INTERACTIVE ANALYSIS MODELS FOR SOIL AND STRUCTURES

BY
Prof. P. C.Vasani Applied Mechanics Department L. D. College of Engineering Ahmedabad- 380015 Ph.(079) 7486320 [R] E-mail:pcv-im@eth.net

PDF created with FinePrint pdfFactory trial version http://www.fineprint.com

INTERACTIVE ANALYSIS MODELS FOR SOIL AND STRUCTURES 1. INTRODUCTION.

1.1 GENERAL. Soil - structure interaction plays an important role in the behavior of foundations. For structures like beams, piles, mat foundations and box cells it is very essential to consider the deformational characteristics of soil and flexural properties of foundations. It can be seen that when interaction is taken into account, the true design values arrived-at may be quite different from those worked out without considering interaction. In general in most of the cases interaction causes reduction in critical design values of the shear and moments etc.. However, there may be quite a few locations where the values show an increase . Because of these possibilities have their own roles to play in economy and safety of structure. Several studies have indicated that the maximum bending moment in a foundation raft or beam could be substantially affected by interaction with superstructure. Reduction as high as 80% is reported in certain cases. The rigidity of foundation raft relative to soil is of extremely high values of bending moments in relative rigid rafts as compared to those in flexible rafts. An elastoplastic analysis also indicates a similar trend, although to a much lesser degree. Unequal settlement is the severest cause for cracking and even failure of superstructures. On the other hand, rigidity of superstructure helps in reducing differential settlements. of course, to realize this, only interactive analysis has to be carried out.

PDF created with FinePrint pdfFactory trial version http://www.fineprint.com

2. COMPONENTS OF INTERACTIVE ANALYSIS AND METHODS APPLIED TO INTERACTION.

2.1 Soil Foundation Interaction Problems.
2.1.1 Introduction : The study of the interaction between foundation and supporting soil media is of fundamental importance to both geotechnical and Structural engineers. Results of such study can be used in the structural design of the foundation and in the analysis of stresses and deformations within the supporting soil medium. The phrase 'soil-foundation interaction' may be defined as " the influence of the behavior of the soil immediately beneath and around the foundation on the response of the sub-structure subjected to either static or dynamic loads". The foundation designer must consider the behavior of both structure and soil and their interaction with each other. the interaction problem is of importance to many civil engineering situations and it covers a wide spectrum of problems. These include the study of shallow and deep foundations, floating structures, retaining wall-soil systems, tunnel lining, buried structures, earth structures etc.. 2.1.2 Behavior of soil : In-situ soils are commonly anisotropic and non-homogeneous and display markedly non-linear, irreversible and time dependant characteristics. The behavior of such soils is expected to be influenced by following factors (25). (i)The shape, size and mechanical properties of the individual soil particles. (ii)The configuration of the soil structure. (iii)The intergranular stresses and stress history. (iv)The presence of soil moisture, the degree of saturation and the soil permeability. The solution of any interaction problem on the basis of all above factors is very difficult, laborious and impracticable. Realistic and purposeful solutions can achieved by idealizing the behavior of the soil by considering specific aspects of its behavior. The most simple idealization of response naturally occurring soils assumes linear elastic behavior of the supporting soil medium. This idealization also assumes the surface of the soil medium to form the soil-foundation interface and the soil medium is represented by an elastic medium occupying a half-space region. Though these assumptions are not always rigorously satisfied by in-situ soils, these considerably simplifying the solution

