Review of Finite Element Procedures for Earth Retaining Structures

Abstract

This miscellaneous paper presents a review of previous work in which the finite element method was used to analyze the soil structure interaction of earth retaining structures such as U-frame locks, gravity walls, and basement walls. This method of analysis results in the computation of stresses and displacement for both the structure and the soil backfill. Applications of the procedure have shown the importance of modeling the actual construction process as closely as possible and the use of a nonlinear stress-strain soil model. Additional requirements include modeling the interface between the soil backfills and the wall using interface elements. This paper also includes two recent applications of the finite element method for the analysis of earth retaining structures which are loaded so heavily that a gap develops along the interface between the base of the structure and its foundation. The results are compared to those computed using the conventional force equilibrium method of analysis.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1990
Accession Number
ADA232230

Entities

People

  • Robert M. Ebeling

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Army Corps Of Engineers
  • Concrete
  • Construction
  • Engineering
  • Engineers
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Fracture (Mechanics)
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Mechanics
  • Pressure Distribution
  • Retaining Walls
  • Shear Stresses
  • Soil Mechanics
  • Soil Structure Interactions
  • Stresses
  • Tensile Stress

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Finite Element Method (FEM) for solving Partial Differential Equations (PDEs)
  • Geotechnical Engineering.
  • Systems Analysis and Design