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Numerical Tunnel Modeling Course (Plaxis, FLAC3D)

Online course of 300 hours in numerical modelling of tunnels (Plaxis, FLAC3D). 6 modules covering the fundamentals of numerical modelling in geotechnics, constitutive models, tunnel modelling in Plaxis, three-dimensional modelling in FLAC3D and model validation, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration300 hours · 3 months
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor

Numerical Tunnel Modeling Course (Plaxis, FLAC3D) — studying from the United States

Civil and transportation engineering is a large and visible sector in the United States, supported by federal infrastructure investment and active state and municipal programs. Major firms such as AECOM, Jacobs and Kiewit work on highways, bridges, rail and water systems nationwide. Rail engineering, centered on corridors in the Northeast, Midwest and California, is expanding with passenger and freight modernization. Smart city initiatives in cities like Pittsburgh, Boston and Austin integrate sensors, data platforms and digital twins into infrastructure planning and operations.

Fees for the United States: 720 US$ (US Dollars), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.

Relevant bodies in the United States

  • American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
  • Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
  • American Public Transportation Association (APTA)
  • American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

Typical roles

  • Civil Engineer
  • Transportation Engineer
  • Rail Systems Engineer
  • Smart City Infrastructure Engineer

Questions from the United States

Will this help me become a licensed Professional Engineer?

SEIUM programmes do not replace the education, examination and experience requirements set by state licensing boards. They can support your professional development, but licensure requirements must be confirmed directly with your state board.

Are SEIUM qualifications accredited in the United States?

SEIUM qualifications are private qualifications and are not official state degrees or accredited higher education awards. Please check with the relevant employer or licensing board about how any credential will be viewed for your purposes.

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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Understand the fundamentals of numerical methods applied to tunnels.

02

Select and calibrate constitutive models for soils and rocks.

03

Build two-dimensional excavation models in Plaxis.

04

Develop three-dimensional models of face advance in FLAC3D.

05

Validate numerical results against analytical solutions and monitoring data.

06

Critically interpret the outputs of a numerical model.

07

Carry out the complete modelling of a tunnel with two different tools.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Geotechnical modelling engineers
  • Tunnel engineers
  • Underground structures designers
  • Geotechnical consultants
  • Geomechanics researchers
  • Metro project engineers
  • Engineering or science graduates looking to move into underground works
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • UNE-EN 1997-1 (Eurocode 7: geotechnical design)
  • ITA-AITES WG2 Guidelines for the Design of Tunnels (international tunnelling association design guidance)
  • UNE-EN 1992-1-1 (Eurocode 2: design of concrete structures)
  • UNE-EN 1998-5 (Eurocode 8: foundations and geotechnical aspects)
  • ISO 23469 (bases for design of structures: seismic actions for designing geotechnical works)
  • Structural Code (Royal Decree 470/2021) (Spanish code for concrete and steel structures)
  • PLAXIS 2D
  • PLAXIS 3D
  • FLAC3D (Itasca)
  • RS3 (Rocscience)
  • Python for pre- and post-processing
Syllabus

