Your Numerical Model Begins at the Site Investigation � Phase Improving the Suitability of Numerical Geotechnical Modeling

by Scott T. Anderson, P.E., (M.ASCE), Senior geotechnical engineer at HDR Engineering in Denver, CO., scott.t.anderson@hdrinc.com,
Michael H. Beaty, P.E., Ph.D., (M.ASCE), Principal engineer at Beaty Engineering LLC in Beaverton, OR., mhb@beatyeng.com,



2021


Serial Information: Geo-Strata —Geo Institute of ASCE, 2021, Vol. 25, Issue 1, Pg. 30-37


Document Type: Feature article

Abstract: The success of an advanced geotechnical numerical analysis depends foremost on a thorough geologic and geotechnical understanding of the site, and thus the geometric definition and adequacy of input parameters used in the analysis. Questions that must be addressed during the site investigation include the type and location of soils and underlying rock, their primary material properties or parameters, the potential variability and distribution of those parameters within a geologic unit, and the range of anticipated behavior that may occur under the projected loading conditions. With the abundance of soil models available for finite element and finite difference software packages, selecting a set of constitutive models that can suitably represent the range of expected soil behaviors at a site is essential. It�s incumbent on the geotechnical project manager to include the numerical modeling team early in the site investigation process to ensure a comprehensive understanding is obtained that supports the objectives of the numerical modeling.

Subject Headings: Site investigation | Numerical models | Numerical analysis | Soil properties | Geotechnical models | Geotechnical investigation | Parameters (statistics)

 

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