Comparison of Conventional Method with Finite Element Analysis Using Plaxis 2D for Cantilever and Anchored Sheet Pile Walls

Abstract

Excavation support system is essential component of modern time, where buildings with multiple basements are essential for parking and other purpose in large cities, where adjoining buildings are already functional. The purpose of this work is to present the comparison of the behavior of sheet pile wall at critical depth obtained from conventional method and finite element analysis. The conventional methods used in the structural design of sheet pile walls are based on the limit equilibrium approach. Program in MATLAB software is developed for this purpose. This program is evolved from simplified method for design of flexible retaining structure, which is introduced by the Herman Blum (1951). It is noted that conventional design method for retaining structures is unable to determine deformation of structure which is important for serviceability consideration. Hence finite element method was used to perform numerical modeling and analyses to evaluate the structural response and the behavior of wall. PLAXIS 2D software is used for this purpose. Present work is an attempt to study the behavior of cantilever and anchored sheet pile wall penetrating in homogeneous cohesionless and cohesive soil, c-φ soil, and layered soil for the excavation depth of 3 and 6 m.