Numerical analysis

of the structure solution

of retaining walls

Aleksandra Zakrzewska1, Jacek Korentz2

1 TPA Sp. z o.o., Parzniewska 8, 05-800 Pruszków/Poland

2Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environmental Engineering University of Zielona Gora

Zielona Gora, 13th September 2019

Plan of the presentation

1. General information about retaining structures

2. Types of this constructions

3. Numerical modelling

4. The assumptions adopted for the analysis

5. Results of the analysis, conslusions.

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Thesis: Numerical analysis can be useful to choose

a structure solution of retaining wall.

Retaining structures - structures, which retain

ground comprising soil, rock

or backfill and water. Material is retained if it is

kept at a slope steeper than it would

eventually adopt if no structure were present. Retaining structures include

all types of wall and support systems

in which structural elements have forces

imposed by the retained material.

1. General information about retaining structures

Gravity wall

Embedded wall

Composite retaining structure

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[1]

[2]

2. Types of retaining structures

Materials:

Load/conditions/failure:

Perform:

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[3]

[4]

Design of retaining walls – how to choose the type

of retaining structure:

investor's needs,

location,

geotechnical conditions,

water conditions (drainage of structures),

mechanism of failure,

sustainable development.

2. Types of retaining structures

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[2]

Dimensioning of retaining structures

3. Numerical modelling

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[5] [6]

[8] [7]

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Ideal

Mathematical model

Physical

system

Discrete model Discrete

solution

CONTINUIFICATION SOLUTION

IDEALIZATION

AND DISCRETIZATION

VERIFICATION

VALIDATION

simulation error=modeling + solution error

FEM

3. Numerical modelling

[9]

4. The assumptions adopted for the analysis

two heights - 3.5m and 1.5m,

location: city, walking and cycling path,

simple soil and water conditions,

requirements:

low cost, versatility,

accessibility,

environmental friendliness.

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[4]

[10]

[11]

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4. The assumptions adopted for the analysis

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4. The assumptions adopted for the analysis

[12]

dimensioning in accordance with EC for variants 2-3,

use of GEO5 software to check all variants,

numerical analysis for all variants in Simulia Abaqus

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4. The assumptions adopted for the analysis

simple soil conditions, non-cohesive soils, medium sands, linear-elastic

model,

groundwater table below the level of analysis,

very simplified analysis, without phase analysis and soil changes

in time,

analysis in Simulia Abaqus,

stresses in structural elements, image of soil behavior and displacement of

reference points are checked.

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4. The assumptions adopted for the analysis

5. Results of the analysis

Variant 1.

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5. Results of the analysis

Variant 2.

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5. Results of the analysis

Variant 3.

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5. Results of the analysis

Variants 4, 5, 6.

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5. Results of the analysis

Dicplacements in reference points

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5. Results of the analysis

Dicplacements in reference points

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Conclusions

retaining walls are characterized by a very large variety of design and

material solutions and their use is very diverse

preliminary numerical analyzes allow assessment of stress and strain

level of retaining walls and soil, which will facilitate the selection of

appropriate structural solutions

using ready-made system solutions for retaining walls can speed up

their design

numerical analysis can be a preliminary support tool

design and selection procedure of retaining structure fabrication

technology.

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Thank you

for your attention!

Sources of drawings:

[1] – Eurocode 7: Geotechnical design - Part 1: General rules, Brussels, 2004

[2] – Atkinson J., The Mechanics of Soils and Foundations, London and New York, 2007

[3] – diymorning.com/types-of-retaining-walls/

[4] – betard.pl/pl/sciany-oporowe-0

[5] – www.finesoftware.pl › pomoc › geo5

[6] – bimandbeam.typepad.com/bim_beam/extensions_for_revit/page/2/

[7] – www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/ fbuil.2018.00007/full

[8] – www.finesoftware.pl/oprogramowanie-geotechniczne/redi-rock-wall/

[9] – www.researchgate.net/figure/The-Physical-FEM-Process-Diagram-Taken-from-18_fig3_309766103

[10] – www.chrobok.com.pl/oferta/scianki-z-grodzic-stalowych/

[11] – allanblock.frei-beton.ch/

[12] – www.allanblock.com/literature/PDF/ABCommManual.pdf 20/20