Ground anchors on anchored diaphragm walls analysis

Abstract

When compared to the classical methods traditionally used in design of tied-back diaphragm walls, the structural methods using finite element techniques offer the following advantages: i) computation of displacements; ii) simulation and study of different construction stages; iii) consideration of constitutive equations in order to represent different behaviour of the materials; iv) evaluation of the effects of the prestress level, tie-back inclination and stiffness. For this purpose the mechanical behaviour of the elements involved in the structures must be carefully considered. This paper deals, moreover, with the nonlinear behaviour of ground anchors, its reasons and the way how it can be considered in the f.e.m. analysis. The models generally used for anchor simulation are summarized and their limitations pointed out. A refined model of anchor behaviour is proposed particulary adquated to the representation of the nonlinear behaviour as shown by "in situ tests". Some examples are presented.