Thesis
Modeling retaining structures in 2D finite element analysis using beam-solid contact element
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2017
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/100095
Abstract
Retaining structures are widely-used engineering structures, and it is crucial to assess their abilities to sustain extreme weather conditions and natural hazards. To tackle this issue, we model cantilever retaining walls and adjacent soil, using the finite element (FE) software OpenSees, under static loading and seismic loading. In this study, a 2D Beam-Solid contact element has been implemented into OpenSees to capture the frictional stick-slip and the gapping behavior between soil and structure. This element has previously been used in limited analyses of sheet pile walls, however, it has not yet been applied to cantilever retaining walls. Previous work with this element has primarily involved static loading cases; it has rarely been used in dynamic loading cases. In this study, we would further explore the functions of this element, meanwhile parametric study on wall stiffness and input ground motions also be conducted to verify the robustness of this element. This FE model of retaining wall should be helpful to the geotechnical engineering design code, and later help engineers to design better fundamental structures, more significantly it would help further the understanding of these structures in severe earthquakes.
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Details
- Title
- Modeling retaining structures in 2D finite element analysis using beam-solid contact element
- Creators
- Congyi Zhang
- Contributors
- Christopher McGann (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525191701842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis