Address
Matice hrvatske 15, 21 000 Split
Email
summerschool@gradst.hr
Matice hrvatske 15, 21 000 Split
summerschool@gradst.hr
Main Topics
Deep Excavation Support System Design Using Finite Elements, Monitoring of Deep ExcavationsCharacterization and Stability Analysis of Slopes and Engineered Fills Under Various Loading Conditions, Field Performance Assessment of Fill SitesAnalysis of Settlement Under Foundations, Ground Improvement, Axial Static Load Testing of Instrumented Piles, Area Loading of Improved Ground Sites Under Design LoadsGeomechanical Behaviour of Tunnels, Finite Element Analysis of Tunnels, Tunnel MonitoringSlope Stability Assessment in Rock Masses, Modeling Anisotropy in Rock Masses, Limit Equilibrium and Finite Element Based Slope Stability EvaluationProgramme Structure
5-day CourseReview of Practical Aspects of Geotechnical Modeling with Emphasis on a Diverse Range of Applications and Case StudiesHands-on Numerical Modeling ExperienceDeeper Understanding of Soil/Rock Characterization, Modeling and Field Performance Validation ProcessLearn the Fundamentals of Developing a Geotechnical Monitoring Programme31/08/2026 - 04/09/2026
06/07/2026
13/07/2026
19/08/2026
2 ECTS
Day 1
Introduction to the principles of temporary deep excavation support systems in urban environments. Topics include site characterization, geomechanical parameter selection, and development of 2D finite element models. Participants will learn how to define geometry, liners, and support elements while addressing groundwater effects and common design errors.
The session also covers uncertainty in input parameters and their influence on excavation performance.
The second part introduces geotechnical monitoring for deep excavations, including monitoring design, sensor selection, installation basics, and interpretation of deformation measurements to assess excavation and nearby structure performance.
Day 2
Focus on engineering characterization of rock waste dumps and engineered fills using in-situ and laboratory testing methods. Participants will review a real case study used to develop constitutive models for fill materials.
The course continues with 3D geometry modeling and slope stability analysis using limit equilibrium and finite element methods under various loading conditions, including seismic and groundwater effects.
The day concludes with slope monitoring strategies, covering sensors, remote sensing technologies, monitoring plan development, and preparation of technical specifications and budgets.
Day 3
Covers soil characterization and settlement analysis under foundation loads using numerical tools. A real case study demonstrates prediction of elastic and consolidation settlement in layered soils.
Participants will explore ground improvement techniques used to mitigate settlement and liquefaction risks. The session concludes with field performance verification, including instrumented load tests, monitoring systems, and interpretation of measurements from settlement plates, piezometers, extensometers, and pressure cells.
Day 4
Introduces fundamental geomechanical concepts related to tunnel behavior, including stress redistribution, convergence-confinement, excavation sequencing, and tunnel–support interaction.
Participants will gain hands-on experience with finite element modeling of tunnels, including meshing, boundary conditions, groundwater effects, and jointed rock behavior.
The module concludes with tunnel monitoring and instrumentation strategies, supported by case studies from transportation infrastructure projects.
Day 5
Focus on characterization and stability analysis of rock slopes influenced by discontinuities. The session demonstrates how neglecting structural features affects safety factors in limit equilibrium analyses.
Participants will examine mechanical anisotropy and scale effects, and learn how to incorporate joint networks into 2D and 3D numerical models using both limit equilibrium and finite element methods. The module concludes with applications of 3D fracture networks for rock slope stability assessment.
A. Anıl Yunatcı, Ph.D.
Managing Director, Geodestek Ltd. Sti.
Dr. Sc. Goran Vlastelica, Ph.D.
Associate Professor at University of Split, Croatia