PDF created with FinePrint pdfFactory trial version http://www.fineprint.com

and provide useful information to number of practicable problems in geotechnical engineering. Various idealized soil behavior models will be introduced afterwards. 2.1.3 Behavior of foundation : The flexural behavior of foundations can be adequately described by modeling appropriately foundations as beam and plates, and using the convenient respective theories of beams and plates. The theories may be modified by incorporating the effects of shearing deformations or by taking in to account the three-dimensional state of stress. It may be noted that the time dependant behavior of the foundation itself can have a significant influence on the modeling and the end results of a soil-foundation interaction analysis. 2.1.4 Behavior of Interface : The complete solution of the interaction problem necessitates prior assignment of a particular type of mechanical behavior to the soil-foundation interface. The interface conditions associated with the elastic continuum behavior of the soil medium are assumed to range from the completely smooth to the completely frictional interfaces. The factors which are expected to significantly influence the conditions at the soil foundation interface are : (i) The presence of pore water which can alter the magnitude and distribution of the frictional forces throughout the consolidation process. (ii) The distribution and character of the external loads on the foundation. (iii) The relative flexibility of the foundation, and (iv) The time dependant effects. Frictional effects at the interface are expected to acquire importance when dealing with the interaction of highly flexible foundations resting on compressible soil media. It is suggested that proper interface conditions be formulated only after obtaining adequate data from field observations. In the absence of such data interface may be assumed as smooth and such assumption can serve as a usual first approximation. The assumption of the smooth contact considerably simplifies the analysis of the interaction by retaining only the normal component of the contact stress (25). 2.2 Idealized Soil Behavior Models. 2.2.1 General : The natural complexity in the behavior of in-situ soils has led to the development of many idealized models of soil behavior based on the classical theories of elasticity and plasticity for the analysis of Soil-Foundation interaction problems.

PDF created with FinePrint pdfFactory trial version http://www.fineprint.com

Although, the generalized stress-strain relations for soils, dont represent even the gross physical properties of a soil mass, the idealized models are observed to provide a useful description of certain features of soil media under limited boundary conditions. The idealized soil behavior particularly reduces the analytical rigor spent in the solution of complex problems in geotechnical engineering. The idealization will depend on a variety of factors such as: (i) The type of soil. (ii) The soil conditions, (iii) The type of foundation, (iv) The nature of external loading, (v) The method of construction, (vi) The purpose and life span of the structure and (vii) The economical considerations. Some important idealized models of soil-foundation interaction are briefly presented in following articles. The character of each model is typified by the surface deflection it experiences under the action of a system of forces, and these surface deflection in-general represent the displacement characteristics of the soil-foundation interface, and forms a significant part of the soil foundation interaction analysis. 2.2.2 Elastic Models: Models of soil behavior which exhibit purely elastic characteristic are considered here. The simplest type of idealized soil response is to assume the behavior of supporting soil medium as a linear elastic continuum. The deformations are thus assumed as linear and reversible. Applications of these models to soil-foundation interaction have been subject of extensive research and significant developments have been made in obtaining exact and approximate solutions.

PDF created with FinePrint pdfFactory trial version http://www.fineprint.com

(1) The Winkler's Model: Winkler assumed that the surface displacement of the soil medium at every point is directly proportional to the stress applied to it at that point and completely independent of stresses or displacements at other, even immediately neighboring, point of the soilX P X

(a) P

Z X

(b) q

Z X

(c)

(d)

foundation interface. Fig.2.1. Surface displacements of the Winkler model due to (a) Non-uniform load, (b) A concentrated load, (c) A rigid load, (d) A uniform flexible load. Winkler's idealization of the soil medium can be physically represent as a system of closely spaced spring elements (See Fig 2.1) each of all will be deformed by the stress applied directly to it while the neighboring elements remains unaffected. The characteristics features of this representation of the soil medium is discontinuous behavior of the surface displacement. The deflection, y, of the soil medium at any point on the surface is directly proportional to the stress, q, applied at that point and is independent of stresses applied at other locations, i.e., q (x,y) = k y(x,y) .Eq (2.1)

Where 'k' is termed as the modulus of subgrade reaction with units of stress per unit length. Equation (2.1) is usually the response function or the kernel function for the Winkler's model. Physically, Winkler's idealization of the soil medium consists of a system of mutually independent spring elements with spring constant 'k'. One important feature of this soil model is that the displacements occurs immediately under the loaded area and outside the region the displacements are zero. See

