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TEHNICAL UNIVERITY OF CLUJ NAPOCA

FACULTY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING


MASTER`S DEGREE OF GEOTEHNICAL ENGINEERING

MASTER`S THESIS
Numerical modeling of vacuum
consolidation

Scientific coordinators:
. l. Dr. Ing. NICOLETA ILIE
Technical University of Cluj-Napoca
Ao.Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.techn. HELMUT F. SCHWEIGER, M. Sc.
Graz University of Technology
Student:
Ing. LRINCZI TNDE
2012/2013

Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

Stud. Ing. Lrinczi Tnde

ABSTRACT
The topic of this Master`s Thesis is the numerical modeling of vacuum consolidation using
the measurements and data from recently realized projects. The vacuum mechanism is introduced in
PLAXIS 2D, trying to simulate an accurate numerical analysis comparing the results with the ones
obtained in the field.
This thesis contains five main parts:
1. Theory, a review of the meaning and empirical relations regarding the
vacuum consolidation from recent literature.
2. Case studies about two regions situated on clay type soils which were treated
with vacuum consolidation (Ballina Bypass and a container port at Cai Mep
River) and the modeling of this procedure in PLAXIS 2D finite element
program.
3. Comparison between axisymmetric (Ballina Bypass) and plain strain (Cai
Mep River) modeling of the vacuum consolidation.
4. The methodology used for the modeling of the vacuum consolidation, based
on the information gained during the modeling of the two case studies.
5. Conclusions, discussions over the results.
In the first part, the mechanism and purpose of the vacuum consolidation is described,
followed by the used principles and its theoretical background.
The second chapter contains the general information and the site geology of the two vacuum
treated area, followed by a numerical finite-element modeling and analysis with the PLAXIS 2D
finite-element program: introduction of the geometry and the soil parameters, introduction of the
construction phases and the selection of the proper analysis settings and types. During and after the
analysis the total settlements, the active pore water pressures, the effective principal stresses and the
total principal stresses were compared with the ones obtained in the case studies.
Chapter three contains a comparative analysis, between the axisymmetric and plain strain
model of the vacuum consolidation system, carried out to ensure ourselves about the accuracy of the
numerical modeling.
The fourth chapter is a synthesis of the method which was used to model the vacuum
consolidation.
The last part contains the conclusions and discussions over the values (the total settlements
active pore water pressures, principle effective stresses and principle total stresses) resulted from
the numerical analysis carried out by the PLAXIS 2D finite-element program, and the accuracy of
the model utilized to introduce the vacuum consolidation mechanism.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT.2
TABLE OF CONTENTS3
1. THEORY.4
1.1. Introduction.4
1.2. Principles and mechanism of vacuum consolidation...5
2. CASE STUDIES..7
2.1. J. P. His and C. H. Lee7
2.1.1. Generalities...7
2.1.2. Site geology8
2.1.3. Construction histories and vacuum consolidation system.8
2.1.4. Numerical analysis with Plaxis 2D10
2.1.4.1. Geometrical modeling.10
2.1.4.2. Geotechnical modeling14
2.1.4.3. Analysis methodology..14
2.1.4.4. Calculations..24
2.1.4.5. Numerical results.29
2.2. Vacuum consolidation using drain elements...33
2.2.1. Generalities..33
2.2.2. Site geology..33
2.2.3. Numerical analysis with Plaxis 2D34
2.2.3.1. Geometrical modeling.34
2.2.3.2. Geotechnical modeling36
2.2.3.3. Analysis methodology..37
2.2.3.4. Calculations..39
2.2.3.5. Numerical results.40
3. COMPARISOM-AXYSIMMETRY AND PLANE STRAIN46
3.1. Introduction...46
3.2. Geometrical modeling and geotechnical modeling.46
3.3. Analysis methodology46
3.4. Numerical results...47
3.5. Conclusions50
4. METHODOLOGY OF THE NUMERICAL ANALYSIS....51
4.1. Generalities51
4.2. Methodology..51
5. CONCLUSIONS................................................................................. 55
REFERENCES.56
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1. THEORY
1.1.

Introduction

Vacuum consolidation is a method used for preloading and consolidating soft and very soft
saturated fine-grained soils. The procedure consists of installing vertical and horizontal vacuum
transmission pipes under an airtight impervious membrane and evacuating the air below the
membrane producing an atmospheric pressure on the soil. [1]
This method is widely used for the improvement of soft clays in coastal areas, by the aid of
vertical drains under vacuum pressure, combined with preloading the system using a surcharge. In
many countries the construction, design and stability problems are economically significant in these
areas. After the installation of the prefabricated vertical drains, called PVDs, the drainage path
(radial flow) is shortened and that accelerates the time for the consolidation process. [2]
This system helps to dissipate the pore water pressure from the soil by increasing the radial
hydraulic gradient toward the drain. This increase is induced by the negative suction along the
drain, and in this way the accumulation of the excess pore water pressure in the soil is prevented
and the risk of failure is reduced. [2]
Currently there are two types of vacuum preloading systems commercially available:
a.) a membrane system with an airtight membrane over the drainage layer
b.) a membraneless system in which a vacuum system is connected to individual PVDs

Figure 1. Vacuum systems [2]


The effectiveness of the system depends on the type and characteristics of the soil and the
vacuum drain. There are previous studies which show that during the vacuum consolidation can
appear difficulties regarding the prediction of the results. [2]
In 2002 Mohamedelhassan and Shang developed, based on Terzaghis consolidation theory,
a combined one-dimensional vacuum and surcharge consolidation model, which was followed by
analytical and numerical models capturing the vacuum consolidation mechanisms introduced by
Indranata et al. (2005). [2]
All the aforementioned solutions assume that the surcharge loading is applied
instantaneously and kept constant during consolidation, or just simple step loading. In reality, loads
are gradually applied over time, which means that the soil begins to consolidate almost
simultaneously. As a result, the dissipation rates of excess pore water pressure and settlement may
be significantly affected by the load variations over time. Ramp loading for ideal drains was
addressed by Olson (1977), Tang and Onitsuka (2000) while Leo (2004) addressed drains with
smear and well resistance, under the assumption of equal strain conditions. Conte et al. (2009)
proposed an analytical solution that considered vertical drains with general time-dependent
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surcharge loading. However, none of these solutions considered the effect of boundary conditions as
a result of different vacuum systems with time-dependent surcharge preloading. [2]

1.2.

Principles and mechanism of vacuum consolidation

The preloading helps to accelerate the vacuum consolidation method by increasing the
effective stress in the ground though an incremental change in the total stress, which is achieved by
placing preload fill on top of the existing ground. On the contrary, the vacuum consolidation
method preloads the entire soil mass at a constant total stress (Ihm & Masse 2002). [3]
This method was first introduced by Kjellman (1952) to improve the strength of soft clay.
The principles and mechanisms of vacuum preloading have been reported in various published
literature (e.g. Kjellman 1952, Chu et al. 2000, Ihm & Masse 2002, Indranata et. al. 2004). The
mechanism of vacuum consolidation can be easily simulated by revisiting Terzaghis (1943)
effective stress expression. In this the atmospheric pressure (Pa) is not considered in the effective
stress calculation because the effect is self-cancelling. In order to examine the principle of vacuum
consolidation, it is necessary to introduce the atmospheric pressure, Pa in the effective stress
calculation. [3]
The total stress and pore water pressure of the ground is given by: [3]
st = g*h + Pa (1.1) in which: st is the total stress
u = gw*h + Pa (1.2)
s is the effective stress
s= st u
(1.3)
u is the pore water pressure
g is the unit weight of soil
gw is the unit weight of water
h is the depth below the ground surface
Substituting equations (1.1) and (1.2) into equation (1.3) results: [3]
s= g*h - gw*h

(1.4)

As shown in equation (1.4), the effective stress of the ground is not affected by the
atmospheric pressure. However , if the atmospheric pressure is removed from the pore water
pressure by applying an equivalent vacuum suction i.e. -Pa, the final effective stress increases as a
result of the unbalanced atmospheric pressure acting above the ground, as shown below: [3]
s= g*h - gw*h + Pa

(1.5)

Another principle which illustrates the vacuum preloading method it is the spring analogy,
described in previous literatures by Kjellman (1952), Holtz (1975), Chen and Bao (1983), Chu et al.
(2000), and Indraratna et al. (2004).
The consolidation process of soil under surcharge load has been well understood and can
be illustrated using the spring analogy as shown in Figure 2(a). For the convenience of explanation,
the pressures in Figure 2 are given in absolute values and Pa is the atmospheric pressure. As shown
in Figure 2(a), the instance when a surcharge load, p, is applied, it is the excess pore water
pressure that takes the load. Therefore, for saturated soil, the initial excess pore water pressure, u0,
is the same as the surcharge p. Gradually, the excess pore water pressure dissipates and the load is
transferred from water to the spring (i.e., the soil skeleton) in the model shown in Figure 2(a).
The amount of effective stress increment equals to the amount of pore water pressure
dissipation, p u (Figure 2(a)). At the end of consolidation, u = 0 and the total gain in the

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effective stress is the same as the surcharge, p (Figure 2(a)). It should be noted that the above
process is not affected by the atmospheric pressure, Pa.
The mechanism of vacuum preloading can also be illustrated in the same way using the
spring analogy as shown in Figure 2(b). When a vacuum load is applied to the system shown in
Figure 2(b), the pore water pressure in the soil reduces. As the total stress applied does not change,
the effective stress in the soil increases. The instance when the vacuum load, u, is applied, the
pore water pressure in the soil is still Pa. Gradually the pore pressure is reducing and the spring
starts to be compressed, that is, the soil skeleton starts to gain effective stress. The amount of the
effective stress increment equals to the amount of pore water pressure reduction, u, which will not
exceed the atmospheric pressure, Pa, or normally 80 kPa in practice. [4]

Figure 2. Spring analogy of consolidation process (a) under fill surcharge; (b) under vacuum
load. [4]

2.

CASE STUDIES
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J. P. Hsi and C. H. Lee Fully coupled numerical modeling of


vacuum consolidation
2.1.

2.1.1. Generalities
This case study presents the simulation of the behavior of a soft soil treated with the vacuum
consolidation technique using the geotechnical finite element package PLAXIS 2D. [3]
A bridge approach embankment adjacent to a creek is underlain by soft clays up to 25m in
thickness. To enable safe construction of the embankment and speedy consolidation of the soft
clays, vacuum consolidation was chosen as a means of ground improvement. Detailed
instrumentation and monitoring was undertaken to closely monitor the performance of the
embankment. [3]
The measured settlements and pore water pressures at various embankment loading stages
were back-analyzed. [3]
Ballina Bypass is a section of the Pacific Highway to be upgraded in the north-east region
of New South Wales, Australia. The project involved the construction of approximately 11.4 km
length of four-lane dual carriageway bypassing the Ballina town center. [3]

Figure 3. Site layout plan of bridge approach at Emigrant Creek North, ECN
( after RTA 2006 ) [3]
Due to the presence of thick soft clays, embankment stability and settlement become a
major concern in the absence of appropriate ground improvement. To enable safe construction of
the embankment and speedy consolidation of the soft clays, the vacuum consolidation method was
chosen as a way to improve the ground. To increase the ground treatment efficiency, preloading and
surcharging have been incorporated with the vacuum consolidation method. [3]
Various field instruments, such as settlement plates, vibrating-wire piezometers and
inclinometers, have been installed to monitor the ground responses associated with the ground
treatment. [3]
This case study presents the geological site conditions, the vacuum consolidation system and
method implemented for ground improvement, the interpreted geotechnical model adopted for the
numerical analysis in Plaxis 2D and the detailed back-analysis of vacuum consolidation. [3]
2.1.2. Site geology

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An area of approximately 9400 m2 at the bridge


approach embankment of the future bridge over
Emigrant Creek North (ECN) had been treated with
vacuum consolidation for approximately eight months.
The soil profile along the bridge approach embankment
prior to the vacuum consolidation treatment is shown in
Figure 4. [3]
Figure 4. Soil profile along the
bridge approach embankment [3]
As seen, the embankment is underlain by Holocene
alluvial deposits over Pleistocene stiff clay, residual soils
and weathered argillite. The Holocene alluvial deposits
comprise a thin upper crust underlain by very soft to firm
clay up to a depth of 25.0 m with a minimum undrained
shear strength, Cu of about 8 kPa at the ground surface.
The figure in the right shows that the shear strength
increases monotonically to approximately 40 kPa at a
depth of about 25.0 m below the ground surface. [3]
Figure 5. In-situ OCR and Cu profiles prior
to vacuum consolidation derived from
piezocone results [3]

2.1.3. Construction histories and vacuum consolidation system


The key construction history is summarized in Table 1. A total of 8.5 m thick embankment
was constructed between late November 2006 and mid July 2007. This included a 2.0 m thick layer
of working platform and sand blanket, which was needed for the installation of the vertical vacuum
transmission pipes and also served as a drainage layer. [3]
This table also presents the equivalent fill thickness adopted for the numerical analysis,
which takes into account the submerged effect of the settled fill. [3]
Timeline
11.12.20
06
28.02.20
07
19.03.20
07
22.03.20
07
23.05.20

Total Fill
Thickness [m]

Equivalent Fill
Thickness [m]

Vacuum
Pressure [m]

1,99

1,82

-7,56

2,68

2,46

-8,02

5,4

4,68

-7,77
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07
06.07.20
8,5
7,3
-7,38
07
06.07.20
8,5
6,73
-6,9
07
Table 1. Key construction histories of the approach embankment [3]
The vacuum pressure was transmitted into the ground through 34.0 mm diameter vertical
vacuum transmission piles installed in a square grid pattern at 1.0 m c/c. The pipes are extended
below at approximately 20.0 m depth. [3]
Figure 6. shows that the impervious membrane was laid on top of the working platform to
ensure an airtight region above the vertical transmission pipes. Some horizontal drains in the
transverse and longitudinal directions had been installed to increase the treatment efficacy.
Subsequently, these horizontal drains were connected to vacuum pumps. The edge of the
impervious membrane was sealed by a bentonite slurry trench as shown in Figure 6. [3]

Figure 6. Working platform and impervious membrane that form part of the vacuum
consolidation system [3]
Figure 7. shows the schematic diagram of the vacuum consolidation system. The key
advantage of this arrangement is that the suction head, generated by the pump, propagates along the
soil surface and down the vertical transmission piles within the airtight region, accelerating the
dissipation of excess pore water pressures. However, the efficacy of the entire system depends on
the ability of the membrane to prevent any air leaks to sustain a sufficient suction head (e. g.
Indraratna et al. 2004). [3]

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Figure 7. Schematic diagram of the vacuum consolidation system


( after RTA 2006 ) [3]
A vacuum pressure in order of 70 kPa was applied to the ground between early March 2007
and late November 2007 (i.e. after completion of the 2.0 m thick working platform and sand
blanket) over a distance of 120.0 m along the bridge approach embankment. [3]

2.1.4. Numerical analysis with Plaxis 2D


The numerical analysis of vacuum consolidation and preloading involves the prediction of
changes in pore water pressure and soil deformation. Such a problem involves interaction between
the soil skeleton and the groundwater present in the pores of the soil. [3]
Instead of the COFEA program which was used in this paper the numerical analysis will be
carried out with Plaxis 2D. This program is capable to execute simultaneously the analysis of soil
deformation and groundwater flow, having the advantage that the pore water pressure boundaries
can be prescribed in order to model the applied vacuum pressures.
PLAXIS 2D is a finite element program, developed for the analysis of deformation,
stability and groundwater flow in geotechnical engineering. It is a part of the PLAXIS product
range, a suite of finite element programs that is used worldwide for geotechnical engineering and
design.
The development of PLAXIS began in 1987 at Delft University of Technology as an
initiative of the Dutch Ministry of Public Works and Water Management (Rijkswaterstaat).
The initial purpose was to develop an easy-to-use 2D finite element code for the analysis of
river embankments on the soft soils of the lowlands of Holland. In subsequent years, PLAXIS was
extended to cover most other areas of geotechnical engineering. Because of continuously growing
activities, the PLAXIS company (Plaxis bv) was formed in 1993.
In 1998, the first PLAXIS 2D for Windows was released. In the meantime a calculation Kernel for
3D finite element calculations was developed which resulted in the release of the 3DTunnel
program in 2001. 3DFoundation was the second three-dimensional PLAXIS program, and was
developed in cooperation with TNO. The 3DFoundation program was released in 2004. However, in
neither 3DTunnel nor 3DFoundation it is possible to define arbitrary 3D geometries, because of
their geometrical limitations. [5]
The user interface consists of three sub-programs:
The Input program is a pre-processor, which is used to model the geometry, to
define the material model and material data set and to create the finite element
mesh of the problem in case.
The Calculations program is a different part of the user-interface that is used to
define and execute finite element calculations.
The Output program is a post-processor, which is used to inspect the results of
calculations in a two dimensional view or in cross sections, and to plot graphs
(curves) of output quantities of selected geometry points. [5]

2.1.4.1.

