Finite Element Method Model Research Articles

Voids Development in Metals: Numerical Modelling.

The article is a continuation of two previous review papers on the fracture mechanism of structural metals through the nucleation, growth and coalescence of voids. In the present paper, the literature on the numerical modelling of void nucleation and development has been reviewed. The scope of the work does not include porous material models and their numerical implementation. As part of the discussion on void initiation, nucleation around second phase particles and nucleation as an effect of the discontinuity of the crystal structure were discussed separately. The basic void cell models, finite element method (FEM) models of periodically distributed particles/voids and models based on the results of the observations of the actual microstructure of materials have been characterised. Basic issues related to the application of the cohesive approach in void nucleation modelling have been considered. A separate issue is the characteristics of atomistic simulations and peridynamic modelling, which have been developed in recent years. Numerical approaches to modelling the growth and coalescence of voids are described, with particular emphasis on the influence of the stress state and strain localisation. Basic conclusions from the simulation are presented, pointing to the contribution of FEM modelling to the understanding of microstructural phenomena leading to ductile fracture.

A dynamical core based on a discontinuous Galerkin method for higher-order finite-element sea ice modeling

Abstract. The ability of numerical sea ice models to reproduce localized deformation features associated with fracture processes is key for an accurate representation of the ice dynamics and of dynamically coupled physical processes in the Arctic and Antarctic. Equally key is the capacity of these models to minimize the numerical diffusion stemming from the advection of these features to ensure that the associated strong gradients persist in time, without the need to unphysically re-inject energy for re-localization. To control diffusion and improve the approximation quality, we present a new numerical core for the dynamics of sea ice that is based on higher-order finite-element discretizations for the momentum equation and higher-order discontinuous Galerkin methods for the advection. The mathematical properties of this core are discussed, and a detailed description of an efficient shared-memory parallel implementation is given. In addition, we present different numerical tests and apply the new framework to a benchmark problem to quantify the advantages of the higher-order discretization. These tests are based on Hibler's viscous–plastic sea ice model, but the implementation of the developed framework in the context of other physical models reproducing a strong localization of the deformation is possible.

Patch-loading resistance performance of stainless-clad bimetallic steel plate girders: Numerical investigations and design methods

Compared with stainless steel, stainless-clad bimetallic steel (SCBS), which comprises a stainless steel cladding layer and a carbon steel base layer, requires a lower project cost and can maintain the same corrosion resistance, thus allowing the corrosion weakening of steel structures to be solved effectively. Investigations regarding SCBS plate girders, which can be widely used in bridge and industrial structure servicing in corrosive environments, are few. In this study, the patch-loading resistance performance of SCBS plate girders is investigated systematically, and the effects of cladding ratios are considered. A finite element modelling method is proposed to predict the patch-loading resistance performance of SCBS plate girders, which is validated using 33 experimental results regarding conventional structural steel and bimetallic steel plate girders. A comparison of the ultimate strength, load–deflection curve, and failure mode shows that the proposed finite element modelling method can be used to effectively clarify the patch-loading resistance performance of SCBS plate girders. A comprehensive parameter study involving 288 numerical models is conducted. Based on numerical results, the basis for design recommendations is presented. The relationship among the ultimate strength of the plate girders corresponding to SCBS, stainless steel (cladding layer), and HSS (base layer) is determined, and a linear equation is proposed. The applicability of Chinese, American, and European codes in determining the ultimate strength of SCBS plate girders is verified. The verification results show that the existing codes cannot be directly used to determine the ultimate strength of SCBS plate girders. Therefore, two strength reduction functions are proposed to modify the design equations in European codes. The undetermined constants in the proposed strength reduction functions for SCBS plate girders with different cladding ratios are statistically calibrated. Additionally, a predictive equation for determining the undetermined constants in function-I is proposed. When these proposed strength reduction functions are employed, the calculation accuracy of the European codes is significantly improved. The basis for design recommendations presented in this study is valid for the SCBS plate girders with specific geometric dimensions and material properties included in the parametric study.

An Open-Source Framework for Modeling RC Shear Walls Using Deep Neural Networks

Reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls macroscopic models are simplified strategies able to simulate the complex nonlinear behavior of RC shear walls to some extent, but their efficacy and robustness are limited. In contrast, microscopic models are sophisticated finite element method (FEM) models that are far more accurate and reliable. However, their elevated computational cost turns them unfeasible for most practical applications. In this study, a data-driven surrogate model for analyzing RC shear walls is developed using deep neural networks (DNNs). The surrogate model is trained with thousands of FEM simulations to predict the characteristic curve obtained when a static nonlinear pushover analysis is performed. The surrogate model is extensively tested and found to exhibit a high degree of accuracy in its predictions while being extremely faster than the detailed FEM analysis. The complete framework that made this study possible is provided as an open-source project. The project is developed in Python and includes a parametric FEM model of an RC shear wall in OpenSeesPy, the training and validation of the DNN model in TensorFlow, and an application with an interactive graphical user interface to test the methodology and visualize the results.

Can Single Cell Respiration be Measured by Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM)?

