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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

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