Geometrical modeling

The geometrical modeling is carried out in the Input program, and we can choose from two
geometry model: Plane strain
Axisymmetric

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The Plane strain model is usually used at uniform cross sections with uniform loads which are
perpendicular to the cross section (z-axis). [5]

Figure 8. Plane strain [5]

An Axisymmetric model usually used at structures with


circular section having uniform radial loading scheme around
the central axis and the deformations and stresses are assumed
to be symmetric compared to the central axis. [5]

Figure 9. Axisymmetric [5]


While we are dealing with a circular structure with uniform radial cross section and loading
scheme around the central axis we choose an axisymmetric model for the analysis. In this case the
radius is represented by the x-axis (negative values cannot be used) and the central axis of
symmetry is represented by the y-coordinates. This selection results in a two-dimensional finite
element model with two degrees of translational freedom after the x and y directions. [5]
The next option from which we have to choose its the element type and there are two kind
of possible models: 6-nodded
15-nodded
The 6-node triangle allows a second order interpolation for the displacements. The
numerical integration is carried out by three Gauss points. The elements of this kind give good
results in standard deformation analyses but they can give inaccurate results in the case of
axisymmetric models. [5]

Figure 10. 6-node triangle [5]


The 15-node triangle provides an interpolation for displacements of fourth order and the numerical
integration involves twelve Gauss stress points. The elements of this kind are very accurate and it is
recommended to use them in axisymmetric analysis. [5]

Figure 11. 15-node triangle [5]


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Four 6-noded element could form theoretically one 15-noded element while the total
number of nodes and stress points are equal, and this means that the 15-nodded element is more
powerful, they provide more accurate results, high quality stress states, high order of displacement
and pore pressure interpolation. In conclusion we choose the 15-noded triangle to model the
problem. [5]
The program sets the earth gravity acceleration to 9.8 m/s 2 by default and the direction of it
is pointing down vertically so it coincides with the negative y-axis. Gravity is included in the unit
weights so in this way gravity is controlled by the total load multiplier for weights of materials.
Independent acceleration may be prescribed using the x and y-acceleration fields used for
dynamical analysis, which is not our case, so we leave the standard settings. [5]
After introducing the project properties we define the model properties.

Figure 12. Project properties window-project settings


In the next window we can define the geometry dimensions, the grid with adjustable
distance between the grid points and the units (for length, force and time).

Figure 13. Project properties window-model settings


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After defining the project properties the general layout program appears where we model the
geometry of the problem.
For the vertical vacuum transmission pipes the effective zone of influence it has the form of
a cylindrical column around the pipe. The equivalent diameter which affects the soil is considered
1.13xs, where s is the distance between two centers of adjacent transmission pipes, in our case it is
1m, so the equivalent diameter it will be 1.13 m. [3]
The soil adjacent to the drain can be disturbed due to the installation process of the vertical
transmission pipe. As a result, the permeability of the disturbed soil decreases causing a reduced
consolidation process. This effect is described as smear.
The smear effect was modeled in the finite element analysis by defining a small smear zone
adjacent to the circular drain as shown in Figure 14. The zone of smear is assumed to have reduced
permeability, khs, and a radius, rs measured from the center of the drain, as shown in Figure 14. [3]
These parameters can be calculated considering the following proportions which were
selected to match the obtained results in the field: kh/khs=4
rs/rp=4
where: rp radius of the pipe
rs radius of the smear zone
kh undisturbed soil permeability
khs permeability of the smear zone
The vacuum pipes have a diameter of 34mm. [3]

Figure 14. Equivalent soil cylinder


around a vacuum transmission pipe. [3]

The depth of the vacuum transmission pipes is 25.0 m. With


these dimensions of width and depth we draw the soil model with
all the layers, define the position of the distributed loads which will
result from the preloading phases and we assign a set of general
boundary condition to the geometry model to simulate the one
dimensional deformation. This setting can be achieved with the
Standard fixities button, and statically means the following:
Vertical geometry lines for which the x-coordinate is
equal to the lowest or highest x-coordinate in the
model obtain a horizontal fixity (Ux=0).
Horizontal geometry lines for which the ycoordinate is equal to the lowest y-coordinate in the
model obtain a full fixity (Ux=Uy=0). [5]
When the geometry model is fully defined and for every
cluster a material property have been assigned, the geometry must
be divided into the 15-nodded finite element triangles, in order to
perform the finite element calculations. When we divide our
geometry into triangles is called generating the mesh which is
based on a robust triangulation procedure.
For more accurate numerical results it is advised to refine
the mesh, which is automatically generated by the program and can
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be rough for the modeled problem. Originally, the program


generates a medium density of the mesh, which was afterwards
refined in the area adjacent to the vacuum transmission pipes.
Figure 15. Geometry and mesh

2.1.4.2.

Geotechnical modeling

The geotechnical model used for the back-analysis is shown in Table 2. in which the values
were derived based on the results of the site investigations and the back-analysis of the field
monitoring data. The initial void ratio, e0, is considered to be 2.1. [3]

Table 2.

Subsoil
profile and geotechnical parameters. [3]
In this table: -g.sat is saturated unit weight of soil
-kv=kh/2 are the vertical and horizontal permeability values
-Cc and Cr are the compression and recompression indices
-OCR is the over-consolidation ratio

2.1.4.3.

Analysis methodology

In PLAXIS 2D there are a several material models describing the non-linear stress-strain
behavior from which we can choose:

Linear elastic model: This model represents Hookes law of isotropic linear
elasticity. The linear elastic model is too limited for the simulation of soil behavior. It
is primarily used for stiff structures in the soil.

Mohr-Coulomb model: This well-known linear elastic perfectly-plastic model is used


as a first approximation of soil behavior in general. It is recommended to use this
model for a first analysis of the problem considered. A constant average stiffness is
estimated for the soil layer. Due to this constant stiffness, computations tend to be
relatively fast and a first estimation of deformations can be obtained.

Hardening soil model: This is an advanced model for the simulation of soil behavior.
The Hardening Soil model is an elasto-plastic type of hyperbolic model, formulated
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in the framework of shear hardening plasticity. Moreover, the model involves


compression hardening to simulate irreversible compaction of soil under primary
compression. This second-order model can be used to simulate the behavior of sands
and gravel as well as softer types of soil such as clays and silts.

Hardening soil model with small-strain stiffness: This is an elasto-plastic type of


hyperbolic model, similar to the Hardening Soil model. Moreover, this model
incorporates strain dependent stiffness moduli, simulating the different reaction of
soils from small strains (for example vibrations with strain levels below 10-5) to large
strains (engineering strain levels above 10-3).

Soft Soil model: This is a Cam-Clay type model that can be used to simulate the
behavior of soft soils like normally consolidated clays and peat. The model performs
best in simulations of primary compression.

Soft soil creep model: This is a second order model formulated in the framework of
visco-plasticity. The model can be used to simulate the time-dependent behavior of
soft soils like normally consolidated clays and peat. The model includes logarithmic
primary and secondary compression.

Jointed rock model: This is an anisotropic elastic-perfectly plastic model where


plastic shearing can only occur in a limited number of shearing directions. This
model can be used to simulate the anisotropic behavior of stratified or jointed rock.

Modified Cam-Clay model: This well-known critical state model can be used to
simulate the behavior of normally consolidated soft soils. The model assumes a
logarithmic relationship between the volumetric strain and the mean effective stress.

NGI-ADP model: The NGI-ADP model may be used for capacity, deformation and
soil-structures interaction analysis involving undrained loading of clay. Distinct
anisotropic stress strengths may be defined for different stress paths.

Hoek-Brown model: This well-known elastic perfectly-plastic model is used to


simulate the isotropic behavior of rock. A constant stiffness is used for the rock mass.
Shear failure and tension failure are described by a non-linear stress curve.

Sekiguchi-Ohta model: The Sekiguchi-Ohta model is a Cam-Clay type effective


stress model for time-independent behavior of clay-type soils.

User-defined soil models: With this option it is possible to use other constitutive
models than the standard PLAXIS models. [5]

Taking into consideration the soil type (soft clay), the need of time-dependent analysis and
the geotechnical parameters given we can reduce the possibly good material models to the Soft Soil
model and the Modified Cam-Clay model.
The best fitting material model, which was used in the original paper, would have been the
Modified Cam-Clay model, but after numerous calculations and settings we have to exclude this
kind of material model, while is giving inaccurate results.
Therefore, to simulate the multiple loading phases of the system and the interaction between
the soil skeleton and the excess of pore water pressure, the Soft Soil Model was chosen.
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Especially meant for the primary compression analysis of near normally-consolidated clay-type
soils, the Soft Soil model is better capable to model this kind of behavior than the Hardening Soil
model. [6]
As soft soils we consider near-normally consolidated clays, clayley silts and peat. A special
feature of such materials is their high degree of compressibility. This is the best demonstrated by
oedometer test data as reported for instance by Janbu in his Rankine lecture (1985).
Considering tangent stiffness moduli at a reference oedometer pressure of 100 kPa, the
reports for normally consolidated clays vary between Eoed=1 to 4 MPa, depending on the particular
clay considered. The differences between these values and the stiffness for NC-sands are
considerable as here we have values in the range of 10 to 50 MPa, at least for non-cemented
laboratory samples. Hence, in oedometer testing normally consolidated clays behave ten times
softer than normally consolidated sands.
This illustrates the extreme compressibility of soft soils. Some features of the Soft Soil
model are:
Stress dependent stiffness (logarithmic compression behavior).
Distinction between primary loading and unloading-reloading.
Memory for pre-consolidation stress.
Failure behavior according to the Mohr-Coulomb criterion. [6]
ISOTROPIC STATES OF STRESS AND STRAIN (s1=s2=s3)
Between the volumetric strain (v) and the mean effective stress (p) a logarithmic relation is
considered:
v- v0=-*ln(

(2.1)

which is called the virgin compression. [6]


For keeping the validity of the aforementioned equation a minimum value (unit stress) is
prescribed to the p parameter. The modified compression index (*) determines in the primary
loading, the compressibility of the material and differs from the index (Burland, 1965) while the
equation (2.1) is a function of volumetric strain instead of void ratio. This equation can be
represented as seen in Figure 16. [6]
A different path is followed during isotropic unloading and reloading which can be
described with the following equation: [6]
ev- ve0=- *ln(

(2.2)

The modified swelling index (*) determines the compressibility of the material in
subsequent reloading and unloading, but differs from the index (Burland, 1965). However * and
* are not equal with
and but their ratio
is equal with

Burlands ratio

[6]
The soil is
elastic after Hookes
and reloading, and
denoted
by
the
equation above. [6]

assumed to behave
law during unloading
this elastic behavior is
superscript e in the

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Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

Stud. Ing. Lrinczi Tnde

Figure 16. Logarithmic relation between volumetric strain and mean stress. [6]
The isotropic unloading and reloading path implies linear stress dependency on the tangent
bulk modulus such that: [6]
Kur=

= .

(2.3)

In the equation above the unloading and reloading is denoted by the subscript ur, but despite
this fact not undrained soil properties but effective parameters are used. As constant input
parameters ur and * are used for that part of the model which computes the elastic strains, instead
of the elastic bulk modulus (Kur) and Youngs elastic modulus (Eur). [6]
The parameter pp denotes the value of the isotropic pre-consolidation stress, which can take
more values corresponding to different lines of unloading/reloading. This represents the highest
stress level occurring in the soil, and remains constant during the unloading and reloading. [6]
In primary loading with the increase of the stress level the pre-consolidation stress increases
too, causing plastic (irreversible) volumetric strains. [6]
YIELD FUNCTION FOR TRIAXIAL STRESS STATE (s2=s3)
With the Soft Soil model we can model the behavior of soils under general states of stress,
but with restriction to triaxial loading conditions under which s2=s3, and the yield function for
such state of stress is defined as = -pp where is a function of the stress state (p,q) and the preconsolidation stress (pp), is a function of plastic strain: [6]

(2.4)

(2.5)

In the equation above represents the yield function which describes an ellipse in p-q
plane, and the parameter M determines the height of the ellipse, which is responsible, in primary
one-dimensional compression, for the ratio of horizontal vertical stresses. That means that M
determines the coefficient of lateral earth pressure K0nc and considering this, M can be chosen in that
way to match the primary one-dimensional compression, K0nc. This interpretation and the use of M
differs from the original idea of the critical state line, but in change matches properly the value of
K0nc. [6]
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Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

Stud. Ing. Lrinczi Tnde

Figure 17. Yield surface of the Soft Soil model in p-q plane. [6]
All tops of the ellipses can be found on a line with the slope M in the p-q plane. After
Burland, the M-line is considered to be the critical state line, representing the stress states at post
peak failure, and parameter M is determined with the use of the critical state friction angle.
However, in the Soft Soil model the critical state is not necessarily related to failure, but in the
Mohr-Coulomb model failure criterion depends on the strength parameters of the soil, and c, and
the failure line might not correspond to the Soft Soil M-line. The extension of the ellipse along the
p axis is determined by pp (isotropic pre-consolidation stress), and every value of the preconsolidation stress defines an ellipse during loading, which results in an infinite number of
ellipses. [6]
When p 0, there is tension and the ellipse extends to ccot. To ensure that the right side of
the ellipse remains in compression zone (p 0), a minimum value is adopted for ccot, which is the
minimum unit value for pp when c=0. [6]
Following the hardening relation, the value of pp is determined by volumetric plastic strain.
The exponential increase of the pre-consolidation stress with decreasing volumetric plastic strain
(compaction) is also reflected by the hardening relation, and Pp0 can be considered to be equal with
the initial value of the pre-consolidation stress, in which case the volumetric plastic strain is
considered to be zero. [6]
The irreversible volumetric strain in primary compression is described by the yield function,
forming the cap of the yield contour. Failure state is modeled by revisiting Mohr-Coulombs
perfectly-plastic yield function which represents a straight line in the p-q plane as shown in Figure
17. The M-line slope is greater than the slope of the failure line. [6]
The boundary of the elastic stress area is considered to be the total yield contour. In primary
compression the cap can increase, but the failure line is constant, is fixed. If we choose any stress
paths from the interior of this boundary, they give elastic strain increments only, and the stress paths
which cross the boundary give both plastic and elastic strain increments. [6]
The plastic behavior of the Soft Soil model for general states of stress is defined by six yield
functions, three compression yield functions and three Mohr-Coulomb yield functions. The total
yield contour in principal stress space, formed by these six yield functions, is shown in Figure 18.
[6]

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Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

Stud. Ing. Lrinczi Tnde

Figure 17. Representation of total yield contour of the Soft Soil model in principal stress
space. [6]
PARAMETERS OF THE SOFT SOIL MODEL
The Soft Soil model requires the following constants: [6]
Basic parameters:
* - Modified compression index
* - Modified swelling index
c - Cohesion
- Friction angle
Dilatancy angle
Advanced parameters:
ur Piossons ratio for unloading/reloading
K0nc- Coefficient of lateral stress in normal consolidation
M - K0nc-parameter
For the advanced parameters is recommended to use the default settings. [6]
MODIFIED COMPRESSION INDEX AND MODIFIED SWELLING INDEX.
From isotropic unloading and isotropic compression test these parameters can be obtained
easily. If the logarithm of the mean stress is plotted as a function of volumetric strain for clay-type
materials, we can approximate two straight lines for the slope of primary loading, which gives the
modified compression index, and the slope of the unloading (swelling), which gives the modified
swelling index. [6]
Another way to determine the modified compression index and modified swelling index is
using the existing relationship between the one-dimensional compression and recompression, also
known as Cc and Cr (assumed to be equal with Cs). With the use of these parameters we can describe
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Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

Stud. Ing. Lrinczi Tnde

a relationship between them and the Cam-Clay parameters, or between them and the internationally
normalized parameters: [6]
Relationship to Cam-Clay parameters:
*=

(2.6)

*=

(2.7)

Relationship to internationally normalized parameters:

*=

(2.8)

*=

(2.9)

In the first two relations a constant value is assumed for the void ratio, e. For the void ratio
the initial value can be used or the average void ratio which occurs during the compression
test. [6]
In the third relation the factor 2.3 is obtained from the logarithm of base 10 and the natural
logarithm ratio. [6]
In relation four between the modified swelling index and the one-dimensional swelling
index there is no exact relation, so as an approximation it is assumed that the average state
during unloading is isotropic, meaning that the horizontal and vertical stresses are equal. [6]
The value of the
ratio generally varies between 2.5 and 7. [6]
COHESION:
The cohesion has the dimension of stresses, and any value can be used for the cohesion
including even a cohesion equal with zero. Giving the cohesion a value, leads into an elastic region,
which is located partly in the tension zone. The intersection at the left side between the ellipse and
p-axis is at the value of ccot. [6]
For maintaining in the pressure zone of the stress space at the right hand side of the ellipse,
the isotropic pre-consolidation stress pp has a minimum value of ccot. This means that an overconsolidation state can be reached if to the cohesion value a larger number than zero is assigned,
and the magnitude of this state depends on the value of cohesion and on the initial stress state. This
means that as soon as the loads are applied, a stiffer behavior is obtained. It is not possible to
specify the undrained shear strength by means of high cohesion and a friction angle of zero. The
input of the parameters necessary for this material model should be always based on effective stress
values, which can be realized by using Undrained (A) drainage type. [6]
The resulting effective stress state and path may not be entirely correct which leads to
inaccurate values of the undrained shear strength. [6]
FRICTION ANGLE:
By definition, the effective angle of internal friction is the increment of shear strength with
effective stress level and has the unit of degrees. Care should be taken when using high values for
the friction angle but zero values are not allowed either. The recommended value would be the
critical state friction angle instead of the high values, based on small strains. [6]
DILATANCY ANGLE:
The dilatancy angle can be neglected for the material types modeled with the Soft Soil
model and the program uses the value of zero as a default setting. [6]
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Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

Stud. Ing. Lrinczi Tnde

POISSONS RATIO:
The Poissons ratio in the soft soil model is considered to be pure elastic constant rather than
the pseudo-elasticity constant as used in the linear elastic perfectly-plastic model. Usually the value
of Poissons ratio is between 0.1 and 0.2. When using the Soft Soil model with its standard settings,
the Poissons ratio of unloading/reloading (ur) is automatically equal with 0,15. This ratio plays a
minor role at the loading of normally consolidated materials but plays an essential role in unloading
calculations, for example at the unloading in a one-dimensional compression test (oedometer),
Poissons ratio is relatively small and that will result in a small decrease of the lateral stress in
comparison with the decrease of the vertical stresses. This leads to the increase of the ratio between
the horizontal and vertical stresses, a well-known phenomenon in over-consolidated materials. This
is why Poissons ratio is based on the ratio of horizontal and vertical stress increments and not on
the normally consolidated K0nc value. [6]
Poissons ratio at unloading/reloading using horizontal and vertical stress increments: [6]
(2.10)
K0nc-PARAMETER:
The determination of M is a function of K0nc, which is automatically determined by the
program, based on the coefficient of lateral earth pressure in normally consolidated condition. The
relation between K0nc and M is given by Brinkgreve (1994): [6]
(2.11)
The
value of M is shown
in the input
window and it is
influenced by Poissons ratio (ur) and by the ratio of
but the influence of K0nc is the most
dominant. The value of M can be approximated with: M 3.0-2.8 K0nc [6]
Taking into consideration all the aforementioned facts and using Table 2. we can derive the
geotechnical parameters necessary for the Soft Soil model:

Table 3. Geometrical parameters used for the Soft Soil model


In this table:
-g.sat is the saturated unit weight of soil
- einit is the initial void ratio
- *=Cc/2,3*(1+e) is the modified compression index
- K*=2*Cr/2,3*(1+e) is the modified swelling index
-Cc and Cr are the compression and recompression indices
-Cref is the undrained strength
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Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

Stud. Ing. Lrinczi Tnde

- is the angle of friction


- is the dilatancy angle
-ur is Poissons ratio for unloading/reloading
-K0nc=1-sin() is the coefficient of lateral stress in normal consolidation
-kv=kh/2 are the vertical and horizontal permeability values
-khs is the horizontal permeability value of the smear zone
-OCR is the over-consolidation ratio
-K0,x=(1-sin)*OCRsin is the coefficient of lateral earth pressure at rest by
Mayne & Kulhawy (1982)
MODELING UNDRAINED BEHAVIOUR
Besides the material data set we have to model the undrained behavior of the soil.
Undrained analysis is appropriate when:
Permeability is low or rate of loading is high.
Short term behavior has to be asses.
The possible modeling types are: Undrained (A)
Undrained (B)
Undrained (C)
Undrained (A): This drainage type allows to carry out undrained calculations using
effective stiffness and strength parameters, pore pressures are generated but they might be
inaccurate and the undrained shear strength, su, is an outcome of the constitutive model and not an
input parameter. [6]
Undrained (B): The same things are valid to the drainage type Undrained (B) except that in
Undrained (A) a Consolidation analysis can be performed after an undrained calculation but in
Undrained (B) a consolidation analysis should not be performed after an undrained calculation and
the generated pore pressures might be highly inaccurate. [6]
Undrained (C): This drainage type enables to perform undrained calculations using a total
stress analysis with undrained parameters in which case the stiffness is modeled by using undrained
Youngs modulus, Eu, and undrained Poissons ratio, u, and strength is modeled using an undrained
shear strength cu and =u=0. [6]
While our ground water level is on the surface and the soil parameters are given in effective
stresses we have to choose from Undrained (A) or Undrained (B). Considering the fact that in the
drainage type Undrained (B) consolidation analysis should not be performed after undrained
calculation and the generated pore pressures may be highly inaccurate we choose drainage type
Undrained (A).
In PLAXIS 2D it is possible to specify undrained behavior in effective stress analysis by
using effective model parameters. Water generates pore pressures in the body soil and this
contributes to the total stress level, and according to Terzaghis principle, the total stresses (s) are
the sum of effective stresses (s) and pore pressures (sw). While water has no capacity to endure
shear strength the total shear stresses are equal with effective shear stresses: [6]
;
;

;
;

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Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

Stud. Ing. Lrinczi Tnde

The total water pore pressure has two components, the steady state pore pressure and the
excess pore pressure:

.[6]

Steady state pore pressures are generated based on the phreatic level, so they are considered
as input data. Excess pore pressures are generated during the calculations. [6]
When we use the drainage type Undrained (A) we must take care of the dilatancy angle ()
which should be equal with zero. If we use a positive dilatancy angle the tensile pore pressures and
shear strength might just reach some unrealistically large values. In the other hand, if we use
negative values for the dilatancy angle, that might lead to high pore pressures and unrealistic
liquefication type of behavior. [6]
HYDRAULIC DATA SETS AND MODELS
Plaxis provides different data sets and models to model the flow in the saturated soil.
The available data sets are the following:

Standard
Hypres
USDA
Staring
User-defined

Standard: Is based on Hypres topsoil classification


and we can choose from the most common soil types
(Coarse, Medium, Medium fine, Fine, Very fine, Organic
and Non-organic) and the only available model for this
data set is the Van Genuchten model. This classification
type is based on the particle fractions. [6]

Hypres: This is an international soil classification


system and the available hydraulic models are the Van
Genuchten and the Approximate Van Genuchten. This type
makes distinction between topsoil and subsoil. Hypres data
set includes Coarse, Medium, Medium fine, Fine, Very fine
and Organic soil types. [6]

USDA: This is another international soil


classification system and the available hydraulic models are
the Van Genuchten and the Approximate Van Genuchten.
The available soil types of this system are Sand, Loamy
sand, Sandy loam, Loam, Silt, Silt loam, Sandy clay loam,
Clay loam, Silty clay loam, Sandy clay, Silty clay and Clay.
[6]

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Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

Stud. Ing. Lrinczi Tnde

Staring: This classification system is mainly used in The Netherlands and also uses the Van
Genuchten and the Approximate Van Genuchten hydraulic models and makes distinction between
topsoil and subsoil. This has the largest scale of soil types. [6]
User-defined: This option enables the user to define saturated or unsaturated soils manually.
[6]
While we have soft clay in the affected area, we use the USDA soil classification. This has
the proper amount of classification types and its an international classification system. [6]
As for the flow parameter we will use the Van Genuchten model. The Soil Water
Characteristic Curves (SWCCs) are introduced to describe the hydraulic parameters of the
groundwater flow. The SWCC describes the capacity of the soil to keep water at different stresses.
[6]
INITIAL SETTINGS
In the last window of the material data set we have to set the initial in-situ stresses.
The initial in-situ stresses of the ground are crucial to the numerical modeling as they
influence the magnitude of ground displacement. These stresses are affected by the previous
stresses experienced by the soil.
In the finite element model, the in-situ stresses are generated using the K0- procedure. [3]
The K0-value can be generated automatically by the program or can be introduced manually,
in which case is calculated based on Jakys formula: [7]
K0=1-sin

(2.12)

Care must be taken with very low or very high K0-values, since they can bring the initial
stress in a state of failure. [7]

2.1.4.4.

Calculations

To carry out the calculations we open the Calculation program and for the current project,
the following construction stages have been defined to simulate the multiple construction stages of
the preloading and the vacuum consolidation process where the groundwater-flow plays a crucial
part:

Table 4. Construction phases


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Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

Stud. Ing. Lrinczi Tnde

The fill loading, sfill is calculated as the sum of the full embankment loading above the
water table and the submerged fill loading below the water table as shown below:
sfill=Heq*gfill=(H-)*gfill+*(gfill-gw) [3]

(2.13)

where: -Heq is the equivalent fill thickness


-H is the full embankment thickness
-gfill=21kN/m3 is the unit weight of fill
- is the fill settlement
The calculation process definition depends on the calculation mode that we select.
analysis type we can choose from: -Classical mode
-Advanced mode
-Flow only mode

As

Classical mode: This is the default analysis (calculation) mode using Terzaghis definition
of stress (

), where pore pressures are divided into steady-state pore pressures (are input

parameters, while they are generated from phreatic level) and excess pore pressures (generated in
the undrained material during calculations). The weight of the soil is taken into account according
to its position compared with the phreatic level. The soil which is situated below this level is taken
into account with its saturated weight (.sat) and the soil which is situated above the phreatic level is
taken into account with its unsaturated weight (.unsat).The value of suction is considered to be
always equal with zero and the degree of saturation is always equal with one. [6]
The types of calculations which can be performed in this mode are: [6]
-Plastic
-Consolidation based on excess pore pressures
-Safety
-Dynamic
not our case
-Free vibration
Advanced mode: Using Bishops (

, in which Se is the effective degree of

saturation) definition of stress instead of Terzaghis, its a suitable calculation mode for the
unsaturated response of soils and for performing fully coupled hydro-mechanical behavior of soils.
The suction pore pressure has a total influence over the effective degree of saturation, which
relationship is called the Soil Water Characteristic Curve (SWCC-described by Van Genuchten and
Approximated Van Genuchten). If the SWCC parameters change that might change the effective
stresses in the partially saturated zone, which causes a difference in the results obtained in the
Advanced mode compared to the results obtained in the Classical mode. This is the reason why it is
strongly recommended to select proper values for SWCC. [6]
The weight of the soil is taken into account according to its position compared with the
phreatic level and the weight of the soil is defined as: =(1-Se)unsat+Sesat. [6]
The types of calculations which can be performed in this mode are: [6]
-Plastic
-Consolidation based on total pore pressures
-Safety
- Dynamic
not our case
-Free vibration
Flow mode: In this mode pure groundwater flow calculations under saturated and
unsaturated conditions can be performed. [6]
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Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

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The types of calculations which can be performed in this mode are: [6]
-Groundwater flow (steady-state)
- Groundwater flow (transient) [6]
not our case
To decide which calculation mode suits better our case, we take a simple model, to simulate
the calculation modes with every possible flow type. All the possible calculation modes which the
program allows us to perform are shown in the figure below:

Figure 18. Possible calculation modes.


After performing all the calculations, we can observe, that if we apply a constant uniform
boundary condition, equal with 80 kPa, leads to unreasonable results. Investigating this problem, it
was found that defining the pressure equal in every point of the boundary, actually means defining
for each and every point a different water head (water level), which would mean that in the same
time there are more water levels. This situation is impossible so we can exclude defining the water
head as uniform distributed constant one.
The uniform distributed triangular head condition represents the difference between the
steady state pore water pressure and the vacuum pressure.
w*hdrain= w*z-Psteady-Pvacuum
(2.14)
This is the value of the active pore water pressures, which we should have after the vacuum
pressure is applied. Considering the fact, that this head condition gives good results, means that the
head boundary condition simulates an active pore pressure state in the ground, based on a water
head, different from the phreatic level, and does not considers the boundary condition as suctional
force.
The further calculations were performed with triangular head condition.
We can see (Figure 19.) that if we perform the calculations with the flow setting which takes
into consideration the previous phase (From previous), then nothing changes in the active pore
pressure distribution. This means that the calculation kernel uses the pore pressure from the
previously calculated step and not the pore pressures generated in the current phase. This excludes
the possibility to take into consideration the vacuum effect which leads us to exclude this type of
calculation.
The same thing happens if we generate water pore pressures by phreatic level, because here
the program does not make any difference between the active and inactive clusters, and takes into
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Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

Stud. Ing. Lrinczi Tnde

consideration only the general phreatic level. This kind of pore water pressure generation is capable
only of creating a steady state pore pressure state in the soil.

Figure 19. Pore pressure generated with From previous phase and by Phreatic level in plastic
and consolidation analysis
Steady-state groundwater-flow generation considers a permanent flow, which means that the
pore pressures are independent of time so they are generated as steady-state pore pressures. This
means that the boundary condition is taken into consideration as soon as it is applied, and it appears
at the active pore pressures, but this flow is considered constant with time (Figure 20.). Also we
have to mark the fact that only the negative pore pressures are taken into consideration, and the
positive ones are neglected. The cause of this situation will be further examined.
Even though the final results are very similar, we have to notice the fact, that during a plastic
calculation (Figure 20.) the variation of the active pore pressures is linear, which is explained by the
fact that in a plastic calculation time effects are not taken into consideration. In the other hand, in
the consolidation analysis (Figure 21.) we can see the incremental change of the active pore
pressures, showing the fact, that consolidation analysis takes into consideration the time effects.

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Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

Stud. Ing. Lrinczi Tnde

Figure 20. Pore pressure generated by Steady state with Plastic analysis

Figure 21. Pore pressure generated by Steady state with Consolidation analysis
The only time-dependent calculation of the pore water pressures is the Transient
groundwater-flow calculation, which takes into consideration the time effects and the changing
boundary conditions.
Considering the aforementioned facts, we can exclude the Plastic analysis, which means that
only the Transient groundwater-flow pore pressure generation with Consolidation analysis needs to
be further analyzed.

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Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

Stud. Ing. Lrinczi Tnde

Figure 22. Classical mode, Consolidation analysis, Transient groundwater-flow


Figure 23. Advanced mode, Consolidation analysis, Transient groundwater-flow

2.1.4.5. Numerical results


After a big amount of calculation and comparison, we have to exclude the Classical mode,
while having suction in Classical mode will result in very high stresses as the whole suction appears
in effective stresses, because the degree of saturation is always equal with 1, and this is why it is not
possible to generate the right active pore pressure state in the ground. This is why the positive pore
pressures (generated by suction) do not appear, and this is why in Classical mode is not even
possible to use the Suction cut-off option to simulate this state of the active pore pressures.
Figure 24. Active pore pressure
distribution

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Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

Stud. Ing. Lrinczi Tnde


In Advanced mode this not a big
problem as suction is always multiplied
by effective saturation which is usually
lover than 1.
This kind of calculation mode
enables calculating simultaneously the
deformations and the groundwaterflow with time-dependent boundary
conditions.
The only possible way to
simulate the accurate results which
should appear at the active pore
pressures
during
the
vacuum
consolidation is by using the Advanced
mode, Consolidation analysis with
Transient groundwater-flow.
The only thing which remains to
examine is the SWCC setting, which
plays a crucial role in Advanced
analysis, while the degree of saturation
is calculated based on this setting.

Figure 25. Active pore pressure distribution


To examine the effects of different SWCC settings on the outcome and value of the active
pore pressures at the boundary section, calculations were carried out with the following settings and
results:

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Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

Stud. Ing. Lrinczi Tnde

Table 5. Comparisom of SWCC settings


As after the vacuum is applied, a positive active pore pressure of 80 kPa should appear at
the top of the soil and a negative active pore pressure of -20 kPa in the bottom of the soil, we can
see that the closest to these values the USDA, Van Genuchten, Silty clay stands, so in the further
calculations we will use this setting for the SWCC parameter.
The first step in the modeling of the actual problem begins with the initial phase which
represents the generation of initial stress state.
This is obtained with the K0 procedure which represents a state where lateral effective
stresses are based on vertical effective stresses and specified K0 values. [6]
The second step is a Plastic analysis, where the drain is installed, which is simulated by
prescribing a free boundary condition. When using Plastic analysis an uncoupled short-term
deformation analysis is applied and the soil is considered to be in an undrained condition. [6]
The second step is followed by several Consolidation calculation steps which simulate the
multiple loading and multiple consolidation steps with time dependency. [6]
Running the calculations we obtained the following results and we compared them to the
ones obtained in the case study with the program named COFEA.
The total settlement obtained in the case study with the Asaoka Assessment is 5.57m. With
the finite element program Plaxis the predicted total settlement is 6.03m as seen in Figure 26.
The total settlement is calculated by simulating the consolidation of the ground until all the
excess pore water pressures has completely dissipated. The predicted total settlement is similar to
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Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

Stud. Ing. Lrinczi Tnde

the one obtained in the case study, which shows that is possible to model vacuum consolidation in
PLAXIS 2D. [3]

Figure 26. Selected points for the curves, total displacements and active pore pressures

Figure 27. Development of the active pore pressures with time


Six Gauss points (K,L,M,N,O,P) were chosen to follow the development of the active pore
pressures, total stresses and effective stresses.
In Figure 27. The development of the active pore pressures is shown with time. It can be
seen that with the construction of each fill layer the active pore pressures have an increase equal
with the stress applied. Then this value decreases during the consolidation periods.
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Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

Stud. Ing. Lrinczi Tnde

Figure 28. Development of the principle effective stresses


Figure 29. shows the evolution of the principle total stresses with time, with the expected
increase in the values after each executed fill layer. The values obtained in this diagram are lower
than they should be, while they are the characteristic values close to the boundary. These values
show an increase with moving away from the boundary.

Figure 29. Development of the principle total stresses

Finite Element Modeling of Vacuum Consolidation using Drain


Elements and Unsaturated Soil Conditions
2.2.

2.2.1. Generalities
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Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

Stud. Ing. Lrinczi Tnde

This case study presents the modeling and results of a finite element analysis carried out for
a reclamation project in Vietnam. The two-dimensional behavior of a soft soil embankment
incorporating prefabricated vertical drains was analyzed with the finite element package PLAXIS
2D. The finite element analysis is carried out with fully coupled flow-stress analysis considering
unsaturated soil condition. The vacuum induced suction (negative pore pressure) is modeled using
vertical drain elements where we describe flow boundary condition. To simulate the non-linear
behavior of the soft soil layers, advanced constitutive modeling was considered. [1]
In this case study the obtained results are presented and the compared with the values from
the proposed two-dimensional finite element analysis in PLAXIS 2D.
The main purpose of this study with finite elements was to analyze the consolidation and the
lateral displacements of soft soils with prefabricated vertical drains (PVD) under vacuum
consolidation. [1]
For simplicity a two-dimensional idealization was used with the combination of the Soft
Soil model. As flow characteristics equivalent permeability was used based on the equal discharge
rate in the model and in the field. The vacuum pressure was simulated by prescribing negative pore
pressure-time history on the prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) boundaries and sand blanket. [1]
The purpose is to demonstrate the capability of the finite element method to properly model
vacuum consolidation. [1]

2.2.2. Site geology


A container port was built along Cai Mep River and the riverbank length was approximately
500 m and the depth of the storage container is between 600 m and 750 m. Excluding the berth, the
total area covered by the port land is about 330,000 m 2. The port is composed of a reinforced
concrete slab deck on piles (offshore berth) along which the ships moor, and on which the
unloading cranes will be installed. The berth is located 100 m to 150 m away from the river shore,
and a reclamation area, where the installation of the sand fill is executed over the natural ground
(swamp). [1]
The natural riverbed will be dredged down due to the draft of the ships. The reclamation
area will become a container storage area,
surrounding service roads, and ancillary
buildings and will be connected to the
berth by three approach bridges which are
also RC decks on piles. Ground
improvement is necessary because the
natural soil, having poor mechanical
properties, will settle very much under the
load of the sand fill. [1]
The treated land represents 72 Ha,
but only 33 Ha was presented in this
project. The reclaimed land along the river
has a length of 500 m and the whole
length varies between 650 m and 700 m.
The 800 m long berth will be constructed
with 150 m away from the edge of the
reclamation.
[1]
Figure 30. General port layout [1]
The natural ground is swamp and mangroves and one third of the area is under the water
level. To raise the overall platform above the water level and to provide a proper working area and
circulation platform for the port utilities a backfill of sand was needed with a several meters of
thickness. [1]
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Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

Stud. Ing. Lrinczi Tnde

Applying the backfill and considering the compressibility of the soft subsoil, a settlement of
several meters is anticipated and a dredging is foreseen too along the berth to allow necessary water
draft for the vessels to approach the berth. This will have an effect on the general stability of the
riverbank land. [1]
This is the reason why extensive ground improvement works have been made to overcome
those important settlements and to ensure the stability of the riverbank. [1]

2.2.3. Numerical analysis with PLAXIS 2D


2.2.3.1.

Geometrical modeling

As project properties 15-noded Plane strain model was chosen along with the overall model
dimensions of 450 m in horizontal direction and 135 m in vertical direction.
After introducing the geometrical dimensions mechanical and hydraulic boundary
conditions were prescribed as the figure shows.

Figure 31. The geometry of the model with the prescribed boundary conditions
After the geometrical modeling a medium dense mesh was generated and then refined at the
vacuum treatment area to provide a higher order interpolation for displacements and pore pressures.

Figure 32. Mesh with refinement in the vacuum treatment area

The prefabricated drains (PVDs) are 45 m long and they are inserted in the soft soil layers
and the drainage layer installed in the top of the soft soil layer to channel the water toward the
periphery of the threated area. The drainage layer consists of a clean coarse sand blanket with
horizontal drain network. [1]
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Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

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The PVDs are a slender, synthetic drainage elements made out of a drainage core wrapped
in geotextile filter and they have rectangular cross-section (band-shaped). [1]

Figure 33. Drainage core wrapped in geotextile filter


The prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) have been modeled as drain elements and in the
top of the drains interface elements were introduced to represent the impervious membrane. They
will be installed in a regular square pattern of 1 m by 1 m though the top clay layers. [1]
As Figure 31. shows the prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) were modeled as vertical
linear elements. While we are modeling the problem in plane-strain we have to modify the vertical
soil permeability values taking into account the real in-situ drainage path. [1]
The equivalent horizontal soil permeability was obtained considering 1D consolidation
problem of multilayer soils containing central drains such that the finite element calculation of the
degree of consolidation matches the analytical solution given by Barron (1948). [1]
To get comparable results to the degree of consolidation the initial in-situ horizontal
permeabilities should be divided by a factor of 3 as shown in Figure 25. [1]

Figure 34. Comparison of 1D PLAXIS plane strain consolidation results with Barron's law [1]
When the equivalent horizontal permeability values were set up, the void ratio was not taken
into consideration. [1]

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Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

a.) Axisymmetric radial flow

Stud. Ing. Lrinczi Tnde

b.)Plain strain flow

Figure 35. Comparison of axisymmetric unit cell radial flow into plane strain flow [1]

2.2.3.2.

Geotechnical modeling

The modeled ground has 7 soil layers with a sand fill on top of them, which is brought to
build the embankment. The assumed model properties are summarized in Table 6.
All material properties were defined in terms of effective stress parameters (stiffness and
strength), and for all the soft soil layers undrained behavior was assigned. [1]

Table 6. Assumed model parameters [1]

2.2.3.3.

Analysis methodology
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To simulate the multiple loading phases of the system and the interaction between the soil
skeleton and the excess of pore water pressure, the Soft Soil Model was chosen for the upper soft
soil layers, and for the lower impermeable layers the Mohr-Coulomb model was used. [1]
In the second chapter the characteristics of the Soft Soil model were described so addition to
that the characteristics of the Mohr-Coulomb model are described below.
Plasticity is associated with the development of irreversible strains. In order to evaluate
whether or not plasticity occurs in a calculation, a yield function, f, is introduced as a function of
stress and strain. Plastic yielding is related with the condition f=0. This condition can often be
presented as a surface in principal stress space. A perfectly-plastic model is a constitutive model
with a fixed yield surface, i.e. a yield surface that is fully defined by model parameters and not
affected by (plastic) straining. For stress states represented by points within the yield surface, the
behavior is purely elastic and all strains are reversible. [6]
LINEAR ELASTIC PERFECTLY-PLASTIC BEHAVIOUR [6]
The basic principle of elasto-plasticity is that we can decompose the strains and strain rates
into an elastic and plastic part:
= e +p
(2.15)
To relate the stress rates to the elastic strain rates Hookes law is used:
s=Dee=De(- p)

(2.16)

According to Hills classical theory of plasticity (1950), plastic strains are proportional to
the derivative of the yield function with taking into consideration the stresses. The theory of
associated plasticity overestimates the dilatancy of the Mohr-Coulomb type yield functions. To
remediate this problem, a plastic potential function g is introduced and added to the yield function.
If g
we talk about non-associated plasticity, and in general, the plastic strain rates are written as:
p=

(2.17)

In this equation is the plastic multiplier, which for elastic behavior is zero and for plastic
behavior is positive.

Figure 36. Basic idea of an elastic perfectly plastic model


FORMULATION OF THE MOHR-COULOMB MODEL [6]
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Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

Stud. Ing. Lrinczi Tnde

The Mohr-Coulomb yield condition is an extension of Coulomb's friction law to general


states of stress. In fact, this condition ensures that Coulomb's friction law is obeyed in any plane
within a material element.
If the Mohr-Coulomb yield condition is formulated in terms of principal stresses (see for
instance Smith & Griffith, 1982), it will consist of six yield functions:
f1a=

(2.18a)

f1b=

(2.18b)

f1c=

(2.18c)

f1d=

(2.18d)

f1e=

(2.18e)

f1f=

(2.18f)

The two plastic model parameters appearing in the yield functions are the well-known
friction angle and the cohesion c. The condition fi = 0 for all yield functions together (where fi is
used to denote each individual yield function) represents a fixed hexagonal cone in principal stress
space as shown in Figure 37.

Figure 37. The Mohr-Coulomb yield surface in principle stress space (c=0)
BASIC PARAMETERS OF THE MOHR-COULOMB MODEL [6]
Five parameters are required to the linear elastic perfectly-plastic Mohr-Coulomb model,
which can be obtained from basic tests on soil samples.
These parameters are as they follow:
E Youngs modulus
Poissons ratio
c Cohesion
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Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

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Friction angle
Dilatancy angle
HYDRAULIC DATA SETS AND MODELS
For the soft soil top layers Undrained (A) behavior was assigned, and Drained condition for
the lower layers (layer 3 and 4). For the impermeable layers Non-porous setting was chosen. [1]

2.2.3.4.

Calculations

The governing equation of the elasto-plastic behavior of soft soils, under the consolidation
process, is considered to be based on total pore pressures, following Biot theory (1941). The
formulation is based on small strain theory and Darcys law when groundwater flow is assumed.
For the formulation of stress states Bishops effective stress (Bishop & Blight, 1963) is used and its
defined by: [1]
s=s+mpw s+mSepw
(2.19)
where s is the total stress, s is the effective stress, pw is the pore water pressure and m is a vector
containing unity terms for normal stress components and zero terms for the shear stress
components. Se is the effective degree-of-saturation which approximates the effective stress
parameter, (matric suction coefficient) varying from 0 to 1. This covers the range from dry to
fully saturated conditions. [1]
Therefore the calculation mode which we choose is the Advanced mode.
The vacuum pressure applied along the drain is modeled as a uniform distributed total water
head defined as the difference between the steady state pore water pressure and the suction excess
pore pressure induced by the vacuum pva. [1]

(2.20)
For this project the following construction stages have been defined:

Phase 0: Initial stress definition assuming drained behavior for all constitutive soil
layers (K0-procedure)
Phase 1: Drain installation without vacuum (Plastic analysis assuming instantaneous
loading)
Phase 2: Consolidation over 60 days (Coupled flow-stress analysis)
Phase 3: Installation vacuum at 35 kPa (Coupled flow-stress analysis with depression
applied over 1 day)
Phase 4: Consolidation over 20 days (Coupled flow-stress analysis)
Phase 5: Add 2 m fill and increase vacuum depression to 65 kPa (Coupled flow
stress analysis with additional depression and loading applied over 1 day)
Phase 6: Consolidation over 60 days at 65 kPa vacuum pressure (Coupled flowstress analysis)
Phase 7: Add 2 m fill (Coupled flow-stress analysis with loading applied over 1 day)
Phase 8: Consolidation over 40 days at 65 kPa vacuum pressure (Coupled flowstress analysis)
Phase 9: Add 2.7 m fill (Coupled flow-stress analysis with loading applied over 1
day)

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Phase 10: Consolidation over 110 days at 65 kPa vacuum pressure (Coupled flowstress analysis) [1]

The evolution of distributed pore pressure load created by realizing the fill layers as well as
the effective vacuum pressure are summarized in the figure below: [1]

Figure 38. Additional fill and additional vacuum pressure [1]

2.2.3.5.

