Problem Solving

Goran Sallfors
Professor, Chalmers University of Technology, Goteborg, Sweden

Date: Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Room: PARB 126

Abstract

Problem solving is a key capability within almost all engineering disciplines. Much can be gained by identifying and exploring the different faces of the problem solving task, such as problem identification, idealization and simplification, constitutive modeling, mathematical modeling, solution and verification and evaluation. A simple model for how this approach can enhance undergraduate and graduate teaching as well as research and engineering practice is presented and discussed. Examples of applications in geotechnical engineering are given and some in depth problems, including constitutive modeling of soft clay behavior and its use in slope stability analysis and design of sheet pile walls, are also discussed.

Presenter Bio

Dr. Göran Sällfors is Professor and Head of Geotechnical Research Group at Chalmers University in Gotebörg, Sweden. He received his Master of Civil Engineering from Lunds Tekniska Högskola in 1971, his Doctor of Science from Chalmers University of Technology in 1975 and his Docent in Geotechnical Department at Chalmers University of Technology in 1980. He is a member of numerous national and international Committees in geotechnical engineering and has participated in many European and International Conferences as a key speaker and state-of-the-art reporter at more than 10 conferences. He is the author of over 100 papers, books and reports. He has held visiting appointments at Duke University, Purdue University, Norh Carolina State University, and University of Florida. He has served as a consultant on many large projects in Sweden and abroad over the past 30 years. His primary research interests are in soft clay behavior, settlement, slope stability, soil improvement and foundation engineering.