A Practical Approach to Advanced Mathematical Modelling in Civil Engineering

Source abstract

Abstract This book revolutionizes the teaching of mathematical modelling in civil engineering schools by systematically addressing numerous real-world engineering challenges, accompanied by MATLAB code for the first time. Commencing with mathematical modelling (Chapter 1), it delineates seven steps essential for developing a mathematical model for real-world engineering problems: problem formulation (step 1), outlining the problem and conceptualization (step 2), assumptions (step 3), parametrization and variables (step 4), deriving the equations (step 5), simulation and analysis (step 6), and testing and validation (step 7). Successive chapters apply this methodology to diverse real-world problems across various subdisciplines of civil engineering, including structural engineering (Chapter 2), geotechnical engineering (Chapter 3), coastal engineering (Chapter 4), water and environmental engineering (Chapter 5), and transportation engineering (Chapter 6). Appendices A and B provide supplementary materials addressing basic engineering mathematics and MATLAB programming, respectively, to assist readers. This book caters to final-year undergraduate and postgraduate (MSc and PhD) students in civil engineering and mechanical engineering. It is particularly indispensable for undergraduates and postgraduates in their dissertation work. The inclusion of advanced mathematical models such as machine learning, deep learning, and finite difference methods, along with associated MATLAB scripts, renders the book highly valuable for practising engineers in consulting engineering roles.