Numerical results

To follow the main parameters eight Gauss points K, L, M, N, O, R, P, and Q were chosen in
the center of the layers 1a1, 1a2, 1b and 1c. The analyses which we follow are: total vertical stress,
effective vertical stress and active pore pressure. [1]

Figure 39. Location of Gauss points and nodes for results post-processing [1]
The figures below show the evolution of total vertical stresses at different depths in the
middle of each layer in the vacuum consolidation area and the result are very similar to the original
ones from the paper, and they show the following expected results:
The total stress value increases after each completed fill layer, and then remains constant.
41 / 86

Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

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The vacuum applied between 60 and 80 days does not have any effect on the total stress
value.
The evolution of the total stress at different depth it is matching the results in the paper
which are in good agreement with analytical results according to the construction sequence.
[1]

Figure 40. Total vertical stress variation with time

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Figure 41. Total vertical stress variation with time from the original project [1]
In Figure 42. the variation of active pore pressure (psteady+pexcess) is given by the function of
time and the results show us that:
With every finished fill layer the pore pressure increases immediately and it is equal with the
applied total stress.
The pore pressures decrease during the consolidation period.
The vacuum treatment (applied between 60 and 80 days) leads to further decrease of the
active pore pressure which is equal with the applied vacuum pressure. [1]

Figure 42. Active pore pressures variation with time

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Figure 43. Active pore pressures variation with time in the original project [1]
The evolution of effective stresses is presented in Figure 44. at the same depths as
considered before. Even though the effective stresses are not fully stabilized at the end of the
calculation, the positive effect of the vacuum can still be observed, which increases the rate of the
effective stress growth, being very useful to evaluate the possible amount of the mobilized friction
with time. [1]

Figure 44. Effective vertical stresses with time

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Figure 45. Effective vertical stresses with time in the original project [1]
Figure 46., 47. and 48. summarizes the evolution of the vacuum pressure induced
displacements. They show the ability of the vacuum consolidation process to generate horizontal
displacements inwards the threated area, like it should happen in a porous soil. This information
could be important in the case in which we have building in the surrounding area, but is important
in the design state as well. [1]

Figure 46. Global view of horizontal displacements at 290 days

Figure 47. Original global view of horizontal displacements at 290 days [1]
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Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

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Figure 48. shows the typical slope failure mechanism, obtained with a phi-c reduction
analysis, which was obtained after 290 days as a result of the preloading and consolidation of the
soft soil. [1]

Figure 48. Deformed mesh at safety analysis after 6,7 m fill construction [1]
Table 7. summarizes the values obtained after each realized fill layer and at the end of the
calculation. The factor of safety was obtained by using a phi-c reduction analysis for the situation
with and without vacuum treatment. When the vacuum is not introduced into the calculation as a
head condition, its effect is taken into consideration by an additional load to the ones which result
from the fill load. In this way an equivalent state of effective stress state is generated and
comparable settlement rate after each fill construction. This way we can make a fair comparison of
the safety factors obtained with both considerations. [1]
Factor of safety
Vacuu No
Vacuu No
m
vacuum
m
vacuum
Phase 5: After 2 m fill (81 days)
2.57
1.12
2.5
1.08
Phase 7: After 4 m fill (141
2.07
1.16
2.01
1.12
days)
Phase 9: After 6,47 m fill (181
1.52
1
1.46
1
days)
Phase 10: Finall (290 days)
1.96
2.04
1.89
1.98

Table 7. Factor of safety [1] (row 1, 2-original and row 3, 4-calculated) [1]
The safety factors obtained with the active vacuum is considerably higher than the one
obtained with the equivalent vacuum load. This means that preloading combine with vacuum
consolidation improves better the mechanical characteristics of the soil then only preloading. [1]
As a conclusion to the second case study we can say that the capability of the finite element
method to properly model vacuum consolidation in plane-strain with drain elements has been
demonstrated. [1]
It has been shown that the finite element model could show the following:
Increase in the effective stresses as the level of vacuum pressure gets higher.
Lateral displacements induced by the vacuum suction.
Increase of the factor of safety when a soil is treated with vacuum pressure. [1]
46 / 86

Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

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3. COMPARISON-AXISYMMETRY AND PLANE


STRAIN
3.1.

Introduction

To see if we really can rely on the solution proposed by the axisymmetrical solution with the
boundary condition, we take out one drain element from the second case study and model it with
axisymmetric 15-noded project properties.
After the calculations are carried out we compare the active pore pressures, effective stresses
and total stresses with those from the original case study. If the result are similar we can claim that
the setting used for the axisymmetric boundary condition were correct.

3.2.

Geotechnical and geometrical modeling


The geotechnical parameters of the soil layers and their depth remain the same:

Table 8. Geotechnical parameters [1]


The geometry used represents the whole height of the soil profile, with a width equal
with the half of the distance between two drains.
In axisymmetry is not possible to model drains at the boundaries, so we will have to
apply boundary conditions.
After drawing the geometry of the vacuum treated soil, we generate the boundary
condition.

3.3.

Analysis methodology

We use the same analysis methodology as we used with the drain elements.
We carry out Consolidation analysis with Transient groundwater-flow in Advanced
mode.
We define the same phases as at the previous case study:
Phase 0: Initial stress definition assuming drained behavior for all constitutive soil
layers (K0-procedure)
Phase 1: Drain installation without vacuum (Plastic analysis assuming instantaneous
loading)
Phase 2: Consolidation over 60 days (Coupled flow-stress analysis)
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Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

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Phase 3: Installation vacuum at 35 kPa (Coupled flow-stress analysis with depression


applied over 1 day)
Figure 49. Geometry
Phase 4: Consolidation over 20 days (Coupled flow-stress analysis)
Phase 5: Add 2 m fill and increase vacuum depression to 65 kPa (Coupled flow
stress analysis with additional depression and loading applied over 1 day)
Phase 6: Consolidation over 60 days at 65 kPa vacuum pressure (Coupled flowstress analysis)
Phase 7: Add 2 m fill (Coupled flow-stress analysis with loading applied over 1 day)
Phase 8: Consolidation over 40 days at 65 kPa vacuum pressure (Coupled flowstress analysis)
Phase 9: Add 2.7 m fill (Coupled flow-stress analysis with loading applied over 1
day)
Phase 10: Consolidation over 110 days at 65 kPa vacuum pressure (Coupled flowstress analysis) [1]
The boundary condition is defined as a closed one except in the zone
where the drain should be (Figure 50.) As we can see, the head condition is
defined in the same way as in the first case study, as a uniform distributed
triangular head condition, which represents the difference between the steady
state pore water pressure and the vacuum pressure:
w*hdrain= w*z-Psteady-Pvacuum
The same Gauss points were selected, approximately in the same
position to compare the axisymmetric model with the plane strain model
(Figure 51).
After this we run the calculation, plot out the curves for active pore
pressures, effective stresses and total stresses.

3.4.

Numerical results
We can see that the curves obtained in axisymmetry are very similar
to the ones obtained in the plain strain, which means that modeling
the vacuum consolidation in axisymmetry with head boundary
condition carries out correctly the calculations.
Figure 50. Boundary condition

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Figure 51. Gauss points and active pore pressures in axysimmetry


Figure 50. and 51. shows the variation of the active pore pressures with time. The values do
not fit perfectly, because the nodes were not taken at the same points, and the results cannot be the
same, while here is modeled only one drain, and in plain strain the whole group of vacuum
transmission pipes is modeled, which leads to a group effect. This group effect cannot be simulated
by only one drain, but the variation of the active pore pressures varies just in the way the it should.
The construction of each fill layer leads to an instantaneous increase of the active pore
pressures. [1]

Figure 51. Active pore pressures in plane strain


The total vertical stresses show the following expected results, with increase after the
completion of every fill layer, and then they tend to remain constant. The evolution of the total
stresses is in good agreement with analytical results according to the construction sequences. [1]

49 / 86

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Figure 52. Total vertical stresses in axisymmetry

Figure 53. Total vertical stresses in plane strain


The effective stresses, just like in plain strain, are not fully stabilized but they have similar
values to the ones obtained in the plain strain calculation.

Figure 54. Effective vertical stresses in axisymmetry


There is no reason to compare the horizontal displacement, while they cannot be similar to
the original ones, where a soil of 450 m width is considered, and in this case only 0.5 m. The same
thing applies to the safety factor analysis.
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Figure 54. Effective vertical stresses in plane strain

3.5.

Conclusions
If we prescribe the same head condition in axisymmetry and in plane strain, and if
we adopt properly the material data sets and perform a Consolidation analysis with
Transient groundwater flow in Advanced mode, the results given by the two methods are
very similar.
This means that vacuum consolidation can be modeled with both types
(axisymmetric and plane strain). Care should be taken however with the numerical
modeling, which needs thorough investigations about the used constitutive model, the
material data sets, the SWCC settings, the analysis type, the pore pressure generation type
and the calculation mode.

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4. METHODOLOGY OF THE NUMERICAL ANALYSIS


4.1.

Generalities

During the modeling, in the finite element program PLAXIS 2D, of the vacuum
consolidation method in the two cases investigated in this paper, solutions were found to properly
carry out the calculations. Some of the analyses which are counterproductive compared to the others
can be well motivated, but still there are some considerations and settings, which were shown to
give accurate results compared to the other, but the reason of this behavior would need further
examinations.
As a synthesis of all the analyses, comparisons and investigations we can describe a specific
workflow which gives the expected result of the vacuum consolidation method in these two cases.
Based on these case studies we can claim that vacuum consolidation can be modeled in the
finite element program PLAXIS 2D, but if these methods are empirical or not, needs further
investigations.

4.2.

Methodology
Axisymmetric modeling:

Vacuum consolidation can be modeled and accurate results can be obtained during the
analysis by adopting axisymmetric project properties.
When modeling vacuum consolidation in axisymmetric model, there are a several settings
and considerations that should be followed, based on the study carried out in this paper.
As a conclusion of the case study analyzed in this paper we can claim that the most accurate
results of the vacuum consolidation method were given by modeling the numerical analysis in the
following way:
As for project properties axisymmetric model should be chosen with 15-noded
elements, which give a higher order interpolation for the displacements an this way
more accurate results, which in our case, it is very important, while we are interested
in the settlements of the soil.
In the geometrical modeling, we define the height of the model as the whole height
of the vacuum treated area, and the width is defined as the half of the distance
between the axis of two adjacent vacuum transmission pipes or the radius of the zone
of influence ( the smaller value is considered ).
As constitutive model, that should be chosen which matches the best the parameters
obtained from the geotechnical soil investigations. However, the Soft Soil model was
chosen to model the time-dependent consolidation of the soft clays, which takes into
consideration the logarithmic compression behavior.
The SWCC parameters have an important influence on the outcome of the results, so
care should be taken when choosing the soil water characteristic curves. After
analyzing the effect of the SWCC settings on the outcome of the active pore pressure
values (Table 5.) we can claim that the USDA, Van Genuchten settings for clay type
materials should be used, while this setting gives the most accurate results.
The mesh generation should be carried out with refinement in the vacuum treated
area, for a higher number of elements which lead to more accurate results.
52 / 86

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Standard fixities can be generated automatically, obtaining full fixity in the x-y plane
(Ux=Uy=0).
As for the calculation type Advanced mode was chosen, while the Classical mode
gives inaccurate results. Having suction in Classical mode will result in very high
stresses as the whole suction appears in effective stresses, because the degree of
saturation (

) is always equal with 1, and this is why it is not possible to

generate the right active pore pressure state in the ground. In Advanced mode this not
a big problem as suction is always multiplied by effective degree saturation (
) which is usually lover than 1. The Advanced mode is capable of

performing fully coupled hydro-mechanical behavior of the soils. The suction pore
pressure has a total influence over the effective degree of saturation, which
relationship is called the Soil Water Characteristic Curve.
Consolidation analysis was chosen as the analysis type, while it takes into
consideration the time-effects in comparison with the Plastic analysis type which
does not take into consideration the time-effects. In vacuum consolidation the time
plays a crucial role, so it must be taken into consideration.
Transient groundwater-flow was chosen to simulate the time dependent changes in
the pore pressures, which is the only setting taking into consideration the effect of
the vacuum pressure. The Generated by phreatic level setting cannot take into
consideration the vacuum pressure only the effect of the fill loading, while always
generates the pore water pressures from the general phreatic level. The From
previous flow type generates the pore pressures based on the values from the step
right before this step, and uses those values without any change in the further
calculations (only the pressure from preloading is considered but not the suction
pressure). Steady-state groundwater-flow generation considers a permanent flow,
which means that the pore pressures are independent of time so they are generated as
steady-state pore pressures, which means that is not influenced by the vacuum
pressure.
The vacuum pressure is defined as a uniform distributed triangular water head
prescribed as a boundary condition and represents the difference between the steady
state pore water pressure and the vacuum pressure:
w*hdrain= w*z-Psteady-Pvacuum
A constant value cannot be prescribed as a boundary condition, because that would
mean that in the same time the program should take into consideration different
water heads, for each and every point, which is why the program gives inaccurate
results if the boundary condition is define like this.

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Plane strain modeling:


Vacuum consolidation can be modeled and accurate results can be obtained during the
analysis by adopting plane strain project properties.
When modeling vacuum consolidation in axisymmetric model, there are a several settings
and considerations that should be followed, based on the study carried out in this paper.
As a conclusion of the case study analyzed in this paper we can claim that the most accurate
results of the vacuum consolidation method were given by modeling the numerical analysis in the
following way:
As for project properties Plane strain should be chosen with 15-noded elements,
which give a higher order interpolation for the displacements an this way more
accurate results, which in our case, it is very important, while we are interested in the
settlements of the soil.
In the geometrical modeling, we define the whole height and width of the vacuum
treated area, and we draw the drain elements.
As constitutive model, that should be chosen which matches the best the parameters
obtained from the geotechnical soil investigations. However, the Soft Soil model was
chosen to model the time-dependent consolidation of the soft clays, which takes into
consideration the logarithmic compression behavior.
The SWCC parameters have an important influence on the outcome of the results, so
care should be taken when choosing the soil water characteristic curves. After
analyzing the effect of the SWCC settings on the outcome of the active pore pressure
values (Table 5.) we can claim that the USDA, Van Genuchten settings for clay type
materials should be used, while this setting gives the most accurate results.
The mesh generation should be carried out with refinement in the vacuum treated
area, for a higher number of elements which lead to more accurate results.
Standard fixities can be generated automatically, obtaining full fixity in the x-y plane
(Ux=Uy=0).
As for the calculation type Advanced mode was chosen, while the Classical mode
gives inaccurate results. Having suction in Classical mode will result in very high
stresses as the whole suction appears in effective stresses, because the degree of
saturation (

) is always equal with 1, and this is why it is not possible to

generate the right active pore pressure state in the ground. In Advanced mode this not
a big problem as suction is always multiplied by effective degree saturation (
) which is usually lover than 1. The Advanced mode is capable of

performing fully coupled hydro-mechanical behavior of the soils. The suction pore
pressure has a total influence over the effective degree of saturation, which
relationship is called the Soil Water Characteristic Curve.
Consolidation analysis was chosen as the analysis type, while it takes into
consideration the time-effects in comparison with the Plastic analysis type which
does not take into consideration the time-effects. In vacuum consolidation the time
plays a crucial role, so it must be taken into consideration.
Transient groundwater-flow was chosen to simulate the time dependent changes in
the pore pressures, which is the only setting taking into consideration the effect of
the vacuum pressure. The Generated by phreatic level setting cannot take into
consideration the vacuum pressure only the effect of the fill loading, while always
54 / 86

Masters Thesis-Geotechnical Engineering

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generates the pore water pressures from the general phreatic level. The From
previous flow type generates the pore pressures based on the values from the step
right before this step, and uses those values without any change in the further
calculations (only the pressure from preloading is considered but not the suction
pressure). Steady-state groundwater-flow generation considers a permanent flow,
which means that the pore pressures are independent of time so they are generated as
steady-state pore pressures, which means that is not influenced by the vacuum
pressure.
The vacuum pressure is defined as a uniform distributed triangular water head
prescribed as a boundary condition on the drains and represents the difference
between the steady state pore water pressure and the vacuum pressure:
w*hdrain= w*z-Psteady-Pvacuum
A constant value cannot be prescribed as a boundary condition, because that would
mean that in the same time the program should take into consideration different
water heads, for each and every point, which is why the program gives inaccurate
results if the boundary condition is define like this.