PDF created with FinePrint pdfFactory trial version http://www.fineprint.com

Fig. 2.1. Also, the displacements of a loaded region will be constant whether the soil is subjected to an infinitely rigid load or a uniform flexible load. There are many engineering problems (excluding soil-foundation interaction) for which Winkler's Model represents a very accurate idealization of actual operating conditions. (2) Elastic Half-Space (Elastic continuum) Models: In the case of in-situ soils surface deflections will occur certainly under and around the loaded region. Applicability of Winkler Model is only limited to such soil media, which possesses cohesion or transmissibility of applied forces. In attempts to account for this continuous behavior, soil media have often been idealized as threedimensional continuos elastic solids or elastic continua. The distribution of displacements and stresses in such media remain continuous under the action of external force systems. Generally, the application of the continuum theory of classical elasticity to soil-foundation interaction presents a complex mathematical problem. A number of solutions to various boundary value problem of soil foundation have been attempted by various investigators. The isotropic elastic continuum model can be effectively employed in the analytical treatment of soil-foundation interaction problems.
P
X

P' r
u w

u w

(a) Z 2b q
X

(c) Z 2a q'
u w

(b) Z

(d)

Fig. 2.2. Typical surface displacement profiles of an elastic half-plane subjected to (a) A line load P, (b) A uniform load q of width 2b, (c) A concentrated load P , (d) A uniform load q of radius a .

The response function for the linear elastic half space-space/plane is characterized by the deflected shape of the surface of the elastic medium subjected to a concentrated

PDF created with FinePrint pdfFactory trial version http://www.fineprint.com

force or a uniform stress of finite extent. In Fig. 2.2 a state of plane strain(two dimensional problem) exists in the X, Z plane. For such a state of strain, the displacement component v in the Y direction is zero and the displacements u and w in the X and Z directions, respectively, are purely functions of these co-ordinates. In case of axisymmetric problems are discussed the class of three-dimensional deformations which are symmetrical about the Z- axis of the cylindrical polar co-ordinate systems r,,z. See Fig. 2.2 . The anisotropic continuum model and the non-homogenous continuum models are of particular interest to interaction problems. Generally 21 independent elastic constants are necessary to characterize the elastic behavior of an anisotropic material. A homogenous anisotropic body with three mutually perpendicular planes of elastic symmetry passing through every point is called an orthotropic material. Nine independent elastic constants are necessary to define such a material. A transversely isotropic elastic material is a special case of the generally orthotropic elastic material, where there exists a plane through every point in the body for which all directions are equivalent with respect to the elastic properties, and elastic constants for a particular case reduces to six. Several solutions for surface loading conditions associated with multi-layered elastic solids of infinite lateral extent are available in literature as follows: (i) A single elastic layer underlain by a rigid stratum (ii) An elastic layer underlain by an elastic half-space (iii) Multilayered elastic systems. (3) Two Parameter Elastic Models: The deficiency of the Winkler's Model in describing the continuous behavior of real soil masses and the mathematical complexities of the elastic continuum has lead to the development of many other simple soil behavior models. These models posses some of the characteristics features of continuous elastic solids. The term "Two Parameter" signifies that the model is defined by two independent elastic constant. The development of these models has been approached along following different lines. (i) The First type stems from the discontinuous Winkler's model and eliminates its discontinuous behavior by providing mechanical interaction between the individual spring elements by either elastic membranes, elastic beams or elastic layers capable of purely shearing deformations (i.e. Filonenko-Borodich, Hetenyi, Pasternak and kerr). (ii) The Second approach proceeds from the elastic continuum model and introduces constraints or simplifying assumptions with respect to the distribution of displacements and stresses (Reissner, Vlazov and Leontiev). The following discussion is related to salient features of some typical two parameter models.

PDF created with FinePrint pdfFactory trial version http://www.fineprint.com

(a) Filonenko - Borodich Model: This model requires continuity between the individual spring elements in the Winkler's model by connecting them to a thin elastic membranes under a constant tension T.

Elastic Membrane

P X T

T X

(a)

(b)

Z q

(c)

(d)

Fig. 2.3. Surface displacements of the Filonenko-Borodich model.(a) Basic model, (b) Concentrated load, (c) Rigid load, (d) Uniform flexible load. Typical examples of surface displacement profiles of this model due to concentrated, flexible and rigid external loads are shown in Fig.2.3. The consideration of the equilibrium of the membrane-spring systems, show that for three dimensional problems (e.g. rectangular or circular foundations) the surface deflection of the medium due to a pressure q is given by, q (x,y) = k w(x,y) - T 2 w(x,y) Eq (2.2). Where 2 = 2 + 2 x2 y2

is Laplace's differential operator in rectangular Cartesian co-ordinates. F For two-dimensional problems (strip foundation) above equation reduces to q (x) = k w(x) - T d2 w(x) .Eq (2.3). dx2 The two elastic constants necessary to characterize the soil model are k and T.

PDF created with FinePrint pdfFactory trial version http://www.fineprint.com

(b) Hetenyi Model: The interaction between the independent spring elements is accomplished by incorporating an elastic plate in three-dimensional problems, or an elastic beam in twodimensional problems. The response function for this model is given by, q(x,y) = k w(x,y) - D 4 w(x,y) ...Eq (2.4). Where D ( = Ep h3/12(1- p2) ) is the flexural rigidity of the plate. F For two-dimensional problems above equation becomes, q (x) = k w(x) - D d4 w(x) .Eq (2.5). dx4 (c) Pasternak Model : The model proposed by Pasternak assumes the existence of shear interaction between the spring elements. This condition is accomplished by connecting the spring elements to a layer of incompressible vertical elements, which deform in transverse shear only. The deformations and forces maintaining equilibrium in the shear layer are shown in Fig. 2.4. The response function for this model is, q(x,y) = k w(x,y) - G 2 w(x,y) Eq (2.6). It can be seen that this is similar to Filonenko-Borodich equation if T is replaced by G. The surface deflection profiles for this model are very similar to those obtained for the Filonenko-Borodich model. With the two-parameter models described so far, the Winkler case can be record as a limiting case, as T, D and G tend to zero.

PDF created with FinePrint pdfFactory trial version http://www.fineprint.com

ShearLayer q(x,y) X

x w

x+dx

w + w dx x

xz

xz + xz dx
z

(a)

(b)

x y z

Ny

Nx

(c)

Ny

Ny dy y

r0

Nx

Nx dx x

Fig.2.4. The Pasternak model: (a) Basic Model, (b)Stresses in the shear layer, (c) Forces acting on the shear layer.

(d) Vlazov and Leontiev model: The model of soil response proposed by Vlazov presents an example of the second type of two-parameter elastic model, which is derived by introducing displacement constraints that simplify the basic equations for a linear elastic isotropic continuum. Vlazov's approach to the formulation of this soil model is based on the application of a variational method. By imposing certain restrictions upon the possible distribution of displacement in an elastic layer, he was able to obtain a soil response function similar in character to Eq (2.5) and Eq (2.6). The details of the general variational methods of analysis together with solution to many practical problems are given in Vlazov and Leontiev (1966). (e) Reissner model: The Reissener's model is derived by introducing displacement and stress constraints that simplifying the basic equations for a linear elastic isotropic continuum. The response function for the soil model is given by, C1 w - C2 2 w = q - C2 2 q Eq (2.7). 4C1 Where H is the thickness of soil layer, w is the vertical displacement of the surface of the elastic layer,

