Investigating the Nail Walls Performance in Jointed Rock Medium
Evaluation of the excavation-induced ground movements is an important design aspect of support systems in urban areas. Geological and geotechnical conditions of an excavation area have significant effects on excavation-induced ground movements and the related damage. This paper is aimed at studying the performance of excavation walls supported by nails in jointed rock medium. The performance of nailed walls is investigated based on evaluating the excavation-induced ground movements. For this purpose, a set of calibrated 2D finite element models are developed by taking into account the nail-rock-structure interactions, the anisotropic properties of jointed rock, and the staged construction process. The results of this paper highlight effects of different parameters such as joint inclinations, anisotropy of rocks and nail inclinations on deformation parameters of excavation wall supported by nails. Keywords—Finite element, jointed rock, nailing, performance.
Geological Engineering
Geological engineers work on a variety of projects that involve the earth and its resources. For example, a geological engineer may be involved in the design of a project to protect wetlands. A geological engineer may be involved in the cleanup of lead contaminated soil which threatens peoples' homes. Geological engineers may develop safe drinking water supplies in parts of the world where infant mortality is many times higher than it is in the United States. Geological engineers work on protecting infrastructure like bridges, buildings and utilities from earthquake damage. Geological engineers evaluate the use of naturally-occurring materials like clay to prevent the spread of subsurface contamination. Geological engineers are interested in the development of renewable energy resources to conserve traditional sources of energy. Geological engineers work with the environment to improve conditions for everyone and the world around us.
Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Deep Excavations
A nonlinear, three-dimensional finite element technique for deep excavation analysis is proposed in this paper. The technique as well as the analytical procedures for modeling the excavation processes were coded into a computer program, and the accuracy of the program was assessed. In order to minimize the number of elements and nodes without sacrificing the accuracy of analysis, a series of convergence studies were performed, which makes three-dimensional analysis computationally and economically feasible. The effect of the existence of the corner on the deflection behavior of an excavation was studied in detail by analyzing a typical excavation with soft to medium clayey subsoil stratum. By performing a series of parametric studies, a tentative relationship is developed for estimating three-dimensional maximum wall deflection of an excavation based on two-dimensional finite element results. Finally, the case of an irregularly-shaped excavation with field measurements of wall deflection was studied. The ...