Numerics in Geotechnics: PLAXIS Users and Their Projects

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in geotechnical engineering has become increasingly important for a good 30 years. It has been used in many fields of engineering practice and has established itself in planning engineering offices, construction companies and in academic research - globally. As a computer application that performs finite element analyses within the realm of geotechnical engineering, PLAXIS has helped many engineers conquer geotechnical projects with confidence. 

Are you curious about how the numerical analysis can help solve your geotechnical problems? We have a whole webinar series (in German) dedicated to PLAXIS users and their geotechnical challenges. In this blog, we will outline some interesting geotechnical projects presented by geotechnical experts from industry and academia (for the complete German webinar series, sign up here). Now, let's jump right into it!

Video: PLAXIS users from industry and academia presenting their geotechnical projects

Project 1.

"Stability and serviceability analysis with analytical and numerical calculations"

Prof. Quick und Kollegen - Ingenieure und Geologen GmbH from Darmstadt present two major construction projects - “Güterplatz” in Frankfurt am Main and “Baufeld 4” in Berlin.

The greatest challenges in the realisation process of such large-scale geotechnical projects in conurbations are the complex verification of stability and serviceability. As for the solution, the Finite Element Analysis was essential for the approval of both projects in the vicinity of existing infrastructure. The detailed analysis of stability and serviceability with numerical calculations performed with PLAXIS provided reliable and accurate results; led to the right decisions and made the project successful. For more details of this project, sign up for the OnDemand German webinar here.

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Project 2. 

"Assessing the stability of embankments, slopes and dams using various numerical methods"

Prof. Franz Tschuchnigg from Graz University of Technology talks about applications for assessing the stability of embankments, slopes and dams using various numerical methods. The presenter demonstrates the differences between limit equilibrium methods, limit analysis and finite element analysis.

In geotechnical practice, limit equilibrium methods, are predominantly used to assess the stability of slopes, embankments and dams, and decades of experience with these methods are therefore available. However, with the increased use of numerical methods for the calculation of deformations and stresses in serviceability limit state, numerical methods such as finite elements or finite difference methods are also increasingly used for the assessment of load-bearing capacity or stability.

The aim of the presentation is to show some shortcomings of limit equilibrium methods and at the same time strengths of the finite element calculations of PLAXIS. For more details of this project, sign up for the OnDemand German webinar here.

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Project 3.

"Verification of the pier foundations on the basis of numerical calculations"

Presented by Dr. Markus Wehnert, the replacement of the Rhine bridge Duisburg-Neuenkamp is a complex and challenging project especially in terms of its construction process. It’s a double-sided cable-stayed bridge with two separate superstructures over 8 spans with each 48 m to 380 m above the Rhine.

The construction of the new bridge is carried out without interrupting traffic. First, the southern superstructure is constructed in a provisional lateral position; after the traffic gets rerouted, the existing bridge is demolished, and the northern superstructure can be constructed in its final position. Afterwards, the traffic is rerouted again and the complete southern superstructure, including the approx. 73 m high pylons, is moves 14.4 m to its final position.

This project shows how the complex construction process can be realistically reproduced numerically and how the calculation parameters for the 3D Finite Element calculations are derived based on the available laboratory tests and the pile load tests carried out. A real challenge with regard to the construction process and soil-structure interaction, which the office Wechselwirkung - Numerische Geotechnik GmbH has mastered here. For more details of this project, sign up for the OnDemand German webinar here.


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Project 4.

"Geotechnical challenges and numerical solutions"

The use of numerical solutions in geotechnical engineering can be wide-ranging. Each geotechnical challenge that can’t be solved using standard analytical methods is predestined for a more advanced numerical investigation.

Two applications, namely “Track dynamic calculations in vibration-sensitive soils” and the “Automated evaluation of angular torsion in 3D models” are covered and presented by Iman Bathaeian, ILF Consulting Engineers. The presented projects proved the diverse applicability of the PLAXIS 3D software solutions in solving any geotechnical question.

For more details of this project, sign up for the OnDemand German webinar here.

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Project 5. 

"Investigating differences between predicted and measured deformations during complex construction processes"

Investigations into the causes of differences between predicted and measured deformations during complex construction processes is presented by Dr Claudia Klotz - Ed Züblin AG - using the example of the Stuttgart 21 project, PFA 1.1 valley crossing with main railway station.

As part of the Stuttgart 21 project, the LBBW building directly adjacent to the construction site must be secured during the construction work. The main task was to reduce risks in the vicinity of this historical building and a realistic forecast of the deformations most likely to occur. By using PLAXIS is was possible to perform "state of the art" deformation prognoses of this complex inner-city construction project and it allowed construction processes to be simulated and deformation forecasts to be made realistically in the Stuttgart subsoil.

For more details of this project, sign up for the OnDemand German webinar here.

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Sign up for the complete webinar series (in German) for more project details. 


Manuel

Manuel Aukenthaler
Virtuosity, A Bentley Company

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Learn more about PLAXIS:

Want to learn the specialized material models in PLAXIS 2D and 3D? Read here

Learn 6 Reasons Why You Should Use PLAXIS for Geotechnical Analysis Project. Read here

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