3D numerical back-analysis of an instrumented underpass road
ISSN: 1708-5284
Article publication date: 25 October 2020
Issue publication date: 7 January 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to focus on three-dimensional (3D) numerical simulation of a monitored urban underground road consisting of diaphragm walls supported by one row of temporary steel struts and a cover slab in the central area. In addition to the lateral wall displacements, the analysis focuses on the load development in the struts and the evolution of the total stresses at the soil–wall interface, and highlights the 3D effect on the behavior of the structure.
Design/methodology/approach
Computation by back-analysis has become an important contribution to the understanding of observed phenomena. In this context, this paper investigates a full 3D numerical back-analysis of diaphragm wall deformation using the finite difference code FLAC3D.
Findings
The instrumentation allows a deep understanding of the ground response and the soil-structure interaction phenomena. It also provides an opportunity to validate numerical models. Using a soil model with simple failure criteria, the wall displacements are strongly influenced by the soil deformation modulus. The strut stiffness considerably influences the wall behavior. The geometrical effects have a significant impact on the induced wall displacements.
Originality/value
In the present study, the main soil geotechnical characteristics were deduced from laboratory and in situ tests. However, Young’s modulus of the soil has been adjusted to take account of the unloading effect. In the same context, the non-linearity of the elastic characteristics of the steel struts has been taken into account by modeling the struts using their experimental stiffness instead of their theoretical rigidity.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The instrumentation of the work results from a collaboration between the company Soletanche Bachy and the scientific and technical network of equipment (CETE Normandie Center, CER of Rouen and LRPC of Rouen, France). The authors would like to acknowledge the help of the different contractors in collecting comprehensive data.
Citation
Houhou, M.N., Belounar, A., Amari, T. and Brouthen, A. (2021), "3D numerical back-analysis of an instrumented underpass road", World Journal of Engineering, Vol. 18 No. 1, pp. 94-105. https://doi.org/10.1108/WJE-02-2020-0062
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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