On the analysis of vertical shafts in soft ground: Evaluating Soil-Structure Interaction Using Two Different Numerical Modeling Techniques

Viet D.H. Tran, Thamer E. Yacoub, Mohamed A. Meguid

In the proceedings of: GeoMontréal 2013: 66th Canadian Geotechnical Conference; 11th joint with IAH-CNC

Session: Slope Stability

ABSTRACT: The soil-structure interaction developing due to the construction of vertical shafts in soft ground is numerically investigated in this study using the finite and discrete element methods. An axisymmetric joint element is utilized to model the interaction between the shaft lining and the surrounding soil using axisymmetric finite element method. The results are compared with those obtained using discrete element analysis where the soil domain is modeled using discrete particles while the shaft is modeled as a rigid cylinder. The effect of soil displacement in the vicinity of the shaft lining was examined by incrementally reducing the shaft diameter and calculating the pressure acting on the shaft as well as the stress distribution in soil. Results obtained from the two methods are then compared and conclusions are made regarding the sufficiency of these methods to analyze similar axisymmetric geotechnical engineering problems.

RÉSUMÉ: -structure, causé par la construction de puits verticaux dans le sol, est examinée de façon numérique grâce à la méthode des éléments finis ainsi que la méthode des éléments discrets. Un élément de joint méthode des éléments finis axisymétrique. Les résultats sont comparés avec ceux obtenus avec la méthode des éléments discrets ou le domaine du sol est modélisé en utilisant des particules discrètes tandis que le puits est modélisé proximité du revêtement du puits est examiné en prenant en considération une réduction incrémentale du diamètre du puits, le calcul de la pression exercée sur le puits ainsi que la répartition des contraintes dans le sol. Les résultats obtenus pour les deux méthodes sont, ensuite, comparés et des conclusions sont émises concernant la suffisance de ces méthodes à analyser des problèmes axisymétrique géotechnique.

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