In colaboration with Bentley Systems

Module 1: Seismic Hazard Overview + Response Spectrum Concept + General Ground Motion Considerations

In this first module, participants will gain a foundational understanding of the seismic environment relevant to pile foundations.

The module covers:

• – Seismic Hazard Fundamentals:
  • * Understanding earthquake sources and seismicity.
  • * Overview of probabilistic and deterministic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA and DSHA).
• – Design Response Spectrum:
  • * Introduction to the response spectrum concept.
  • * Key parameters: peak ground acceleration (PGA), spectral acceleration (SA), and spectral shapes.
  • * How design codes define response spectra.
• – Ground Motion Characteristics:
  • * Nature of ground motions at the bedrock and soil surface.
  • * Influence of site conditions on ground motion amplification.
• – Setting the Stage for Analysis:
  • * Importance of choosing ground motions that represent site-specific conditions.
  • * Relationship between seismic hazard, site response, and structural demand.

This module establishes the critical seismic input knowledge required to correctly prepare ground motions for subsequent site response and pile foundation analyses.

Module 2: Time History Matching Using SeismoMatch

In this module, participants will learn how to prepare realistic earthquake time histories for use in dynamic analysis, ensuring compatibility with the target design response spectrum.

The module covers:

• – Introduction to SeismoMatch Software:
  • * Overview of SeismoMatch and its role in spectral matching.
  • * User interface, input requirements, and basic functionalities.
• – Time History Selection:
  • * Criteria for selecting seed ground motions (real vs. synthetic records).
  • * Considerations for matching bedrock-level target spectra.
• – Spectral Matching Process:
  • * Step-by-step procedure to modify a seed time history to match a target response spectrum.
  • * Adjustment of spectral amplitude across desired period ranges.
• – Exporting Matched Records:
  • * Formatting matched time histories for compatibility with PLAXIS.

By the end of this module, participants will be able to generate multiple matched earthquake time histories, ready for use in site response and pile dynamic analyses.

Module 3: Constitutive Models for Dynamic Analysis – HSsmall Focus

This module introduces participants to advanced soil constitutive models that capture the essential dynamic behaviour of soils, with a focus on the HSsmall model.

The module covers:

• – Limitations of Simple Elastic-Perfectly Plastic Models:
  • * y basic Mohr-Coulomb models are insufficient for realistic seismic analysis.
• – The Hardening Soil Model (HS):
  • * Overview of the Hardening Soil (HS) model’s static behaviour.
  • * Stress-dependent stiffness and hardening surfaces.
• – The Hardening Soil Model with Small-Strain Stiffness (HSsmall):
  • * Key concepts: strain-dependent stiffness, hysteretic damping, and modulus degradation.
  • * Parameters governing HSsmall behaviour (G₀, γ₀.₇, unloading/reloading stiffness).
• – Dynamic Behaviour of HSsmall:
  • * Realistic representation of cyclic soil behaviour at small to medium strains.
  • * Hysteretic energy dissipation mechanism versus Rayleigh damping supplementation.
• – Practical Considerations:
  • * Importance of selecting appropriate Rayleigh damping for very small strains.

By completing this module, participants will understand how to model the nonlinear, cyclic behaviour of soils under earthquake loading realistically, setting the stage for accurate site response and pile foundation dynamic analysis.

Module 4: Site Response Analysis Using PLAXIS 2D (Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis)

In this module, participants will learn how to perform detailed site response analyses using nonlinear dynamic simulations in PLAXIS 2D.

The module covers:

• – Overview of Site Response Analysis:
  • * Purpose of site response analysis in seismic design.
  • * Differences between equivalent-linear and fully nonlinear approaches.
• – Setting Up the PLAXIS 2D Model:
  • * Building a vertical soil column representative of the site’s stratigraphy.
  • * Assigning material models: HSsmall for nonlinear stiffness degradation.
  • * Defining dynamic boundaries and input base motions.
• – Dynamic Loading Application:
  • *Applying matched acceleration time histories at the model base.
  • *Specifying calculation parameters: dynamic time step, damping, and mesh refinement.
• – Running the Analysis:
  • *Monitoring displacement, acceleration, and stress propagation through the soil profile.
• – Post-Processing:
  • *Extracting surface and within-profile acceleration time histories.
  • *Generating response spectra at different depths.
  • *Identifying amplification and deamplification trends.

