Finite element modelling of the construction of a full-scale expexperimental soil-nailed wall. French National Research Project CLOUTERRE

Abstract

Finite element analysis of the construction of a full-scale experimental soil-nailed wall is performed. The method to determine the mechanical parameters of the components of the nailed wall and their interactions is presented. The simulation of the first five phases of the wall construction gives results which agree very well with field observations and measurements. A detailed study of the earth pressures acting on the facing is then performed.

Numerical study on the optimum layout of soil–nailed slopes

“…In the two-dimensional finite element analysis (plane strain condition), nails were modelled using the ''equivalent plate model'' approach [1,19], replacing the discrete nail element by a plate extended to one unit width. Plates in the 2-D finite element analysis are composed of beam elements with three nodes for each beam element, and there are three degrees of freedom per node (two translational degrees of freedom and one rotational degree of freedom).…”

Numerical investigation of the static behavior of stepped soil nail walls

“…To verify the model, the construction of the full-scale experimental soil nail wall built as part of the French national research project, called CLOUTERRE [13], is modeled. The CLOUTERRE project was conducted from 1986 to 1991 in order to investigate the behavior of soil nail walls during construction, in service, and at failure [5]. The soil nail wall is 7 m high and 7.5 m wide.…”

“…As a result, a two-dimensional model that assumes plane strain conditions cannot be used to model a soil nail wall. Accordingly, it is necessary to develop methods in order to model a soil nail wall with a two-dimensional analysis [5]. Unterreiner et al [5] describe approaches which can be used to model a soil nail wall with a two-dimensional model.…”

“…Accordingly, it is necessary to develop methods in order to model a soil nail wall with a two-dimensional analysis [5]. Unterreiner et al [5] describe approaches which can be used to model a soil nail wall with a two-dimensional model. Furthermore, Babu and Singh [6] illustrate how to calculate equivalent properties for nails in order to use a twodimensional model to analyze a soil nail wall.…”

Étude du comportement d’un mur en Terre Armée : rôle de l’interface sol/armature dans la modélisation

“…La cinématique calculée est alors discontinue de part et d'autre de la plaque, alors que le déplacement du sol dans le mur réel est continu. Cette difficulté est surmontée ici en ajoutant des éléments ad hoc, dits de relation linéaire (Unterreiner et al, 1997 ;Benhamida, 1998) entre les noeuds (côté sol) situés en dessus et en dessous de cha que armatures.…”