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Design of A Large Shaft With The Finite Element Method

Plaxis was contracted to provide assistance in setting up 3D finite element models to analyze a large shaft construction project. Through PLAXIS Expert Services, stable results were obtained for slurry trench stability during construction and ground movement predictions. The proposed project involved designing a large double-cell shaft, and Plaxis helped evaluate potential ground deformations from slurry wall installation and excavation with dewatering. PLAXIS Expert Services provided quick start support, model review and next day technical assistance, enabling complex modeling in a short time.

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215 views1 page

Design of A Large Shaft With The Finite Element Method

Plaxis was contracted to provide assistance in setting up 3D finite element models to analyze a large shaft construction project. Through PLAXIS Expert Services, stable results were obtained for slurry trench stability during construction and ground movement predictions. The proposed project involved designing a large double-cell shaft, and Plaxis helped evaluate potential ground deformations from slurry wall installation and excavation with dewatering. PLAXIS Expert Services provided quick start support, model review and next day technical assistance, enabling complex modeling in a short time.

Uploaded by

rceajc
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Title

PLAXIS Expert Services update


Dipl.-Ing. Harald Leiendecker, Senior Tunnel Engineer, Halcrow Inc.

Plaxis was contracted by Halcrow to provide assistance in setting-up 3D finite element models for the analysis of
a large shaft. Thanks to PLAXIS Expert Services, valuable results have been obtained in terms of stability of the
slurry filled trenches as well as ground movement predictions during both slurry wall construction and excavation.

The proposed project involves the design


and construction of a large double-cell
shaft for which potential ground deformations
due to slurry wall installation and excavation with
dewatering needed to be evaluated.

cell shaft including dewatering effects have been


performed. Finally evaluation of internal forces in
the diaphragm wall as well as in the bottom slab
has been carried out.

The support provided by Plaxis was professional, helpful, and most


importantly for us, responded to our questions and concerns usually
on the same business day.
The shaft is located in horizontally layered, mostly
overconsolidated soils (clays and sands). It will
be constructed using diaphragm wall panels
installed in sequence. The first challenge was to
properly model installation of the panels including
replacing the soil with slurry, applying a concrete
pressure, and get a good estimation of the earth
pressure distribution. In this context the trench
stability of each panel during excavation has been
evaluated.
Ground surface movements were determined
since there are some structures in the vicinity.
Settlement evaluation due to both installation of
slurry walls as well as excavation for the double

Finite element modelling


The dimension of the numerical model is 400 m
x 400 m x 100 m. The model contains a total of
161,432 elements with an average size of 9.9 m3.
Each finite element has 10 nodes. The section
of diaphragm wall that was modelled consists of
primary and closing panels each 1.5 m thick. The
diaphragm wall is modelled as plate element.
The model consists of the following construction
sequence:
Initial stress definition and initial water level
Modelling proper sequence of slurry wall panels
Excavation of the small shaft cell to a temporary
TBM launch level

Excavation of the large shaft cell down to a


temporary TBM launch level
Simulation of openings in the shaft linings due
to tunnel penetrations
Excavation of the large cell to final excavation
stage
Installation of base slab and cast-in place liner
in large cell
Excavation of small cell to final excavation level;
Installation of the small cell base slab.
PLAXIS Expert Services added value
Quick start on the job
Set-up of a preliminary fully optimized 3D FE
model
Regular model review
Next bussiness-day advanced technical support
Customer quote
The PLAXIS Expert Service enabled us to model
a very complex system in a short period of time.
The support provided by Plaxis was professional,
helpful, and most importantly for us, responded
to our questions and concerns usually on the same
business day. I am looking forward to a continued
relationship and the new PLAXIS 3D Dynamic
module! Thanks!

www.plaxis.nl l Autumn issue 2011 l Plaxis Bulletin

17

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