This module enables participants to quantify how local soil conditions modify incoming seismic waves, producing surface motions that govern the dynamic demands on piles.

Module 5: Building and Running 3D Pile Models in PLAXIS 3D (Including Bridge Case Study)

In this module, participants will develop practical skills to build, simulate, and interpret 3D dynamic models of pile foundations subjected to seismic loading.

The module covers:

• – Setting Up the 3D Model in PLAXIS:
  • *Geometry definition for pile groups supporting a bridge structure.
  • *Soil stratigraphy representation based on site conditions.
  • *Mesh generation strategies for dynamic analysis.
• – Material Assignment:
  • *Use of HSsmall model for non-liquefiable soils.
  • *Preparation for dynamic soil-structure interaction.
• – Boundary Conditions and Initial Conditions:
  • *Application of appropriate lateral and bottom boundaries for dynamic runs.
  • *Initial stress generation for equilibrium before shaking phase.
• – Dynamic Loading Application:
  • *Applying the drift corrected earthquake acceleration/displacement time histories.
  • *Setting up time stepping, dynamic multipliers, and damping parameters.
• – Running the Dynamic Analysis:
  • *Key stability checks during the dynamic phase.
  • *Management of calculation steps to ensure accurate pile response.

This module prepares participants to execute full 3D dynamic simulations, capturing pile bending, displacement, and soil-pile interaction effects critical for seismic design verification.

Module 6: Liquefaction Analysis – Empirical Method and Finite Element Modelling with UBC3SAND

This module equips participants with techniques to assess the potential for soil liquefaction during seismic events, using both simplified empirical methods and advanced finite element modelling.

The module covers:

• – Empirical Liquefaction Assessment:
  • *Application of simplified liquefaction equivalent forces to the 3D FE model.
• – Introduction to UBC3SAND Model:
  • *Description of the UBC3SAND constitutive model for simulating cyclic soil behaviour.
  • *Key parameters controlling liquefaction potential (e.g., relative density, cyclic resistance).
• – Finite Element Modelling for Liquefaction:
  • *Setting up soil profiles with liquefiable layers in PLAXIS 3D.
  • *Assigning UBC3SAND model properties to simulate pore pressure generation and strength loss.
  • *Dynamic loading application and observation of liquefaction triggering.
• – Post-Processing Liquefaction Effects:
  • *Monitoring excess pore water pressure ratios.
  • *Identifying liquefaction onset and lateral spreading effects on pile behaviour.

By completing this module, participants will be able to conduct both quick screening assessments for liquefaction risk and more detailed, rigorous finite element simulations to capture soil behaviour under cyclic loading.

Module 7: Python-Based Post-Processing – Extraction of Forces and Deformations from PLAXIS 3D

In this module, participants will learn to automate the extraction and interpretation of critical dynamic response parameters from 3D PLAXIS models using Python scripting.

The module covers:

• – Introduction to Python-PLAXIS API:
  • *Overview of PLAXIS 3D scripting environment.
  • *Basic setup for accessing model outputs programmatically.
• – Force and Deformation Extraction:
  • *Automated retrieval of bending moments, shear forces, and displacements along piles.
  • *Extraction across all calculation steps and relevant nodes.
• – Post-Processing Tools:
  • *Use of provided Excel macros and Python scripts for efficient data organisation.
  • *Graphical plotting of pile force profiles over time and across depths.
• – Interpretation of Dynamic Results:
  • *Identifying peak dynamic responses along pile shafts.
  • *Detecting critical moments and shears due to seismic loading.
• – Advantages of Automated Extraction:
  • *Saving time in large models with numerous piles and phases.
  • *Ensuring consistent, reproducible processing of dynamic simulation results.

By the end of this module, participants will be able to quickly and accurately process large dynamic datasets, providing high-quality design insights from their seismic pile analyses.

Closing Summary

This course offers a fully integrated, real-world pathway for mastering the seismic analysis and design of pile foundations.

From understanding seismic hazard, generating realistic input motions, and performing nonlinear site response analysis, to building and running advanced 3D dynamic models, assessing liquefaction, and extracting critical results with Python — participants will gain both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to deliver confident, high-quality seismic designs.

Through a bridge foundation case study and step-by-step modeling demonstrations, the course equips engineers to apply cutting-edge techniques immediately in their professional practice.