Table 9. Steps and settings used to model vacuum consolidation

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5. CONCLUSIONS
This paper shows that the finite element modeling of vacuum consolidation can be carried
out with the finite element package PLAXIS 2D. However the results meet the expectations, further
studies would be necessary with more precise field measurement data, in order to calibrate a more
accurate analysis of the vacuum consolidation method.
During the analysis of the finite element modeling carried out in this paper it was shown,
that the results of the analysis are influenced by many things: the geometrical modeling of the area,
proper determination of the influence and smear zone, the constitutive model chosen for the soil, the
soil water characteristics curve, the geotechnical parameters, the calculation mode, the analysis type
and the flow settings.
As a conclusion, it was shown in this paper that the most accurate results, which match the
expectations and the field measurements, were obtained in both Plane strain and Axisymmetric
models, by performing Consolidation analysis in Advanced mode with Transient groundwater-flow
(Figure 55.).

Figure 55. Comparison of analysis methodologys


Consolidation analysis: -Advanced mode:-Transient groundwater-flow
-From previous
-Classical mode:-Generated by phreatic level
-Steady state
-Transient groundwater-flow
-From previous
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REFERENCES
[1]-Richard Witasse, Jerome Racinais, Fanny Maucotel, Vahid Galavi, Ronald Brinkgrece, Cyril
Plomteux (2012), Finite Element Modeling of Vacuum Consolidation Using Drain Elements and
Unsaturated Soil Conditions, ISSMGE-TC211 International Symposium on Ground Improvement
IS-GI Brussels
[2]-Xueyu Geng, Buddhima Indranatna, F ASCE, Cholachat Rujikiatkamjom (2012), Analytical
Solutions for a Single Vertical Drain with Vacuum and Time-Dependent Surcharge Preloading in
Membraneless Systems., International Journal of Geomechanics, ASCE January/February 2012/27
[3]-J. P.HSI & C.H.Lee, Fully Coupled Modelling of Vacuum Consolidation
[4]-Chu, J, Yan, SW and Indraratna, B, Vacuum Preloading Techniques Recent Developments and
Applications. GeoCongress 2008, New Orleans, Geosustainability and Geohazard Mitigation GPS
178, Reddy, KR, Khire, MV, Alshawabkeh, AN (eds), 2008, 586-595.
[5]-PLAXIS 2D 2012-General Information
[6]- PLAXIS 2D 2012-Material Models
[7]- PLAXIS 2D 2012-Reference Manual

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REZUMAT

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UNIVERSITATEA TEHNIC DIN CLUJ-NAPOCA


FACULTATEA DE CONSTRUCII
MASTER INGINERIE GEOTEHNIC

LUCRARE DE DISERTAIE
Modelarea numeric a consolidrii
pmnturilor prin metoda vacuumrii

NDRUMTORI TIINIFICI:
. l. Dr. Ing. NICOLETA ILIE
Universitatea Tehnic din Cluj-Napoca
Ao.Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.techn. HELMUT F. SCHWEIGER, M. Sc.
Graz University of Technology
ABSOLVENT:
Ing. LRINCZI TNDE

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An universitar
2012/2013

ABSTRACT
Tema acestei teze de disertaie este modelarea numeric a consolidrii pmnturilor prin
metoda vacuumrii folosind rezultatele i datele msurate pe parcursul proiectelor recent realizate.
Mecanismul de vacuumare este introdus n PLAXIS 2D, cu scopul de a simula o analiz numeric
adecvat i corect, comparnd rezultatele cu cele obinute n studiile de caz.
Teza de disertaie conine cinci pri principale:
1. Teorie, o revizuire a relaiilor empirice privind consolidarea prin vacuumare
din literatura recent.
2. Studii de caz despre dou regiuni situate pe soluri de tip argil care au fost
tratati cu consolidarea prin vacuumare (Ballina Bypass i un port de
containere la rul Cai Mep) i modelarea acestei proceduri n PLAXIS 2D un
program care utilizeaz elemente finite.
3. Comparatie ntre modelarea problemei n axisimetrie si in tensiuni plane a
problemelor.
4. Metodologia utilizat pentru modelarea consolidrii prin vacuumare, n
funcie de informaiile obinute n timpul modelrii a celor dou studii de caz.
5. Concluzii i discuii privind rezultatele.
n prima parte este descris mecanismul i scopul consolidrii prin vacuumare, urmat de
principiile utilizate pentru modelarea teoretic.
Al doilea capitol conine informaiile generale i geologiaa celor dou locuri tratate prin
vacuumare, urmat de o modelare utiliznd elemente finite i analiz numeric cu PLAXIS 2D:
introducerea geometriei i parametrilor fizici si mecanici ale solului, introducerea fazelor de
construcie i selecia setrilor corespunztoare de analiz. n timpul i dup analiz tasarea total,
presiunea activ a apelor din pori, eforturile principale efective i eforturile principale totale au fost
comparate cu cele obinute n studiile de caz.
Capitolul trei cuprinde o analiz comparativ, ntre modelul axisimetric i tensiuni plane a
sistemului de consolidare prin vacuumare, efectuatt pentru a ne asigura cu privire la exactitatea
modelrii numerice.
Capitolul al patrulea este o sintez a metodei care a fost folosit pentru a modela
consolidarea prin vacuumare.
Ultima parte cuprinde concluziile i discuiile asupra valorilor (valoarea total a tasrii,
presiunea activ a apelor din pori, eforturile principale efective i eforturile principale totale),
rezultate din analiza numeric efectuat de ctre programul de elemente finite PLAXIS 2D, i
acurateea modelului utilizat pentru introducerea mecanismului de consolidare prin vacuumare.

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CUPRINS
ABSTRACT.2
CUPRINS.3
1. TEORIE...4
1.1.Introducere...4
1.2. Principiile i mecanismul consolidrii prin vacuumare......5
2. STUDII DE CAZ.7
2.1. J. P. His i C. H. Lee7
2.1.1. Generaliti...7
2.1.2. Geologia amplasamentului......8
2.1.3. Fazele de construcie i sistemul de consolidare8
2.1.4. Analiz numeric cu Plaxis 2D.........10
2.1.4.1. Modelare geometric..........10
2.1.4.2. Modelare geotehnic.......14
2.1.4.3. Metodologia de analiz.......14
2.1.4.4. Calcule......24
2.1.4.5. Rezultate numerice..29
2.2. Consolidare prin vacuumare cu drenuri.....33
2.2.1. Generaliti......33
2.2.2 Geologia amplasamentului .....33
2.2.3. Analiz numerica cu Plaxis 2D......34
2.2.3.1. Modelare geometric...34
2.2.3.2. Modelare geotehnic36
2.2.3.3. Metodologia de analiz........37
2.2.3.4. Calcule.......39
2.2.3.5. Rezultate numerice...40
3. COMPARAIE-AXISIMETRIEI TENSIUNI PLANE..46
3.1. Introducere.....46
3.2. Modelare geometrica si geotehnica.......46
3.3. Metodologia de analiz..........46
3.4. Rezultate numerice.....47
3.5. Concluzii..50
4. METODOLOGIA ANALIZEI NUMERICE.....51
4.1. Generaliti.51
4.2. Metodologia....51
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5. CONCLUZII................................................................................. 55
REFERINE..56

1. TEORIE
1.1.

Introducere

Consolidarea prn vacuumare este o metod utilizat pentru prencrcarea i consolidarea


solurilor saturati moi i foarte moi, cu granulaie fin.Procedura const n instalarea conductelor de
transmisie a presiunii de vacuum, verticale i orizontale, sub o membran impermeabil i etan,
evacund aerul sub membran care produce o presiune atmosferic pe sol. [1]
Acest sistem ajut la disiparea presiunii apelor din pori, prin creterea gradientului hidraulic
radial spre dren. Aceast cretere este indus de suciunea negativ n lungul drenului, i n acest fel
se previne acumularea excesului presiunii apelor din pori i riscul de cedare este redus. [2]
n prezent, exist dou tipuri de sisteme de prencrcare cu vacuumare disponibile pe pia:
a.) un sistem care utilizeaz o membran etan peste stratul de drenaj.
b.) un sistem fr membran n care un sistem de vacuumare este conectat la drenuri
prefabricate verticale (PVD) individuale.

Figura 1. Sisteme de vacuumare [2]

1.2.

Principiile i mecanismul consolidrii prin vacuumare

Aceast metod a fost introdus prima dat de Kjellman (1952) pentru a mbunta i
caracteristicile mecanice ale argilelor moi.
Mecanismul consolidrii prin vacuumare poate fi uor simulat folosind expresia tensiunilor
efective a lui Terzaghi (1943). n aceasta, presiunea atmosferic (Pa) nu se consider n calculul
eforturilor efective, deoarece efectul este auto-anulator. Pentru a examina principiul consolidrii
prin vacuumare, este necesar s se introduc presiunea atmosferic, Pa n calculul eforturilor
efective. [3]
Eforturile totale si presiunea apelor din pori in pmnt este dat de: [3]
st = g*h + Pa (1.1) n care: st efortul total
u = gw*h + Pa (1.2)
s efortul efectiv
s= st u
(1.3)
u presiunea apelor din pori
g greutatea proprie a pmntului
gw greutatea proprie a apei
h adncimea de la suprafaa terenului
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nlocuind equaiile (1.1) i (1.2) n ecuaia (1.3) rezult: [3]


s= g*h - gw*h

(1.4)

Aa cum se arat n ecuaia (1.4), efortul efectiv a solului nu este afectat de presiunea
atmosferic. Cu toate acestea, n cazul n care presiunea atmosferic este scoas din presiunea
apelor din pori prin aplicarea a unei suciuni de vacuumare echivalent adic-Pa, creterile n
eforturile efective finale sunt datorate presiunilor atmosferice neechilibrate acionnd deasupra
solului, dup cum se arat mai jos: [3]
s= g*h - gw*h + Pa

(1.5)

Un alt principiu care ilustreaz metoda prencrcrii cu vacuumare este analogia cu resori,
descris n literatur de Kjellman (1952), Holtz (1975), Chen i Bao (1983), Chu i colab. (2000), i
Indraratnaet al. (2004)
Procesul de consolidare a solului sub suprasarcin a fost bine neles i poate fi ilustrat
folosind analogia cu resori cum se arat n figura 2(a). Pentru comoditatea explicaiei, presiunile
din figura 2 sunt date n valori absolute i Pa este presiunea atmosferic. Aa cum se arat n figura
2(a), n momentul n care o suprasarcin, p, este aplicat, excesul presiunii apelor din pori este cea
care preia ncrcrile. De aceea, n cazul solurilor saturate, excesul presiunii apelor din pori iniial,
u0, este egal cu valoarea suprasarcinii p. Treptat, excesul presiunii apelor din pori disipeaz i
nrcarea este transferat de la apa la resort ( scheletul solului ) cum este ilustrat n figura 2(a).
Cantitatea incrementului n eforturile efective este egal cu cantitatea presiunii apelor din pori
disipate, p u (Figura 2 (a)). La sfritul consolidrii, u = 0 i creterea eforturilor efective este
aceeai ca i valarea suprasarcinii, p (Figura 2 (a)). Trebuie remarcat faptul c procedeul de mai
sus nu este afectat de presiunea atmosferic, Pa. [4]
Mecanismul de prencrcre prin vacuumare poate fi, de asemenea, ilustrat folosind
analogia cu resori cum se arat n figura 2(b). Atunci cnd vacuumul este aplicat sistemul prezentat
n figura 2(b), presiunea apelor din pori se reduce. ntru ct efortul total aplicat nu se schimb,
crete efortul efectiv n pmnt. n momentul n care ncrcarea de vacuumare, u, est aplicat,
presiunea apelor din pori este nc Pa. Treptat presiunea apelor din pori se reduce i resortul ncepe
s fie comprimat, respectiv, scheletul solului ncepe s capt efort efectiv.Cantitatea incrementului
de efort efectiv este egal cu valoarea reducerii presiunii apelor din pori, u , care nu va depi
presiunea atmosferic, Pa, sau n mod normal, 80 kPa care este utilizat i n practic. [4]

Figura 2. Analogia cu resori a procesului de consolidare (a) sub suprasarcin; (b) sub
ncrcarea din vacuum. [4]
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2.

Stud. Ing. Lrinczi Tnde

STUDII DE CAZ

J. P. Hsi and C. H. Lee Modelarea numeric complet cuplat a


consolidrii prin vacuumare
2.1.

2.1.1. Generaliti
Acest studiu de caz prezint simularea comportamentului unui sol moale, tratat cu tehnica
de consolidare prin vacuumare, folosind programul geotehnic de elemente finite PLAXIS 2D.
Un rambleu lng un pod peste un pru este situat pe un sol din argil moale pn la 25 m
n grosime. Pentru a permite construcia n condiii de siguran a barajului i consolidarea rapid a
argilelor moi, consolidarea de vacuumare a fost ales ca un mijloc de mbuntire a solului. [3]

Figura 3. Aspectul general a proiectului la Emigrant Creek North, ECN


( dup RTA 2006 ) [3]
Diverse instrumente de masurat pe teren au fost utilizate, cum ar fi plcile vibrante,
piezometre vibratoare cu fire i inclinometre, care au fost instalate pentru a monitoriza rspunsurile
solului la tratamentul lui. [3]

2.1.2. Geologia amplasamentului

O suprafa de aproximativ 9400 m2 lng podul care


urmrete s fie construit n viitor peste rul Emigrant
Creek Nord (ECN) a fost tratat cu consolidarea prin
vacuumare timp de aproximativ opt luni. Profilul solului
de-a lungul terasamentului este prezentat n figura 4. [3]
Figura 4. Profilul solului [3]

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Dup cum se vede, solul este formet din depozite


aluvionare Holocene peste lut rigid pleistocen, soluri
reziduale i argillite. Depozitele Holocene aluvionare
reprezint un strat subire foarte moale la suprafata
solului, iar stratul care conine lut se extinde pn la o
adncime de 25,0 m, cu o rezisten minim la forfecare,
Cu de aproximativ 8 kPa la suprafaa solului. Figura din
dreapta arat c rezistena la forfecare crete uniform la
aproximativ 40 kPa,cu adncime, de la suprafaa solului.

Figura 5. Profile OCR i Cu rezultate din


piezometre[3]

2.1.3. Fazele de construcie i sistemul de consolidare


Fazele de construcie sunt cuprinse n tabelul 1. Un strat de 8,5 m grosime a fost construit
ntre sfritul lunii noiembrie 2006 i mijlocul lunii iulie 2007. Aceasta a inclus un strat de 2,0 m
grosime de nisip pentru a construi platforma de lucru, care a fost necesar pentru instalarea
conductelor verticale n care se introducea presiunea de vacuumare i, de asemenea, a servit ca un
strat de drenaj. [3]
Acest tabel prezint, de asemenea, grosimea de umplere echivalent adoptat pentru analiza
numeric, care ia n considerare efectul scufundrii nivelului solului. [3]
Timeline
11.12.20
06
28.02.20
07
19.03.20
07
22.03.20
07
23.05.20
07
06.07.20
07
06.07.20
07

Total Fill
Thickness [m]

Equivalent Fill
Thickness [m]

Vacuum
Pressure [m]

1,99

1,82

-7,56

2,68

2,46

-8,02

5,4

4,68

-7,77

8,5

7,3

-7,38

8,5

6,73

-6,9

Tabelul 1. Fazele de construcie [3]


Presiunea de vacuumare a
fost transmis n sol prin
intermediul drenurilor verticale
prefabricate avnd diametrul de
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34.0 mm, care au fost instalate ntro form ptrat avnd echidistana
ntre ele de 1 m. Conductele sunt
extinse mai jos la aproximativ 20,0
m adncime. [3]
Figura 6. arat dispunerea
schematic
a
sistemului
de
vacuumare. [3]
Figura 6. Sistemul de vacuumare [3]

2.1.4. Analiz numeric n Plaxis 2D


Analiza numeric a consolidrii prin vacuumare i prencrcarea implic o predicie a
modificrilor presiunii apei din pori i o deformare a solului. O astfel de problem implic
interaciunea ntre scheletul solului i apa subteran prezent n porii solului. [3]
n loc de programul COFEA care a fost utilizat n lucrare realiat, analiza numeric va fi
efectuat n Plaxis 2D. Acest program este capabil s execute simultan analiza de deformare a
solului i analiza curgerii i disiprii apei subterane, avnd avantajul c valorile presiunii apei din
pori poate fi prescris cu scopul de a modela presiunile de vacuumare aplicate.
PLAXIS 2D este un program de element finit, dezvoltat pentru analiza de deformare,
stabilitate i fluxul apelor subterane n inginerie geotehnic. Este o parte din gama de produse
PLAXIS, un set de program de element finit, care este folosit la nivel mondial n domeniul
ingineriei geotehnice.
Interfaa utilizatorului const din trei sub-programe:
Programul Input este un pre-processor, care este utiliat pentru modelarea
geometric a problemelor, modelarea solului utiliat i generarea reelei de triungi.
Programul Calculations este o alt parte a interfeei utilizatorului care este utilizat
pentru a defini i a executa calculele cu elemente finite.
Programul Output este un post-processor, care este utilizat pentru examinarea
rezultatelor i construirea diagramelor.[5]

2.1.4.1.

