Fundamentals of studies of geotechnical complex phenomena through models

Abstract

This paper presents the need to promote among the scientific community and colombian engineering the development of studies in physical and mathematical models. This paper also shows worldwide trends and historic records of specific congresses with experience in this branch of science. Some fundamental theories of models of the mathematical modeling by FEM and the technique of equivalent materials by physical models are shown. A brief description of the laboratory of geotechnical models GeoLab of La Salle University is presented and it is possible to find some particular needs for the Colombian context