DeeP MeLT
Arson's Lab
Class instruction
Theoretical Geomechanics
CEE 6460. Graduate: Ph.D. level.
This course provides an introduction to the theories of elasticity, plasticity, poro-mechanics, fluid flow in porous media and unsaturated soil mechanics. It covers analytical and numerical methods to solve and analyze boundary value problems in geomechanics. The material presented can be of general interest to students who are not majoring in geotechnical engineering, in particular, students interested in solid mechanics, groundwater hydraulics and Earth systems modeling. Topics include general theorems of elasticity, an introduction to poromechanics, fundamental principles of perfect plasticity, elastoplastic constitutive models for dry, saturated and unsaturated geomaterials, limit analysis for slope and foundation stability, iterative resolution procedures for non-linear behavior, and a practical introduction to the Finite Element Method (FEM). Applications focus on energy geotechnologies and climate change.
Finite Element Method for Coupled Processes in Elastic Porous Media
CEE 6432. Graduate: Ph.D. level.
The course explains the formulation of Finite Element Methods (FEM) for elastic porous media, with a special emphasis on coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical processes that occur in soils, rocks and cementitious materials. Applications will focus on climate change and energy storage. First, the course will present the basic principles of the FEM to solve one-dimensional problems of fluid flow and heat transfer in rigid host media, including the variational formulation, space discretization and time discretization. Next, thermo-mechanical and hydro-mechanical equations for two-phase porous media will be introduced after a discussion of the concept of Representative Elementary Volume (REV). 2D space discretization and numerical integration will be explained and applied through simulation and analysis of coupled problems of heat exchangers, consolidation and seepage. The last portion of the course will be dedicated to the effect of capillary pressure (or suction) on the hydro-mechanical properties of porous media. The strong and weak formulations of problems with porous solids filled with two fluids will be established and discussed under a variety of assumptions, e.g., miscible/immiscible fluids, compressible/incompressible solid. Issues of accuracy, convergence and stability will be discussed through case studies, e.g., evapo-transpiration, subsidence, slope stability, desiccation cracks.
Computational Methods in Mechanics
CEE 6513. Graduate: MSc./Ph.D. level.
This course presents a practical application of finite element method to problems in solid mechanics. Taking students from fundamental theory to real-world applications using commercial software, this course reviews theoretical bases of continuum mechanics, introduces the plasticity theory, presents constitutive models relevant to geomaterials and structural materials, explains the fundamental principles of the Finite Element Method (FEM), and applies fundamental concepts of mechanics to solve and analyze problems of civil engineering. Applications focus on - but are not limited to - geotechnical systems, structures and material design. The course is organized in five main modules that each blend theoretical principles and applications with the FEM: (1) Elements of continuum mechanics and elasticity; (2) The Finite Element Method in elasticity for 1D time-independent problems with one dependent variable; (3) Analytical and numerical solutions to eigenvalue and transient problems; (4) The FEM in elasticity for 2D with applications to structures, mass and heat transport; (5) Principles of plasticity, constitutive models in perfect plasticity and numerical applications for civil engineering.
Tunneling and Mining: Mechanics and Engineering
CEE 8813. Graduate: MSc./Ph.D. level.
The course focuses on the fundamental principles of tunnel and underground mining design. Background lectures will review basic rock physics and mechanics, fracture characterization, fluid flow in porous media and fracture networks. Emphasis is put on the following design issues: site geology and tunnel alignment, excavation plans, support techniques, drainage systems, long-term behavior. Applications will include the prediction of settlements and subsidence and the optimization of energy geotechnologies, e.g., heat and fluid extraction, mine excavation, Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES), nuclear waste disposal.
Mechanics of Deformable Bodies
COE 3001. Undergraduate: junior level.
This class is also known as Mechanics of Materials. The objectives are to: Develop an ability to visualize and understand the fundamental behavior of structures and solids; Develop an understanding of assumptions and idealizations commonly used for analysis of structures and solids; Learn methods of computing stresses in several types of structural and machine components; Learn the fundamental approach for determining internal forces and stresses in indeterminate structures: use of equations of equilibrium, force-temperature-deformation relations, and expressions for the geometry of the deformations; Develop a basic knowledge of approaches to design of structural and machine components.
Diversity, Inclusion and Equity in Civil and Enbironmental Engineering
CEE 4801/8900. Undergraduate and graduate levels
This course aims to expose students to issues of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) specific to Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE). While students have opportunities to receive training on matters of diversity and equity, there are few venues to apply and implement actionable items to improve DEI in the workplace. The course contents will vary from semester to semester depending on the current DEI issues encountered in society, on campus and in the CEE professional communities. To start, it is anticipated that the following topics will be covered: the viewpoint of U.S. CEE professional associations on DEI matters; equity in transportation and urban planning; environmental justice; accessibility of infrastructure for physically disabled persons; LGBTQ+ inclusion in CEE; venues for DEI engagement in the profession; campus DEI policies (and how to make a difference in the School of CEE). The class meets once a week, alternating between talks by invited speakers with expertise in one of the topics above, and roundtables during which students will debate on the issues presented by the speakers under a set of ground rules established by the instructor and the students at the beginning of the semester. Talks will be streamed online synchronously, open to the whole CEE community and recorded (if speakers agree).