Simulation of a test embankment failure (Maur flood plain, Malaysia) using finite element techniques coupled with critical state soil mechanics | |
| Author | Balachandran, Somalingam |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no. GT-89-11 |
| Subject(s) | Soil mechanics Finite element method |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. GT-89-11 |
| Abstract | This thesis describes the prediction of geotechnical performance in a large and comprehensive full scale trial embankment test on soft Malaysian marine clay. The predictions were concerned with the vertical settlements, heave, lateral displacements, pore pressures and the failure height of the embankment. These predictions were compared with the field measurements. The relevant analysis of the test embankment was carried out primarily using a critical state finite element program, namely, CRISP. The analysis was carried out in two different ways: a purely undrained analysis and coupled undrained (immediate) plus consolidation model. During the construction process of the embankment, a certain amount of consolidation settlement will occur. So it is generally expected that the field measurements could be predicted by a numerical analysis which considers both undrained and consolidation settlement. The finite element analysis indicated convincing, agreement of the vertical displacements and excess pore pressure with the corresponding field measurements. However, the measured lateral movements could not be predicted to the same accuracy. This is due to the fact that lateral movements are highly sensitive to moderate changes of the critical state parameter, A. Alternatively, the failure height of the embankment was also predicted with acceptable accuracy, by considering the Bishop's simplified slope stability analysis. The slip surface corresponding to the critical embankment height could also be predicted by tracing the maximum lateral displacement points (occuring within the zone that have reached the critical state) obtained from the finite element analysis. As a supplementary analysis, a non-linear finite element code (ISBILD) was further employed to predict displacements. It was revealed that in this case, the lateral movements could be predicted with better accuracy by the undrained non-linear model. |
| Year | 1990 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. GT-89-11 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Engineering and Technology (SET) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Geotechnical and Transportation Engineering (GT) |
| Chairperson(s) | Indraratna, Buddhima |
| Examination Committee(s) | Balasubramaniam, A.S. ;Noppadol Phien-wej ; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Asian Development Bank - Japan ; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1990 |