RESEARCH PROJECTS – Dr Dorival Pedroso

Computational Geomechanics

Among engineering geologists, mining engineers, civil engineers, and other engineering sciences the uniform term of GEOMECHANICS is well known and accepted. It distinguishes the science of displacements and forces in the technically relevant part of the crust of Earth. The range of application of geomechanics is therefore considerable.

The Following research projects usually require:

Requirements First steps
  • Programming skills
  • Analytical and algorithmic skills
  • Introduction to C++ programming
  • Ubuntu/Linux
  • Quick tutorial on Blender
  • Quick tutorial on Python

PROJECT A

AIEng – Optimization in Engineering using Artificial Intelligence

Many optimization problems from the industrial engineering world, in particular the manufacturing systems, are very complex in natura and quite hard to be solved by conventional optimization techniques. Since the 1960s, there has been an increasing interest in imitating living beings to solve such problems. Generally, by simulating the natural process results in stochastic optimization techniques such as those called evolutionary algorithms. One subset of these algorithms is the genetic algorithms.

Recently, genetic algorithms have received considerable attention regarding their potential as an optimization technique for complex problems and have been successfully applied in the area of industrial engineering. The well-known applications include scheduling and sequencing, reliability design, vehicle routing and scheduling, group technology, facility layout and location, transportation, and many others.

Project examples Tools
  • Optimization of parameters for geomaterial models
  • Robust optimization of material models accounting for uncertainties
  • Slope stability analysis
  • Granular media packing generation

PROJECT B

GeoFEM – Finite Element Method in Geomechanics

Geomechanics is more complex than other branches of technical mechanics, for instance fluid mechanics or the theory of elasticity, because of the highly non-linear and heterogeneous nature of geo-materials. Very often, the solution based on a rational mathematical representation of problems in geomechanics can not easily be found. Therefore, a numerical approach has to be employed, specially if one requires information on safety and efficiency of a geo-structure. The finite element method (FEM) is a numerical tool that can provide reasonable accurate approximations to these problems in an efficient manner.

MechSys is a powerful tool which includes a number of numerical methods (FEM, DEM, LBM, SPH, MPM). MechSys/FEM is a FE simulation tool including a friendly graphical interface based on Blender. Visualization is also available by means of ParaView. Internally, MechSys/FEM implements advanced numerical techniques for the solution of non-linear problems including those of three-phase coupling (grains, liquid, gas).

This project involves the extension of MechSys for specific problems, specially regarding the addition of new elements and numerical schemes; the development of friendly graphical interface to MechSys; and applications of MechSys to the solution of engineering (civil, mining, soil-structure) problems.

Project examples Tools
  • Efficient stress-update algorithms for non-linear material models
  • Efficient global non-linear solvers
  • Embedded elements for Geomechanics
  • Structural elements for soil-structure interaction
  • Accurate and efficient 2D and 3D elements
  • Simulation of embankment, excavation, or pile-driving

For reference, several other FE programs are available, both commercial or not. Among the ones with open source there are:

and among some commercial software:


PROJECT C

GeoModel – Geomaterials Modelling

Geomaterials such as sands, clay, rock, and concrete are involved in a very large number of engineering applications (geotechnical, structural, petroleum, environmental, etc) and have for this reason been the subject of much research. Common to all geomaterials is their porous structure comprising a solid (often called the matrix) permeated by a network of pores which may be filled with a fluid (liquid or gas). The properties of interest usually revolve around their response to mechanical loading and their ability to conduct fluids. Other important aspects include heat conduction, wave propagation and the diffusion of various substances through the pore network.

Project examples Tools
  • Non-linear elastic models
  • Discrete models
  • Multiscale models
  • Elastoplastic models for soils and rocks

PROJECT A

Genetic Algorithms consider an analogy with Nature

PROJECT B

Finite Element Analysis of a true triaxial sample

PROJECT C

Subloading Cam Clay model: Yield Surface