2D/3D FEM embedded beam models for soil-nail reinforced slope analysis

Abstract

Conventional design of soil-nail structure based on Limit Equilibrium Method (LEM) is adequate, but the efficiency is questionable due to the lack of knowledge in soil-structure interaction. As the computation power nowadays is high and attainable, it becomes increasingly common to use Finite Element Method (FEM) for analyzing complex geotechnical problems. This paper demonstrates the use of 2D Embedded Beam Row element for soil-nail group modelling in PLAXIS 2D, comparison of response is drawn against that of 3D Embedded Beam element in PLAXIS 3D, as well as the field data from CLOUTERRE-1, the French National Research Project, followed by a discussion on the factor of safety obtained from FEM and LEM. It has affirmed that, the 2D Embedded Beam Row model can effectively handle groups of soil nails in the plane strain condition and produce both quantitative and qualitative predictions of deformation and structural response that concerns practitioners.