6 modules

  1. 1.1The finite element method applied to the ground
  2. 1.2The explicit finite difference method
  3. 1.3Discretisation, meshes and boundary conditions
  4. 1.4Effective and total stress analysis
  5. 1.5Drained and undrained behaviour
  6. 1.6Calculation phases and the K0 initial state
  7. 1.7Numerical convergence and tolerances
  8. 1.8Verification against analytical solutions
  9. 1.9Sources of error in tunnel models
  10. 1.10Practical exercise: numerical comparison with the Kirsch solution
  1. 2.1The linear elastic model and its limits
  2. 2.2Mohr-Coulomb and its calibration
  3. 2.3Hardening Soil and Hardening Soil Small
  4. 2.4Generalised Hoek-Brown for rock masses
  5. 2.5Soft soil and creep models
  6. 2.6Models with fabric and anisotropy
  7. 2.7Calibration with triaxial and oedometer tests
  8. 2.8Small-strain stiffness
  9. 2.9Choosing the model according to the problem
  10. 2.10Laboratory: calibration with the Plaxis SoilTest
  1. 3.1Tunnel designer and section geometry
  2. 3.2The beta relaxation method in 2D
  3. 3.3Contraction and volume loss
  4. 3.4Plate elements for linings
  5. 3.5Soil-structure interface elements
  6. 3.6Staged excavation simulation in NATM
  7. 3.7TBMs: face pressure and grouting
  8. 3.8Consolidation and flow analysis
  9. 3.9Extracting and interpreting results
  10. 3.10Workshop: metro tunnel in clays with Plaxis 2D
  1. 4.1The FISH language and the structure of a model
  2. 4.2Zone and mesh generation with Griddle
  3. 4.3Structural elements: shell, liner and cable
  4. 4.4Step-by-step face excavation
  5. 4.5Face stability and support pressure
  6. 4.6Rock bolting and micropile umbrellas
  7. 4.7Strength reduction analysis
  8. 4.8Dynamic calculation and seismic behaviour
  9. 4.9Computational performance and optimisation
  10. 4.10Practical exercise: advancing a rock tunnel with FLAC3D
  1. 5.1Surface settlements and comparison with Peck
  2. 5.2Interaction with buildings and foundations
  3. 5.3Twin tunnels and stations
  4. 5.4Back-analysis with monitoring data
  5. 5.5Parametric and sensitivity analysis
  6. 5.6Modelling shafts and cross passages
  7. 5.7Critical review of third-party models
  8. 5.8Documentation and traceability of the calculation
  9. 5.9Integrating results into the design
  10. 5.10Case study: back-analysis of settlements on a metro line
  1. 6.1Case definition and input data
  2. 6.2Choice of constitutive models
  3. 6.32D model in Plaxis
  4. 6.43D model in FLAC3D
  5. 6.5Comparison of results between both models
  6. 6.6Lining verification
  7. 6.7Sensitivity analysis
  8. 6.8Conclusions and design recommendations
  9. 6.9Report and presentation
  10. 6.10Final project: final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

Delivered 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so the course can be combined with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is PLAXIS 2D, PLAXIS 3D, FLAC3D (Itasca), RS3 (Rocscience) and Python for pre- and post-processing, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for modelling excavations in soft soils, three-dimensional simulation of the excavation face and back-analysis with site data. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final capstone project.

Standards covered: UNE-EN 1997-1; ITA-AITES WG2 Guidelines for the Design of Tunnels; UNE-EN 1992-1-1; UNE-EN 1998-5; ISO 23469; Structural Code (Royal Decree 470/2021).

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of Eurocode 7, the ITA-AITES WG2 guidelines and Eurocode 2 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:PLAXIS 2D, PLAXIS 3D, FLAC3D (Itasca), RS3 (Rocscience) and Python for pre- and post-processing, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Final project:the complete numerical modelling of a tunnel in Plaxis and FLAC3D, with comparison of results, lining verification and design recommendations, reviewed by your tutor.
Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Case and constitutive models
Define the case, input data and constitutive models to be used.
2D model in Plaxis
Build and run a two-dimensional excavation model in Plaxis.
3D model in FLAC3D
Model the face advance in three dimensions with FLAC3D.
Comparison and sensitivity
Compare both models, verify the lining and run a sensitivity analysis.
Final project
A complete tunnel modelling report with design recommendations, reviewed by your tutor.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Geotechnical modelling engineerTunnel engineerUnderground structures designerGeotechnical consultantGeomechanics researcherMetro project engineer
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior qualification is required.
  • An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
  • English sufficient to read technical standards.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.

You work with PLAXIS 2D, PLAXIS 3D, FLAC3D (Itasca), RS3 (Rocscience) and Python for pre- and post-processing, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.

A SEIUM Institute certificate, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.

Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.

No prior qualification is required; you need an internet connection, a computer able to run the programme software and English sufficient to read technical standards.

Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.

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