Participants will leave with a full workflow they can adapt to complex seismic projects in onshore, nearshore, or infrastructure settings, supported by a rich toolkit of assignments, templates, and automated scripts.

Mostafa Ismail

BSc (Cairo), MSc (Cairo), PhD (UWA, Australia). Member of Engineers Australia. Chartered Professional Engineer, Australia. National Register of Engineers Australia. Technical Executive, WSP, Perth, Australia. Associate Professor at The University of Western Australia (Formerly)

Mostafa Ismail is a Chartered Professional Engineer with over 25 years of geotechnical experience across academia and industry.

He has led high-profile infrastructure and offshore projects, specializing in advanced numerical modelling, pile foundation design, and seismic analysis. His expertise includes vibration analysis and the automation of geotechnical simulations using PLAXIS 2D/3D and Python.

As a Technical Executive at WSP, Mostafa oversees large-scale projects, applying innovative solutions to complex geotechnical challenges and delivering resilient, high-performance designs under demanding conditions. His contributions to major projects such as the South32 Boddington Bridge have been instrumental in advancing seismic design practice for critical infrastructure.

He has also led detailed debris flow assessments impacting offshore pipelines in the Philippines, demonstrating his wide-ranging geotechnical capability.

Throughout his career, Mostafa has worked across diverse environments, from onshore infrastructure to complex offshore developments. He previously served as the Australasia Numerical Lead with Arup in Perth before joining Advanced Geomechanics (now Fugro) in 2009.

Mostafa’s research contributions are internationally recognized. He has published extensively, served on the Editorial Board of the ASTM Geotechnical Testing Journal (GTJ), and was awarded the prestigious Hogentogler Award for the best paper in GTJ in 2006 during his tenure as an Associate Professor at the University of Western Australia.

In addition to his technical achievements, Mostafa is passionate about developing the next generation of engineers.

He regularly conducts internal training programs and has designed several online courses to share his knowledge globally.

As a numerical lead at WSP, he continually innovates, creating new solutions to meet the technical demands of the evolving geotechnical industry.

The course is delivered online through our easy-to-use Virtual Campus platform. For this course, a variety of content is provided including:

– eLearning materials
– Videos
– Interactive multimedia content
– Live webinar classes
– Texts and technical articles
– Case studies
– Assignments and evaluation exercises

We regularly update this course to ensure the latest news and state-of-the-art developments are covered, and your knowledge of the subject is current.

Live webinars form part of our course delivery. These allow students and tutors to go through the course materials, exchange ideas and knowledge, and solve problems together in a virtual classroom setting. Students can also make use of the platform’s forum, a meeting point to interact with tutors and other students.

The tutoring system is managed by email. Students can email the tutor with any questions about the course and the tutor will be happy to help.

This short course is particularly beneficial to:

This course is particularly beneficial to:

• – Geotechnical engineers, structural engineers, and infrastructure specialists involved in seismic design.
• – Professionals engaged in the design and assessment of pile foundations subjected to earthquake loading.
• – Engineers working on critical projects in seismic regions who seek to enhance their understanding of soil-structure interaction and advanced dynamic analysis methods.

The course is ideal for those aiming to strengthen their skills in practical earthquake engineering workflows, including site response analysis, liquefaction assessment, 3D dynamic modelling, and post-processing automation.

Previous knowledge.

Participants should have:

• – A foundational understanding of geotechnical engineering principles and foundation design.
• – revious exposure to finite element analysis is beneficial, but not mandatory.
• – Some basic experience with PLAXIS (2D or 3D) will be helpful, although key workflows will be introduced progressively within the course.

Once a student finishes the course and successfully completes the assignments and evaluation tests, they are sent an accreditation certificate. The certificate is issued by Ingeoexpert to verify that the student has passed the course. It is a digital certificate that is unique and tamper-proof – it is protected by Blockchain technology. This means it is possible for anyone to check that it is an authentic, original document.

You will be able to download the certificate in an electronic format from the Virtual Campus platform. The certificate can be forwarded by email, shared on social networks, and embedded on websites. To see an example, click here.

Completing this course will enhance participants’ expertise in earthquake loading on pile foundations, opening up career opportunities in geotechnical and structural engineering roles, particularly in seismic design projects. This specialized knowledge is highly valued in infrastructure development, offshore and onshore construction, and consulting roles, providing a competitive edge in both private and public sector engineering positions.