Zhitong Zhang
Hao Huang
Cheng Wang
Weiming Gong
Huanan Xu
Abstract
This paper presents the results from elasto-plastic analyses of 3D finite element models to investigate the bearing characteristics of diaphragm wall foundation under vertical and combined load. The mobilization mechanism and distribution of friction resistance of the foundation were analyzed. It is clarified that the mobilization characteristics of inner and outer friction resistance of the wall are completely opposite. The vertical load of the diaphragm wall foundation is borne by inner and outer friction, resistance of soil core and resistance at the end of wall respectively. Moreover, the end resistance and core resistance account for about 75% of the vertical load. Under the combined load, the horizontal load has an amplification effect on the vertical settlement of the foundation. Additionally, the calculation methods of the Eight-component Winkler spring model and rigid pile displacement were used for determining the vertical load-bearing capacity and the overturning stability. A comparison between results from the finite element analysis and the theoretical calculation methods showed that the results of the numerical simulation properly coincided with that of the displacement solution of theoretical model. The conclusions obtained by the above methods all indicate that the foundation has the characteristics of overall overturning failure under the combined load.
Keywords
Finite element models; Mobilization mechanism; Combined load; Eight-component Winkler spring model; Calculation methods of rigid pile displacement; Overall overturning failure