Modelarea geometric

Modelarea geometric se face n programul Input, i putem s alegem ntre dou modele
geometrice: Plane strain
Axisymmetric

Modelul Plane strain e de obicei utilizat n cazuri n care


avem o seciune ct de ct uniform i ncrcri uniforme
care sunt perpendiculari pe planul seciunii (acioneaz
dup axa z). [5]
Figura 7. Plane strain [5]

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Un model Axisymmetric este utilizat de obicei la


structuri cu seciuni circulare avnd scheme de ncrcare
uniforme n jurul axei centrale, iar deformaiile i eforturile
sunt considerate simetrice fa de axa central. [5]

Figura 8. Axisymmetric [5]


Avnd un dren de modelat alegem setarea Axisymmetric.
Urmtoarea setare din care putem alege este tipul elementelor utilizate pentru discretizare, i
putem alege dintre:6-nodded
15-nodded
Triunghiul 6-node adic cu ase noduri permite o interpolare de ordinul doi pentru deplasri.
Analiza numeric este efectuat prin intermediul acestor trei puncte Gauss. Elementele de genul
acesta dau rezultate bune n analize de deformaii standarde dar pt da rezultate greite la modele n
axisimetrie. [5]

Figura 9. 6-node triangle [5]


Triunghiul 15-node adic cu 15 noduri permite o interpolare de ordinul patru pentru
deplasri i analiza numeric include douspreece puncte de eforturi numite puncte Gauss.
Elementele de acest tip sunt foarte corecte i este recomandat utilizarea lor n analize axisimetrice.
[5]

Figura 10. 15-node triangle [5]


Pentru modelarea problemei alegem triunghiuri cu 15 noduri. [5]

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Figura 11. Proprietile proiectului


Pentru conductele verticale de transmisie zona efectiv de influen are forma unei coloane
cilindrice n jurul conductei. Diametrul echivalent care afecteaz solul este considerat 1.13xs, unde
s este distana dintre dou centre de conducte de transport adiacente, n cazul nostru, este 1m, deci
diametrul echivalent va fi 1,13 m. [3]
Solul adiacent drenului poate fi perturbat datorit procesului de instalare a conductei de
transmitere. Ca urmare, permeabilitatea solului deranjat scade provocnd un proces de consolidare
redus. Acest efect este descris ca "smear".
Efectul smear a fost modelat n analiza cu elemente finite prin definirea unei zone mici
adiacent drenului aa cum se arat n figura 13. Aceast zon are permeabilitate redus, khs , i o
raz, rs msurat de la centrul de scurgere, astfel cum se arat n figura 12. [3]
Aceti parametrii pot fi calculate lund n considerare urmtoarele proporii care au fost
selectate pentru a se potrivi rezultatele cu obinute pe teren: kh/khs=4
rs/rp=4
unde: rp raza conductei
rs raza zonei inluenate
kh permeabilitatea solului neperturbat
khs permeabilitatea solului perturbat

Figura 12. Zona de influen


[3]

2.1.4.2.

Modelarea geotehnic

Modelul geotehnic folosit in analiz invers este prezentat n tabelul 2. n care valorile au
fost obinute pe baza rezultatelor investigaiilor pe teren i din analiza invers a datelor care au fost
monitorizare pe teren.Gradul de porozitate iniial, e0, este considerat a fi 2,1. [3]

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Tabelul 2.

Modelul
geotehnic. [3]
n acest tabel: -g.sat greutatea pmntului n stare saturat
-kv=kh/2 valoarea vertical i orizontal a permeabilitilor
-Cc and Cr indiciile de incrcare rencrcare
-OCR este rata de supraconsolidare

2.1.4.3.

Metodologia de analiz

n PLAXIS 2D putem s alegem din mai multe modele constitutive pentru modelarea
materialului. Avnd n vedere c trebuie modelat un sol argilos foarte moale alegem modelul Soft
Soil.
Adresat in special pentru analiza de compresie primar a solurilor argiloase normal
consolidate, modelul Soft Soil este mai capabil de a modela acest tip de comportament dect
celelalte modele. [6]
Considernd rigiditatea tangent la o presiune de referin din testul oedometer de 100 kPa,
valorile pentru argile normal consolidate variaz ntre, Eoed = 1 la 4 MPa, n funcie de argila
considerat. Diferenele ntre aceste valori i rigiditate pentru nisipurile normal consolidate sunt
considerabile c aici avem valori ntre 10 pn la 50 MPa, cel puin pentru probe de laborator noncimentate. Prin urmare, n testul oedometric argilele normal consolidate, se comport de zece ori
mai moale dect nisipurile normal consolidate. [6]
Aceasta ilustreaz compresibilitatea extrem a solurilor moi. Cteva particulariti ale
modelului Soft Soil:

Rigiditate legat de eforturi (comportament logaritmic).


Distincie ntre prima incrcare i celelalte trepte de ncrcare-descrcare.
Salvarea efortului de preconsolidare.
Mecanismul de cedare bazat pe criteriul Mohr-Coulomb. [6]

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Figura 13.Suprafeele de cedare la modelul Soft Soil. [6]

Considernd toate datele i toate satrile menionate mai sus i pe baza tabelului 2. Putem
deriva parametrii geotehnici ale solului care sunt necesari pentru modelul Soft Soil, i ele sunt
urmtoarele:

Tabelul 3. Parametrii geotehnici ale modelului Soft Soil


n acest tabel:
-g.sat greutatea proprie a pmntului n stare saturat
- einit porozitatea iniial
- *=Cc/2,3*(1+e) indicele de compresie modificat
- K*=2*Cr/2,3*(1+e) indicele de umflare modificat
-Cc and Cr indicele de compresie i recompresie
-Cref coeziunea efectiv de referin
- unghiul de frecare efectiv
- unghiul de dilatare
-ur coeficientul lui Poisson pentru incrcare-descrcare
-K0nc=1-sin() coeficientul presiunii laterale a pmntului
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-kv=kh/2 valorile permeabilitilor vericale i orizontale


-khs permeabilitatea orizontal a zonei perturbate
-OCR rata de supraconsolidare
-K0,x=(1-sin)*OCRsin presiunea lateral a pmntului n stare de repaos
Mayne & Kulhawy (1982)
Pe lng modelarea geometriei i a materialului, trebuie s mai modelm starea de drenare,
care alegem s fie Undrained A cu parametrii de flux alese din sistemul USDA.

2.1.4.4. Calcule
Pentru modelul nostru au fost definite urmtoarele faze de construcie care vor fi introduse
n programul de calcul:

Tabelul 4. Construction phases


Efectul suciunii este introdus ca i o rezultate a presiunilor apei din pori dup aplicarea
vacuumului, i este aplicat pe marginea modelului.
Dup efectuarea calculelor se pot ntocmi urmtoarele diagrame, care arat c pe parcursul
consolidrii prin vacuumare presiunea activ a apelor din pori descrete cu aplicarea suciunii,
crete cu aplicarea suprasarcinii, eforturile principale efective cresc prin aplicarea suciunii i
descresc cu aplicarea suprasarcinii iar efortul total principal rmne constant.

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Figura 14. Evoluarea presiunilor active a apelor din pori

Figura 15. Evoluarea presiunilor principale efective

Figura 16. Evoluarea eforturilor totale principale

2.2.

Consolidare prin vacuumare cu drenuri


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2.2.1. Generaliti
Acest studiu de caz reprezint consolidarea prin vacuumare a unui zone aflate pe malul
rului Cai Mep.
Comportamentul bidimensional a unui dig aflat pe un sol moale ncorpornd drenuri
prefabricate verticale, a fost analizat cu pachetul de elemente finite PLAXIS 2D.Analiza n
elemente finite se efectueaz printr-o analiz complet cuplat de flux-stres considernd o stare
nesaturat a solului. Fora de suciune indus de vacuum (presiune negativ n porii apei) este
modelat cu ajutorul elementelor de scurgere verticale (drenuri). Pentru a simula comportarea
neliniar a straturilor moi de sol, o modelare constitutiv avansat a fost considerat. [1]
In acest studiu de caz rezultatele obinute sunt prezentate i comparate cu valorile din analiza
propus i efectuat n literatura scris. [1]

2.2.2. Geologia amplasamentului


Un port de containere a fost construit de-a lungul rului
Cai Mep i lungimea pe malul rului a fost de
aproximativ 500m i adncimea recipientului de
depozitare este ntre 600 m i 750m. Suprafaa total
acoperit de port este de aproximativ 330.000 m2.
Portul este compus dintr-o platform de beton armat pe
piloti pe care vor fi instalate macarale. [1]
Figura 17. Aspectul general al portului [1]
Platforma este situat de la 100 m la 150 m distan de malul rului, i o zon de
"recuperare", unde se umple cu nisip pentru realizarea platformei de lucru, executat pe un teren
natural (mlatin). Terenul tratat reprezint 72 ha, dar numai 33 Ha, a fost prezentat n acest proiect.
[1]
Solul natural este mlatin i mangrove i o treime din zona este sub nivelul apei. Pentru a
ridica platforma deasupra nivelului apei, pentru a asigura o zon de lucru corespunztoare i o
platforma de circulaie pentru utiliti portuare, un rambleu de nisip de civa metri a fost
construit. [1]
Dup executarea rambleului i avnd n vedere subsolul foarte compresibil, o aezare de
civa metri se anticipeaz. Acest lucru va avea un efect positiv asupra stabilitii generale a
terenului. [1]
Acesta este motivul pentru care lucrri ample de mbuntire a solului au fost fcute,
pentru a preveni aceste aezri importante i pentru a asigura stabilitatea malurilor. [1]

2.2.3. Analiz numeric cu PLAXIS 2D


2.2.3.1.

Modelare geometric

Ca i proprieti ale proiectului triunghiuri cu 15 noduri i tensiuni plane au fost alese cu


dimensiunile totale ale modelului de 450m pe orizontal i 135m pe vertical.
Dup introducerea geometriei, definirea stratelor, definirea parametrilor hidraulici i setarea
gradelor de libertate, modelul arat astfel:

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Figura 18. Geometria modelului


Dup modelarea geometrica, se face discretizarea in elemente finite a modelului, care se
alege s fie mediu dens, dup care se genereaz o reea foarte dens n apropierea zonei tratate cu
vacuum.

Figura 19. Reeaua de elemente finite


Drenurile verticale prefabricate utilizate pentru introducerea vacuuului au o lungime de 45m
i au fost modelate n PLAXIS 2D ca i elemente de dren avnd o echidistan ntre ele egal cu
1m. [1]

2.2.3.2.

Modelare geotehnic

Solul modelat are 7 straturi i un strat de umplere de nisip pe partea de sus, care este adus
pentru a construi terasamentul. Proprietile geotehnice folosite pentru modelare numeric sunt
cuprinse n tabelul 6. Toate proprietile materialului a fost definit pe baza parametrilor efectivi
(rigiditate i rezisten), i pentru toate straturile moi deargil a fost utilizat un comportament
nedrenat. [1]

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Tabelul 6. Parametrii geotehnici [1]

2.2.3.3.

Metodologia de analiz

Pentru simularea fazele de prencrcare muliple a sistemului i pentru a simula interac iunea
ntre scheletul solului i apa din pori, modelul Soft Soil a fost ales pentru stratele superioare de
argil moale, iar pentru straturile inferioare impermeabile a fost adoptat modelul Mohr-Coulomb.
[1]
SETRI I MODELE HIDRAULICE
Pentru straturile superioare de argil moale setarea Undrained (A) a fost aleas, iar
condiiaDrained este utilizat pentru straturile inferioare ( stratul 3 i 4). Pentru straturile
impermeabile setarea Non-porous a fot aleas. [1]

2.2.3.4.

Calcule

Calculele se efectueaz n Advanced mode utiliznd o analiz de genul Consolidation


analysis cu setri hidraulice de tipul Transient groundwater-flow.
Presiunea de vacuumare aplicat de-a lungul drenului este modelat ca un nivel de ap
prescris la drenuri, definit ca diferena dintre starea iniial a presiunii apei din pori i presiunea
de vacuumare.[1]

(2.6)

Pentru acest proiect au fost definite urmtoarele faze de construcie:

Phase 0: Initial stress definition assuming drained behavior for all constitutive soil
layers (K0-procedure)
Phase 1: Drain installation without vacuum (Plastic analysis assuming instantaneous
loading)
Phase 2: Consolidation over 60 days (Coupled flow-stress analysis)
Phase 3: Installation vacuum at 35 kPa (Coupled flow-stress analysis with depression
applied over 1 day)
Phase 4: Consolidation over 20 days (Coupled flow-stress analysis)
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2.2.3.5.

Stud. Ing. Lrinczi Tnde

Phase 5: Add 2 m fill and increase vacuum depression to 65 kPa (Coupled flow
stress analysis with additional depression and loading applied over 1 day)
Phase 6: Consolidation over 60 days at 65 kPa vacuum pressure (Coupled flowstress analysis)
Phase 7: Add 2 m fill (Coupled flow-stress analysis with loading applied over 1 day)
Phase 8: Consolidation over 40 days at 65 kPa vacuum pressure (Coupled flowstress analysis)
Phase 9: Add 2.7 m fill (Coupled flow-stress analysis with loading applied over 1
day)
Phase 10: Consolidation over 110 days at 65 kPa vacuum pressure (Coupled flowstress analysis) [1]

Rezultate numerice

Pentru a putea urmri evoluia presiunilor active a apei din pori, eforturilor principale
efective i presiunilor principale totale, opt puncte Gauss au fost alese. [1]

Figura 20. Locaiile punctelor Gauss [1]


n diagramele urmtoare putem vedea, c evoluia presiunilor corespunde cu cele obinute n
literatur, i ele se evalueaz conform ateptrilor.
Dup efectuarea calculelor se pot ntocmi urmtoarele diagrame, care arat c pe parcursul
consolidrii prin vacuumare presiunea activ a apelor din pori descrete cu aplicarea suciunii,
crete cu aplicarea suprasarcinii, eforturile principale efective cresc prin aplicarea suciunii i
descresc cu aplicarea suprasarcinii iar efortul total principal rmne constant.

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Figura 21. Variaia eforturilor totale principale cu timpul

Figura 22. Variaia eforturilor totale principale cu timpul conform literaturii[1]

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Figura 23. Variaia presiunilor active a apelor din pori cu timpul

Figura 24. Variaia presiunilor active a apelor din pori cu timpul conform literaturii [1]

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Figura 25. Variaia presiunilor principale efective cu timpul

Figure 26. Variaia presiunilor principale efective cu timpul conform literaturii [1]

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3.1.

