Analysis of maximum arching conditions in active plane-strain trapdoors in sand. (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Osman, Ashraf S.; Jacobsz, S.W.
• Is Part Of: Computers and geotechnics. Volume 113(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: Trapdoor mechanism -- Arching -- Finite element analysis -- Upper bound limit analysis; Engineering geology -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Soil mechanics -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Rock mechanics -- Data processing -- Periodicals; 624.1510285
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compgeo.2019.05.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-352X

Abstract

Abstract: The trapdoor problem is a useful model to understand the stress distribution around geo-structures. This paper focuses on evaluating the conditions of maximum arching (minimum loads on trapdoors) developing during the lowering of plane-strain active trapdoors in cohesionless granular materials. A parametric study using finite element analysis has been performed to investigate various factors affecting the maximum arching conditions in active trapdoors, with a particular focus on the effect of soil dilatancy. The paper also presents rigorous upper bound limit analysis solutions. Previously published solutions dealing with soil non-associativity have been discussed and compared with the finite element results. The finite element analysis shows that using a Mohr Column model with the associative flow rule and reduced strength parameters, overestimates the load reduction on trapdoors compared with a non-associative model with full soil strength parameters.