvAZzRjmk7Dviv7/vi
ew?usp=sharing
Constitutive Models for Soil

● Overview of Constitutive Models for Soil

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D0SrNQHFuPv8k25QvSiUUZhjYDlXvqew/
view?usp=sharing
When 3D model is required