Stud. Ing. Lrinczi Tnde

COMPARISON-AXISYMMETRY AND PLANE


STRAIN

Introducere

Pentru a vedea dac putem , ntr-adevr, baza pe soluia propus, scoatem un element de
dren din al doilea studiu de caz i modelm n axisimetrie cu triunghiuri avnd15 noduri.
Dup ce calculele au fost efectuate am comparat presiunile active a apelor din pori, i
rezultatele coincid cu cele obinute cu analiza n tensiuni plane care nseamn c amndou abordri
sunt corecte cu precizarea c la folosirea unui model axisimetric, prencrcarea trebuie modelat cu
sol i nu cu fore.

3.2.

Modelarea geometric i geotehnic

Se folosesc aceeai parametrii ca i n cazul precedent i pentru geometrie se pstreaz toat


adncimea i o lime de jumtatea echidistanei dintre drenuri adic 0,5m.

3.3.

Rezultate numerice

Rezultatele numerice obinute n analiza axisimetric se coincid cu cele obinute cu analiza


n tensiuni plane.

3.4.

Concluzii

Indiferent de modelul folosit (axisimetrie sau tensiuni plane) se pot gsi aceai rezultate
dac este modelat corect comportarea unui dren astfel nct s ia n considerare efectul de grup a
drenurilor din care a fost scos.

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4.1.

Stud. Ing. Lrinczi Tnde

METODOLOGIA ANALIZEI NUMERICE

Generaliti

During the modeling, in the finite element program PLAXIS 2D, of the vacuum
consolidation method in the two cases investigated in this paper, solutions were found to properly
carry out the calculations. Some of the analyses which are counterproductive compared to the others
can be well motivated, but still there are some considerations and settings, which were shown to
give accurate results compared to the other, but the reason of this behavior would need further
examinations.
As a synthesis of all the analyses, comparisons and investigations we can describe a specific
workflow which gives the expected result of the vacuum consolidation method in these two cases.
Based on these case studies we can claim that vacuum consolidation can be modeled in the
finite element program PLAXIS 2D, but if these methods are empirical or not, needs further
investigations.
n timpul modelrii, n programul elementelor finite PLAXIS 2D, a metodei consolidrii
prin vacumare cu cele dou cazuri investigate in aceast lucrare, soluiile alese satisfac calculele
necesare. Cteva dintre analize care sunt contraproductivi n comparaie cu altele pot fi bine
motivate, dar mai sunt cteva consideraii i setri, care au fost puse s dea rezultate precise
comparnd cu altele, dar motivul acestei comportri ar necesita alte examinri.
Ca o sintez a fiecrei analize, comparaii i investigaii, putem descrie un flux de lucru care
s ne dea rezultatele ateptate n cele dou cazuri a metodei consolidrii prin vacumare.
Bazat pe aceste cazuri de studii putem pretinde faptul, consolidarea prin vacumare poate fi
modelat n programul elementelor finite PLAXIS 2D, dar necesit alte investigaii chiar dac aceste
metode sunt empirice sau nu.

4.2.

Metodologia
Modelare axisimetric:

Vacuum consolidation can be modeled and accurate results can be obtained during the
analysis by adopting axisymmetric project properties.
When modeling vacuum consolidation in axisymmetric model, there are a several settings
and considerations that should be followed, based on the study carried out in this paper.
As a conclusion of the case study analyzed in this paper we can claim that the most accurate
results of the vacuum consolidation method were given by modeling the numerical analysis in the
following way:
Consolidare prin vacumare poate fi modelat i se poate obine i rezultate precise n cursul
analizei prin adoptarea proprietilor proiectului axisimetrice.
Cnd modelm consolidarea prin vacumare n model axisimetric, sunt cteva setri i
consideraii care ar trebuii urmate, bazat pe studiul din aceasta lucrare.
Ca o concluzie a acestei caz de studiu analizate n aceast lucrare, putem enuna c cele mai
precise rezultate a metodei consolidrii prin vacumare au fost date de modelarea analizei numerice
n urmtoarea form:

Ca proprieti a proiectului, modelul axisimetric ar trebui ales ca element cu 15


noduri, care d o interpolare de un ordin mare pentru deplasare i n acest fel

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rezultate mai precise, care n cazul nostrum este foarte important n timp ce suntem
interesai de tasarea pmnturilor.
n modelarea geometric putem definii nlimea modelului ca nltimea total a ariei
tratate prin vacumare, i limea este definit ca jumtatea distanei dintre axele a
dou conducte de vacumre adiacente sau raza zonei de influene (valoarea mai mic
este ales).
Ca model constitutive ar trebuii ales care se potrivete cel mai bine la parametrii
obinute din ivestigaia geotecnic a pmntului. Totui modelul Pamnt Moale a
fost ales pentru modelarea consolidrii timp-dependent a argilei moale care ia n
considerare comportamentul compresiei logaritmice.
Parametrii SWCC au o influen important asupra rezultatelor, deci trebuie avut grij
cnd alegem curbele caracteristice a apei subterane. Dup analizarea efectelor a
setrilor SWCC asupra rezultatele valorilor presiunii active a porilor (Tabelul 5.)
putem efirma c setrile USDA, Van Genuchten ar trebuii folosite pentru materiale de
tip argil, deoarece aceast setare ne d rezultatele cele mai precise.
Generarea reelelor de triunghiuru ar trebuii tratat cu rafinament n aria tratat prin
vacumare pentru un numr mai mare de elemente, care conduc la rezultate mai
precise.
Rezemri standard pot fi generate automat, obinnd rezemare complet n planurile
x-y (Ux=Uy=0).
Pentru tipul calculei a fost ales Modul Avansat, n timp ce modul Clasic ne d
rezultate neprecise. Avnd suciune in modul Clasic vor rezulta eforturi foarte mari,
toat suciunea apare n efort efectiv, din cauza gradului de saturaie (

) care

este n totdeauna egal cu 1, i din cauza asta nu este posibil s generm starea corect
a presiunii active a porilor n pmnt. n Modul Avansat nu este o problem mare
deoarece suciunea este ntotdeauna multiplicat cu gradul efectiv de saturaie (
) care este mai mic dect 1 de obicei. Modul Avansat este capabil s

execute un comportament hidro-mecanic complet cuplat a pmnturilor. Presiunea


porilor de suciune are o influen total asupra gradului effective de saturaie, relaie
care se cheam Curba Caracteristic A Apei Subterane.
Consolidation analysis was chosen as the analysis type, while it takes into
consideration the time-effects in comparison with the Plastic analysis type which
does not take into consideration the time-effects. In vacuum consolidation the time
plays a crucial role, so it must be taken into consideration.
Analiza Consolidrii a fost ales ca tip de analiz, n timp ce ia n considerare efectele
timpului n comparaie cu tipul analizei Plastice, care nu ia n considerare efectele
timpului. n consolidarea prin vacumare timpul are un rol crucial, aa c trebuie luat
n considerare.
Debitul tranzitoriu-subterane a fost ales pentru a simula schimbrile dependente de
timp n presiunile porilor, care este singura setare lund n considerare efectul
presiunii prin vacumare. Setarea Generat de nivelul apei freatice nu poate lua n
considerare presiunea prin vacumare numai efectul ncrcrii de umplere, n timp ce
genereaz ntotdeauna presiunile porilor a apei de la nivelul general freatic. Din tipul
fluxului precedent genereaz presiunile porilor pe baza valorilor din pas chiar nainte
de acest pas, i utilizeaz aceste valori, fr nici o modificare n calculele urmtoare
(numai presiunea din pretensionare este considerat dar nu i presiunea de suciune).
Generarea Fluxului a apelor subterane n starea de echilibru consider un flux
permanent, ceea ce nseamn c presiunile porilor sunt independente de timp, astfel
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nct acestea sunt generate ca presiunile porilor n starea de echilibru, ceea ce


nseamn c nu este influenat de presiunea prin vacumare.
Presiunea de vacumare este definit ca un cap triunghiular de ap distribuit uniform
prescris ca o condiie prescris la limit i reprezint diferena dintre starea de
echilibru a presiunii porilor de ap i presiunea de vacumare:
w*hdrain= w*z-Psteady-Pvacuum
O valoarea constant nu poate fi prescris ca o condiie prescris la limit, deoarece
asta ar nsemna c, n acelai timp programul ar trebuii s ia n considerare diferite
capete de apa, pentru fiecare punct, motiv pentru care programul d rezultate
inexacte n cazul n care condiia prescris la limit este definit n acest fel.

Modelarea tensiunii plane:


Consolidare prin vacumare poate fi modelat i se poate obine rezultate precise n cursul
analizei prin adoptarea proprietilor proiectului plane.
Cnd modelm consolidarea prin vacumare n model axisimetric, sunt cteva setri i
consideraii care ar trebuii urmate, bazat pe studiul din aceasta lucrare.
Ca o concluzie a acestei caz de studiu analizate n aceast lucrare, putem enuna c cele mai
precise rezultate a metodei consolidrii prin vacumare au fost date de modelarea analizei numerice
n urmtoarea form:

Ca proprieti a proiectului, Tensiuni plane ar trebui ales ca element cu 15 noduri,


care d o interpolare de un ordin mare pentru deplasare i n acest fel rezultate mai
precise, care n cazul nostrum este foarte important n timp ce suntem interesai de
tasarea pmnturilor.
n modelarea geometric putem definii nlimea modelului ca nltimea total a ariei
tratate prin vacumare, i desenm elementele de scurgere.
Ca model constitutive ar trebuii ales care se potrivete cel mai bine la parametrii
obinute din ivestigaia geotecnic a pmntului. Totui modelul Pamnt Moale a
fost ales pentru modelarea consolidrii timp-dependent a argilei moale care ia n
considerare comportamentul compresiei logaritmice.
Parametrii SWCC au o influen important asupra rezultatelor, deci trebuie avut grij
cnd alegem curbele caracteristice a apei subterane. Dup analizarea efectelor a
setrilor SWCC asupra rezultatele valorilor presiunii active a porilor (Tabelul 5.)
putem efirma c setrile USDA, Van Genuchten ar trebuii folosite pentru materiale de
tip argil, deoarece aceast setare ne d rezultatele cele mai precise.
Generarea reelelor de triunghiuru ar trebuii tratat cu rafinament n aria tratat prin
vacumare pentru un numr mai mare de elemente, care conduc la rezultate mai
precise.
Rezemri standard pot fi generate automat, obinnd rezemare complet n planurile
x-y (Ux=Uy=0).
Pentru tipul calculei a fost ales Modul Avansat, n timp ce modul Clasic ne d
rezultate neprecise. Avnd suciune in modul Clasic vor rezulta eforturi foarte mari,
toat suciunea apare n efort efectiv, din cauza gradului de saturaie (

) care

este n totdeauna egal cu 1, i din cauza asta nu este posibil s generm starea corect
a presiunii active a porilor n pmnt. n Modul Avansat nu este o problem mare
deoarece suciunea este ntotdeauna multiplicat cu gradul efectiv de saturaie (
) care este mai mic dect 1 de obicei. Modul Avansat este capabil s
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execute un comportament hidro-mecanic complet cuplat a pmnturilor. Presiunea


porilor de suciune are o influen total asupra gradului effective de saturaie, relaie
care se cheam Curba Caracteristic A Apei Subterane.
Consolidation analysis was chosen as the analysis type, while it takes into
consideration the time-effects in comparison with the Plastic analysis type which
does not take into consideration the time-effects. In vacuum consolidation the time
plays a crucial role, so it must be taken into consideration.
Analiza Consolidrii a fost ales ca tip de analiz, n timp ce ia n considerare efectele
timpului n comparaie cu tipul analizei Plastice, care nu ia n considerare efectele
timpului. n consolidarea prin vacumare timpul are un rol crucial, aa c trebuie luat
n considerare.
Debitul tranzitoriu-subterane a fost ales pentru a simula schimbrile dependente de
timp n presiunile porilor, care este singura setare lund n considerare efectul
presiunii prin vacumare. Setarea Generat de nivelul apei freatice nu poate lua n
considerare presiunea prin vacumare numai efectul ncrcrii de umplere, n timp ce
genereaz ntotdeauna presiunile porilor a apei de la nivelul general freatic. Din tipul
fluxului precedent genereaz presiunile porilor pe baza valorilor din pas chiar nainte
de acest pas, i utilizeaz aceste valori, fr nici o modificare n calculele urmtoare
(numai presiunea din pretensionare este considerat dar nu i presiunea de suciune).
Generarea Fluxului a apelor subterane n starea de echilibru consider un flux
permanent, ceea ce nseamn c presiunile porilor sunt independente de timp, astfel
nct acestea sunt generate ca presiunile porilor n starea de echilibru, ceea ce
nseamn c nu este influenat de presiunea prin vacumare.
Presiunea de vacumare este definit ca un cap triunghiular de ap distribuit uniform
prescris ca o condiie prescris la limit i reprezint diferena dintre starea de
echilibru a presiunii porilor de ap i presiunea de vacumare:
w*hdrain= w*z-Psteady-Pvacuum
O valoarea constant nu poate fi prescris ca o condiie prescris la limit, deoarece
asta ar nsemna c, n acelai timp programul ar trebuii s ia n considerare diferite
capete de apa, pentru fiecare punct, motiv pentru care programul d rezultate
inexacte n cazul n care condiia prescris la limit este definit n acest fel.

Table 7. Steps and settings used to model vacuum consolidation

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5.

Stud. Ing. Lrinczi Tnde

CONCLUZII

Aceast lucrarea prezint c modelarea elementelor finite de consolidare prin vacumare


poate fi efectuat cu programul elementelori finite PLAXIS 2D. Totui rezultatele ndeplinesc
ateptrile, studii suplimentare ar fi necesare cu date de msurare pe teren mai exacte, n scopul de
a calibra o analiz mai precis a metodei de consolidare prin vacumare.
n timpul analizei de modelare cu elemente finite efectuate n aceast lucrare a fost
demonstrat, c rezultatele analizei sunt influenate de multe lucruri: modelarea geometric a zonei,
determinarea corespunztoare a influenei i zonei smear, modelul constitutiv ales pentru pmnt,
curba caracteristic a apei subterane, parametrii geotehnici, modul de calcul, tipul de analiz i
setrile de flux.
Ca o concluzie, a fost prezentat n aceast lucrare c cele mai precise rezultate, care
corespund ateptrilor i msurtorilor pe teren, au fost obinute att n modelul Tensiunii Pplane
ct i n modelul Axisimetric, prin efectuarea Analizei consolidrii n Modul Avansat de
consolidare cu Fluxul apei subterane tranzitoriu (figura 27 .).

Figura 27. Compararea metodologiilor de analiz


Analiza consolidrii: -Modul Avansat:-Fluxul apei subterane transiacente
-Din anterior
-Modul Clasic:-Generat de nivelul freatic
-Starea stabil
-Fluxul apei subterane transiacente
-Din anterior

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REFERINE
[1]-Richard Witasse, Jerome Racinais, Fanny Maucotel, Vahid Galavi, Ronald Brinkgrece, Cyril
Plomteux (2012), Finite Element Modeling of Vacuum Consolidation Using Drain Elements and
Unsaturated Soil Conditions, ISSMGE-TC211 International Symposium on Ground Improvement
IS-GI Brussels
[2]-Xueyu Geng, Buddhima Indranatna, F ASCE, Cholachat Rujikiatkamjom (2012), Analytical
Solutions for a Single Vertical Drain with Vacuum and Time-Dependent Surcharge Preloading in
Membraneless Systems., International Journal of Geomechanics, ASCE January/February 2012/27
[3]-J. P.HSI & C.H.Lee, Fully Coupled Modelling of Vacuum Consolidation
[4]-Chu, J, Yan, SW and Indraratna, B, Vacuum Preloading Techniques Recent Developments and
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[6]- PLAXIS 2D 2012-Material Models
[7]- PLAXIS 2D 2012-Reference Manual

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