Guidelines for Geotechnical Finite-Element Modeling

Abstract

This paper emphasizes on the required guidelines for establishing a geotechnical finite-element model. The steps that must be taken to construct such a model are explained in a flowchart, and the methodology described therein is illustrated by building a model using commercially available finite-element software. Well-documented experimental test data are used to validate the model results. The effects of the geometry plotting, meshing techniques, and boundary locations are assessed by comparing the model results with the experimental results. To date, various geotechnical constitutive models have been proposed to describe various aspects of actual soil behavior in detail, and the advantages and limitations of five such models are discussed. The model results are subjected to an assessment check. The geotechnical modeler can be decided based on the knowledge base that constitutive models will use as the case.