Effect of steady-state strength of medium to dense sand on the performance of sheet pile wall as identified through centrifuge tests and Type-B and C simulations

Abstract

This study focuses on five centrifuge experiments of a sheet pile wall performed by three institutions, which cover relative densities ranging from 55 % to 66 %. A strain space multiple mechanism model incorporated in the computer program FLIP is used for the simulation. In the Type-B simulation performed before the centrifuge test data release, the steady-state strength Sus is not considered, i.e., Sus is assumed to be infinity (Sus=∞), and only cyclic resistance is considered. In the Type-C simulation performed after the release of the centrifuge test data, Sus and cyclic resistance are considered. When Sus=∞, the computed displacements of the sheet pile wall are consistent with or unconservative by a factor of one-half of the measured displacements. However, when Sus ranges from 1500 to 7500 kPa evaluated for clean sands, the computed displacements are generally consistent with the measured displacements, or slightly conservative. When Sus ranges from 100 to 400 kPa evaluated for sands with fines content of 5 %, or when Sus ranges from 20 to 50 kPa inferred from cyclic laboratory tests, the computed displacements are conservative by a factor of one and a half or two of the measured displacements. The steady-state strength of medium to dense sand is identified as a significant factor influencing the performance of a sheet pile wall.