Finite Elements and Winkler Model Applied to retaining walls design

D. Lourenço, F. Schnaid, M.M. Rocha

In the proceedings of: GEO2011: 64th Canadian Geotechnical Conference, 14th Pan-American Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 5th Pan-American Conference on Teaching and Learning of Geotechnical Engineering

Session: Retaining Walls

ABSTRACT: This work presents a numerical study of the structural behavior presented by concrete retaining walls in frictional soils, as well as results from a comparison among two computer programs based on complementary approaches: Finite Element Method (FEM) and the Winkler Spring Model (WSM). The simulation using a comercial FEM program is the reference for estimating maximum displacements and bending moments, which are used to validate the analysis with the WSM. The works also aim at calibrating stiffness coefficients for the Winkler springs, enabling this approach to be adopted as a simple and expeditious way to estimate moments and displacements of retaining structures.

RÉSUMÉ: Ce travail présente une étude décomposé en numéros du comportement structurel présenté par les rideaux de béton face à des sols de frottement, aussi que, une comparaison des résultats entre deux programmes informatiques utilisés pour chaque méthode basées en deux approches complémentaires: La méthode des Éléments Finis (MEF) et le modèle des Ressorts de Winkler déplacements et des moments de flexion maximales, ces valeurs sont utilisées dans la validation de l'analyse en utilisant le MRW. Ce projet envisage aussi calibrer les coefficients de rigidité du modèle Winkler utilisés sur MATLAB, permettant structures de soutènement.

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