Scribd
Upload
42 views3 pages

CL 92210

This document contains an examination for a soil modelling and numerical analysis course. It includes 3 questions with multiple parts each. Question 1 addresses soil models, including the linear elastic model, Mohr-Coulomb model, Hardening Soil model, and differences between the Modified Cam-Clay and Mohr-Coulomb models. Question 2 focuses on numerical modelling options in PLAXIS, including modelling undrained behavior, initial stresses, retaining walls, and geotextiles. Question 3 discusses considerations for modelling a tunnel excavation in an urban area, options for modelling vertical drains under embankments, and ensuring a real failure mode is identified through phi-c reduction analysis.

Uploaded by

David Thomson
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
42 views3 pages

CL 92210

This document contains an examination for a soil modelling and numerical analysis course. It includes 3 questions with multiple parts each. Question 1 addresses soil models, including the linear elastic model, Mohr-Coulomb model, Hardening Soil model, and differences between the Modified Cam-Clay and Mohr-Coulomb models. Question 2 focuses on numerical modelling options in PLAXIS, including modelling undrained behavior, initial stresses, retaining walls, and geotextiles. Question 3 discusses considerations for modelling a tunnel excavation in an urban area, options for modelling vertical drains under embankments, and ensuring a real failure mode is identified through phi-c reduction analysis.

Uploaded by

David Thomson
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
You are on page 1/ 3

Department of Civil Engineering

CL922 Soil Modelling and Numerical Analysis

Friday 14 May 2010 9.30am – 12.30pm

Attempt TWO Questions out of three

Q.1 Soil modelling

(a) Selection of an appropriate soil model in one of the key


considerations in numerical modelling. Discuss the type
of geotechnical problems and design situations
(considering serviceability and ultimate limit state) in
which the following soil models can be applied.

• Linear elastic model


• Mohr-Coulomb model
• Hardening Soil model
• HS small model [8 marks]

(b) With the aid of sketches explain how the undrained


strength predictions by the Modified Cam-Clay model
(MCC) differ from those by the Mohr Coulomb model,
considering normally consolidated soils. Explain the
practical implications of this with regards to undrained
analyses applied to natural soft clays. [5 marks]

(c) Explain what is meant by flow rule in the theory of


plasticity and what numerical implications the choice of
flow rule has. [3 marks]

(d) Explain, with the help of figures, the main differences


between the PLAXIS Soft-Soil model and the MCC
model. [4 marks]

PLEASE TURN OVER

CL922 Page 1 of 3
Q.2 Numerical modelling

(a) Explain the different options to model the undrained


behaviour of soils using PLAXIS, including the
advantages and disadvantages of different methods.
Give advice on the best practice. [6 marks]

(b) Explain the advantages and disadvantages of so-called


K0 procedure and gravity loading, respectively, in the
generation of initial stresses when considering natural
slopes. Give guidance for best practice. [6 marks]

(c) Describe the options available in PLAXIS for modelling


retaining walls (i.e. the wall itself) and give guidance for
best practice. [4 marks]

(d) Explain how geotextiles and ground anchors can be


modelled with PLAXIS in 2D finite element simulations,
highlighting the main assumptions and sources of errors.
[4 marks]

Q.3 Application of numerical models

(a) For the Crossrail project, new tunnels and station boxes
will be excavated through built-up areas in London.
Accurate ground deformations will be a major concern.
Outline the main considerations when developing a
numerical model for the problem related to driving a
tunnel in an urban area using a tunnel boring machine,
considering:

(i) Model geometry and boundary conditions.

(ii) Initial stresses and porewater conditions.

(iii) Soil model and in situ/lab testing required.

(iv) Calculation steps/phases that need to be included.

[8 marks]
PLEASE TURN OVER

CL922 Page 2 of 3
Q.3 (b) Discuss the options for modelling vertical drains under
embankment fill in the context of numerical analyses
with 2D Finite Element Method. [6 marks]

(c) Explain the principle of “phi-c”-reduction in PLAXIS and


how you ensure that your numerical analyses have
identified a real failure mode. [6 marks]

END OF PAPER

(Dr M. Karstunen Ext. 3252)

CL922 Page 3 of 3

You might also like