Abstract
ABSTRACT The finite element method capability of simulating the behaviour of deep cement mixed improved soil supporting Al-Fao depot floating-roof oil tanks is investigated. Single columns under test loads and column groups under tank hydraulic-proof-test loads are analysed using two-dimensional modelling software. Mohr–Coulomb and soft-soil constitutive relations are adopted for the column/soil materials. The results are compared to real field measurement data. As the unconfined compressive strength values are widely scattered, a behaviour-based value should be employed for best fitting of single-column load test data. Two approaches are used to simulate the column group behaviour: homogenisation and ring representations. The latter produces better settlement value predictions below the tank centre and edge, verified against field observations. Both approaches reveal the bearing layer effect, which is undetected by the single-column analyses. However, the ring representation overestimates the lateral spread below the tank wall, yielding overestimated bending moments in the edge-column upper portions.
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