Overview of the Constitutive Model and Numerical Calibration by FEM to Compute Bearing Capacity and Embankment-Core Deformability

Milena Mesa Lavista,Rafael Bravo-Pareja,Carolina Cabrera-González,Francisco Lamas-Fernández,Eduardo Tejeda-Piusseaut,José Álvarez-Pérez

doi:10.15446/ing.investig.v42n1.93712

Abstract

Numerical modeling is a powerful tool to determine the stress-strain relationships of structures. However, for a reliable application, physical and mathematical models must be calibrated and validated. This paper presents an overview of numerical calibration through the finite element method and plate-load tests in an embankment. Additionally, an analysis of the constitutive models used in soils is performed, and the elastic-plastic constitutive model of Mohr-Coulomb was selected since it is the best suited for this study. The results from three test areas within a refinery project that the Cuban government undertook in the province of Cienfuegos are used. The numerical model used in this study was calibrated by means of the error theory and the non-parametric hypothesis tests from Mann-Whitney U. From the practical point of view, this study gives two procedures to calibrate the numerical model with experimental results.

Highlights

To determine the stress-strain states generated within embankments due to applied loads and gravity, researchers have developed analytical and empirical methods (Lamas et al, 2011; Standing et al, 2020) that enable the design and enforcement of the project within the admissible parameters of durability and deformability
Chai and Draxler (2014) suggest that Root Mean Square error (RMSE) is a better metric to present the results than MAE
The simulation of a load-plate test was performed by using the numerical method of finite elements, based on the project report of the National Applied Research Company (ENIA) of Cuba

Summary

Introduction

To determine the stress-strain states generated within embankments due to applied loads and gravity, researchers have developed analytical and empirical methods (Lamas et al, 2011; Standing et al, 2020) that enable the design and enforcement of the project within the admissible parameters of durability and deformability. Overview of the Constitutive Model and Numerical Calibration by FEM to Compute Bearing Capacity and Embankment-Core Deformability. The strength and density levels that must be reached are currently defined through empirical methods by current Cuban standards (NC-11, 2005) This mainly limits the design of embankments of great height because the acting loads exceed the maximum allowed stress. The need arises for the conception and building of a numerical model to simulate, with admissible error, the stress-strain performance of these embankment fundamentals in highway projects. This contributes to improving the current official design and construction standards

Objectives

Results

Conclusion