The Rock Your Analysis with PLAXIS series will discuss rock engineering applications, their challenges, and the resources that numerical modelers and geotechnical engineers can use to solve these problems by using PLAXIS geotechnical analysis software.
Há muito tempo a modelagem constitutiva de maciços rochosos com juntas desperta o interesse. Vários modelos foram desenvolvidos na tentativa de simular suas respostas mecânicas. Existem dois grupos desses modelos: modelos distintos e modelos contínuos, conforme resumido por Cai e Horii (1993):
O método de convergência-confinamento é uma ferramenta básica muito usada para estruturas de suporte na subsuperfície em projetos convencionais de construção de túneis durante a etapa preliminar do projeto.
La serie de artículos “Potencie sus análisis con PLAXIS” analizará las aplicaciones de ingeniería de rocas, sus desafíos y los recursos que los modeladores numéricos e ingenieros geotécnicos pueden usar para resolver estos problemas mediante el uso del software de análisis geotécnico PLAXIS.
El modelado constitutivo de macizos rocosos fracturados ha sido un tema de interés desde hace mucho tiempo, y se desarrollaron numerosos modelos en un intento de simular sus respuestas mecánicas. Estos modelos se dividen en dos grupos: modelos discretos y modelos continuos, como lo resumen Cai y Horii (1993):
El método de convergencia-confinamiento es una herramienta básica para las estructuras subterráneas de fortificación en túneles convencionales durante la etapa preliminar de diseño.
This blog is a part of the series: Your Guide for Soil Improvement with PLAXIS Soil improvement is a critical process in geotechnical engineering, aimed at modifying soil properties to enhance performance. This technique is commonly used to increase load-bearing capacity, control settlement, and reduce the potential for liquefaction. PLAXIS, a finite element analysis software, is extensively used for modelling such improvements, especially column-based techniques. The primary goals of column-based soil improvement include: Controlling settlement: Managing vertical displacement to ensure the stability and serviceability of structures. Enhancing load-bearing capacity: Strengthening soil to handle larger loads. Reducing liquefaction potential: Minimizing the risk of soil turning liquid under seismic activity or heavy vibrations. Column-based Soil Reinforcement Column-based reinforcement involves inserting rigid or flexible columns into the soil to enhance its properties. PLAXIS can model several reinforcement techniques, including: Stone columns Sand compaction piles Micropiling and rigid inclusions Jet grouting These techniques vary in terms of soil displacement and the type of material used for reinforcement. For instance, stone columns displace soil, while rigid inclusions do not. Modelling Techniques in PLAXIS PLAXIS provides various approaches to model column-based reinforcement: Homogeneous block 2D model: This simplest method requires calibrating the equivalent stiffness of the
This blog is a part of the series: Your Guide for Soil Improvement with PLAXIS Prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) are essential tools in geotechnical engineering, particularly for improving the properties of soft soils. By facilitating drainage and accelerating consolidation, PVDs play a critical role in the stability and settlement of soil. The use of PLAXIS for modelling drains allows engineers to predict and analyse their behaviour effectively. This article will guide you through the process of modelling PVDs in PLAXIS, covering key aspects such as geometry setup, material properties, boundary conditions, and result interpretation. What Are Prefabricated Vertical Drains? PVDs are geosynthetic materials installed vertically into soft soils to accelerate the consolidation process by providing efficient drainage paths for excess pore water pressure. This technology is commonly used in large-scale infrastructure projects, where rapid settlement and soil stabilization are critical. Why Model PVDs in PLAXIS? Numerical modelling of PVDs using PLAXIS offers several benefits. It helps engineers understand the behaviour of PVD-improved subsoil, predicts settlement, monitors pore pressure dissipation, and ensures overall stability. Moreover, the efficiency of PVDs can be significantly enhanced by applying techniques like vacuum consolidation, which can also be modelled in PLAXIS. Key Steps in PVD Modelling
This blog is a part of the series: Your Guide for Soil Improvement with PLAXIS Introduction Soil improvement refers to the process of modifying the physical properties of soil to improve its load-bearing capacity, reduce settlement, and mitigate the risk of liquefaction. These improvements are vital for the construction of structures like buildings, bridges, and embankments, where soil stability is crucial. Some common soil improvement techniques include: Compaction: Enhancing soil density through mechanical means. Grouting: Injecting materials like cement or chemicals into the soil to increase its strength. Stabilization with Additives: Mixing soil with lime, cement, or other additives to improve its properties. Deep mixing: Combining soil with binders at depth to form a stronger material. Drainage improvement: Reducing water content in soil to enhance stability. Applications of Numerical Modelling in Soil Improvement Numerical modelling in PLAXIS allows engineers to simulate various soil improvement methods and predict their effectiveness. This process is crucial for designing safe and cost-effective solutions. Here are some key applications that can be undertaken with numerical analysis: Static and Dynamic Compaction Methods: Static methods: Such as preloading with vertical drains, these methods require coupled consolidation analysis to model the slow application of load and soil consolidation