The Geotechnical Virtual Laboratory

The Geotechnical Virtual Laboratory is a computer based instructional package intended to complement, and potentially replace, some physical testing in a real geotechnical laboratory. The focus of this software is toward active learning and development of critical thinking skills, including data interpretation, understanding of the processes and influential factors, and problem solving. This paper is a progress report for a software development project, which has been underway at the University of Alberta since December 1998. A module on permeability testing has been completed and beta-tested, and another module on consolidation testing is in the final stage of development. The paper covers the initial design stages of the project (task analysis, initial concept, the teamwork management, etc.) and describes the outcomes from the permeability module and the results of its evaluation. It is clearly indicated by the students’ feedback that a winning combination should include both a test simulation and experimental data sets, together with the data analysis tools. As well, it should address both theoretical and experimental aspects of a geotechnical problem, and enable their comparison.