FEA in Geotechnical Engineering
FEA in Geotechnical Engineering
(OP)
How widespread is Finite Element Analysis in geotechnical engineering. I have thought of taking a class on this subject, but don't know how useful it would actually be. How much information from the field and lab would be required to be able to do FEA, etc. What sort of computer programs are available for such, assuming my company would spend the money on such if I learned the subject.
- EIT Geotechnical Engineer. I am here hoping to help, and learn a little along the way.





RE: FEA in Geotechnical Engineering
We use FEA quite a lot for various jobs, from large highways embankments to small footings and retaining walls. It's a useful tool but like most things it depends on the quality of data you put in and the knowledge of the operator.
Most of our staff have had training but only one of us uses the software so the rest of us have pretty much forgotten how it works!! (He's pretty sick of being THE Plaxis guy now!)
I suppose it depends on the type of work you do as to whether it's worthwhile your company paying for the software and the training.
Cheers
RE: FEA in Geotechnical Engineering
f-d
¡papá gordo ain't no madre flaca!
RE: FEA in Geotechnical Engineering
i have done my masters thesis using FEA...
you will first need to understand that FEA itself is not generally the project/research, etc,... it is a very good and useful tool for whatever your trying to study...
research in advancing the FEA method would mean it would mostly be a mathematical study, precisely better method to solve partial diffrential equations..
mostly you can treat FEA analysis for ur study as a very good alternative to physical testing.. in that case, please concentrate more on the core problem itself rather than deciding to use FEA or experiment, etc
regards
rahul
RE: FEA in Geotechnical Engineering
RE: FEA in Geotechnical Engineering
I think that learning FEA would be interesting and challenging, as applied to geotechnical engineering.
RE: FEA in Geotechnical Engineering
I took a class on it in 1981, which was heavy on the matrix algebra and light on the application. I found it rather dull, and with it being right after lunch, I had a hard time staying awake. However, I would expect most classes these days are more heavily weighted toward hands-on application. If nothing else, it will look good on your resume to be able to show knowledge of FEM.