Groundwater modelling for infrastructure and geotechnical projects
Using FEFLOW
An instructor-led online course
Learn about using FEFLOW to perform numerical groundwater simulations at construction sites.
Course details
Is this course right for me?
What are my expected outcomes?
How will I learn?
Is this course right for me?
This course is right for you if:
✔️ You work with groundwater simulations
✔️ You have basic knowledge of groundwater systems
✔️ You have been introduced to FEFLOW through experience or having followed the self-paced course “Getting started with groundwater modelling using FEFLOW”
✔️ You are prepared to complete a four-module instructor-led online course, supplemented by a one-hour introduction to the structure and methodology of the course, over five weeks
✔️ Your schedule allows you to allocate two hours to complete assignments for each module
What are my expected outcomes?
Upon completion of the course, you will:
✔️ Understand how to use FEFLOW to model groundwater and unsaturated-flow processes within infrastructure and geotechnical engineering
✔️ Be able to develop your own numerical model with FEFLOW to simulate the infiltration process in tunnels, dams and construction sites
✔️ Understand how to estimate dewatering volumes, groundwater drawdown and pressure distributions at construction/geotechnical projects
How will I learn?
This course includes four modules conducted via online live sessions by our qualified trainer. You will learn through a combination of instructor-led lectures, demonstration videos and quizzes, hands-on exercises and reading materials.
Throughout the course, you will have ample time to discuss tips & tricks, best practices and examples with your instructor and fellow participants.
A major part of the online sessions is allocated to group work, which is based on home assignments set by your trainer. For maximum benefits, you are strongly advised to allocate a minimum of two hours of self-study for each of the five modules. There will be no homework for the one-hour online introduction to the structure and methodology of the course.
Modules
This online course is divided into four 2-hour training sessions. Module 1 also includes a 1-hour introductory session.
Module 1 | Theoretical background and preliminary steps
Topics: Introduction to FEFLOW graphical interface, theoretical background of infiltration processes, introduction to unsaturated-flow modelling using FEFLOW
Module 2 | Building a 3D mesh with tunnel geometry
Topics: Principle of finite-element meshing, working with FEFLOW 3D meshes and incorporating tunnel geometry
Module 3 | Model parametrization and boundary conditions
Topics: Definition of excavation plan, hydraulic parametrization and transient boundary conditions
Module 4 | Result evaluation and discussion
Topics: Estimation of dewatering volumes and pressure distributions, open discussion (trainer can also demonstrate the use of artificial freezing in construction)
Instructor
Dr. Carlos Rivera Villarreyes
Dr. Carlos Rivera Villarreyes works as Global Product Specialist for FEFLOW at DHI. He has profound knowledge of groundwater and unsaturated-zone modelling as well as parameter estimation and uncertainty analysis (e.g., with PEST), all these in the context of mining applications among others. He has carried several groundwater modelling projects and trained professionals in groundwater modelling around the globe.
Dipl.-Ing. (FH), Civil Engineering, University of Piura, Peru
MSc, Desert Studies - Water Resources Management,
Ben-Gurion University, Israel
PhD, Hydrology, University of Potsdam, Germany