Integrating advanced computational tools into geotechnical engineering education: an example of transformative learning through digital technology

This work aims to demonstrate how cutting-edge technology in Ansys, a FEM/CFD
software with real-time simulations and visualizations, can be integrated into undergraduate
geotechnical engineering modules. The software was first introduced in the 2nd year Soil Mechanics
module as a virtual laboratory for teaching seepage theory in soil mechanics. Through this virtual
laboratory, students were able to better visualise how water flows through soils, providing a ‘virtual’
hands-on experience that complements effectively learning via traditional lectures or textbook reading.
Key ‘educational’ features of Ansys, including the intuitive user interface in Ansys Discovery and the
ability to mask the FEM mesh, played a crucial role in the success of these virtual laboratories. These
features allowed undergraduate students, even without prior FEM experience, to effectively grasp the
main learning outcomes of the module. In this paper, the educational effectiveness of this advanced
technology is evaluated through the students' academic perception, engagement level, and
performance. A comparison is made between the traditional delivery of soil mechanics content and the
technology-assisted approach. Using the educational insights gained, a plan is outlined for integrating
Ansys technology into broader soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering topics, such as advanced
foundation design and slope stability analysis.