PDF created with FinePrint pdfFactory trial version http://www.fineprint.com

z = 0, and q is the external load. The constants C1 and C2 characterizing the soil response (Eq 2.7) are related to E and n by C1 = E/H and C2 = HG/3, where E and G are the elastic modulus and shear modulus, respectively of the soil layer. Also, it may be noted that for a constant or linearly varying stress, after redefining C1 = k and C2 = G, Eq (2.7) becomes identical to Eq (2.5) and Eq (2.6). 2.2.3 Elastic-Plastic, Perfectly Plastic Models : The Elastic soil models do not take into account any elastic-plastic or irreversible behavior of the soil medium. The basic distinction between the purely elastic and elasticplastic models is that, in the latter case, the stresses that can be induced in the soil medium are limited owing to the introduction of a yield or failure criterion. An example of a purely mechanical type is that foundation model proposed by Rhines. This model assumes that the shear layer interconnecting the spring elements of the Pasternak foundation model is capable of sustaining finite shearing stresses. The shear stress-shear strain relationship for the elastic layer is of an elastic-rigid plastic type. Using this particular model, Rhines has investigated the distribution of contact stresses beneath a rigid foundation, which is subjected to a symmetric load. The results indicate that the inclusion of such yielding characteristics can alter both the magnitude and distribution of contact stresses that are developed at soil-foundation interface. In the second type of analysis, the elastic continuum model can be modified to account for effects of plastic flow. If the soil medium possesses definite yield characteristics of an ideal elasto-plastic material, failure will occurs at the zones of high stress concentration. The plastic regions that are developed in the medium will satisfy stress-strain relations generally different to those applicable to the elastic regions. Such methods of stress analysis have received considerable attention owing to the development of numerical methods. Chen and Snitbhan (1977) discussed two elastic-plastic soil models : the perfectly plastic Drucker-Prager model and the isotropic strain hardening model of Roecoe and Burland. Explicit incremental constitutive expressions, suitable for numerical analysis, have been presented for both models. It is stated that any numerical analysis using these models can be obtained within the framework of the Finite-Element method and a stepby-step integration procedure. Both models are viewed by the authors as useful computational tools. 2.2.4 Time-Dependent Behavior. When soil media exhibit consolidation or creep effects, it becomes necessary to consider the time-dependent behavior of the soil-foundation interaction problem. The stresses and strains in cohesionless soil masses are not likely to change substantially with time except for the occurrence of plastic flow or a nominal amount of visco-plastic flow. With predominantly cohesive, saturated soil masses, however, the stresses and

PDF created with FinePrint pdfFactory trial version http://www.fineprint.com

deformations could vary significantly with time. The representation of the deformation of a saturated soil medium under load, in terms of consolidation due to the dissipation of pore water pressures, was first formulated by Terzaghi. This theory was later generalized by Biot to account for three-dimensional effect. The theory of primary consolidation predicts that, under the action of external loads which remains constant with time, the stresses and deformations in a soil medium reach a stable value. The analysis of soilfoundation interaction, which is based on the theory of consolidation, is a mathematically complex but straightforward problem. The deflections and stresses in structures resting on such consolidating media could exhibit marked variations with time. The time dependent deformations of soil masses, which occur beyond those, predicted by the theory of primary consolidation. Secondary consolidation is assumed to be due to creep processes in the structure of the soil media. Certain unsaturated soil and soft rocks may also exhibit creep effects in the absence of a primary consolidation. The theory of linear viscoelasticity can be adopted for the analysis of such creep effects. The analysis of soilfoundation interaction can be performed by employing an elementary rheological model approach (Maxwell model, Kelvin model or their combinations) or a viscoelastic continuum approach (where the relationship between stress, strain and their time rates of both dilatational and distortional behavior are represented by relationships of an integral or a differential type). Such viscoelastic analyses have been applied by many authors in the treatment of soil-foundation interaction.

PDF created with FinePrint pdfFactory trial version http://www.fineprint.com