Ultramicroelectrode (UME), or, equivalently, microelectrode, probes are increasingly used for single-cell measurements of cellular properties and processes, including physiological activity, such as metabolic fluxes and respiration rates. Major challenges for the sensitivity of such measurements include: (i) the relative magnitude of cellular and UME fluxes (manifested in the current); and (ii) issues around the stability of the UME response over time. To explore the extent to which these factors impact the precision of electrochemical cellular measurements, we undertake a systematic analysis of measurement conditions and experimental parameters for determining single cell respiration rates via the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in single HeLa cells. Using scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), with a platinum UME as the probe, we employ a self-referencing measurement protocol, rarely employed in SECM, whereby the UME is repeatedly approached from bulk solution to a cell, and a short pulse to oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) potential is performed near the cell and in bulk solution. This approach enables the periodic tracking of the bulk UME response to which the near-cell response is repeatedly compared (referenced) and also ensures that the ORR near the cell is performed only briefly, minimizing the effect of the electrochemical process on the cell. SECM experiments are combined with a finite element method (FEM) modeling framework to simulate oxygen diffusion and the UME response. Taking a realistic range of single cell OCR to be 1 × 10-18 to 1 × 10-16 mol s-1, results from the combination of FEM simulations and self-referencing SECM measurements show that these OCR values are at, or below, the present detection sensitivity of the technique. We provide a set of model-based suggestions for improving these measurements in the future but highlight that extraordinary improvements in the stability and precision of SECM measurements will be required if single cell OCR measurements are to be realized.

Investigating the fracture behavior of structural concrete shear key in prefabricated walls by discrete modeling

In this study, the cracking behavior of concrete-like materials in keyed shear joints of a structural member under the push-off test is investigated by employing discrete and continuum models. Initially, the behavior of the reinforced concrete member is simulated by a novel discrete element previously developed by the authors and referred to as the Rigid Body Coupled Spring model (RBCS). Shear key connections with different failure modes are modeled and compared to experimental observations. Following that, the numerical outcomes are discussed and compared with the outcome of Finite Element Method (FEM) models employing a continuum plasticity-based damage model. According to the obtained results, with the applied continuum method and constitutive model, unlike the experimental evidence, the modification of the shear key design did not have a significant effect on the failure mode of the modeled connection. On the other hand, the employed discrete element technique was able to represent the failure modes of the shear key connections. This study demonstrates the possibility of the application of discrete methods in studying the behavior of concrete in structural elements.

Fracture of porcine aorta—Part 2: FEM modelling and inverse parameter identification

The mechanics of vascular tissue, particularly its fracture properties, are crucial in the onset and progression of vascular diseases. Vascular tissue properties are complex, and the identification of fracture mechanical properties relies on robust and efficient numerical tools. In this study, we propose a parameter identification pipeline to extract tissue properties from force-displacement and digital image correlation (DIC) data. The data has been acquired by symconCT testing porcine aorta wall specimens. Vascular tissue is modelled as a non-linear viscoelastic isotropic solid, and an isotropic cohesive zone model describes tissue fracture. The model closely replicated the experimental observations and identified the fracture energies of 1.57±0.82 kJ m−2 and 0.96±0.34 kJ m−2 for rupturing the porcine aortic media along the circumferential and axial directions, respectively. The identified strength was always below 350 kPa, a value significantly lower than identified through classical protocols, such as simple tension, and sheds new light on the resilience of the aorta. Further refinements to the model, such as considering rate effects in the fracture process zone and tissue anisotropy, could have improved the simulation results. Statement of significanceThis paper identified porcine aorta’s biomechanical properties using data acquired through a previously developed experimental protocol, the symmetry-constraint compact tension test. An implicit finite element method model mimicked the test, and a two-step approach identified the material’s elastic and fracture properties directly from force-displacement curves and digital image correlation-based strain measurements. Our findings show a lower strength of the abdominal aorta as compared to the literature, which may have significant implications for the clinical evaluation of the risk of aortic rupture.

Study on Soil Parameter Evolution during Ultra-Large Caisson Sinking Based on Artificial Neural Network Back Analysis

The determination of soil parameters in geotechnical engineering and their variations during the construction process have long been a focal point for engineering designers. While the artificial neural network (ANN) has been employed for back analysis of soil parameters, its application to caisson sinking processes remains limited. This study focuses on the Nanjing Longtan Yangtze River Bridge project, specifically the south anchoring of an ultra-large rectangular caisson. A comprehensive analysis of the sinking process was conducted using 400 finite element method (FEM) models to obtain the structural stress and earth pressure at key locations. Multiple combinations of soil parameters were considered, resulting in a diverse set of simulation results. These results were then utilized as training samples to develop a back-propagating artificial neural network (BP ANN), which utilized the structural stress and earth pressure as input sets and the soil parameters as output sets. The BP ANN was individually trained for each stage of the sinking process. Subsequently, the trained ANN was employed to predict the soil parameters under different working conditions based on actual monitoring data from engineering projects. The obtained soil parameter variations were further analyzed, leading to the following conclusions: (1) The soil parameters estimated by the ANN exhibited strong agreement with the original values from the geological survey report, validating their reliability; (2) The surrounding soil during the caisson sinking exhibited three distinct states: a stable state prior to the arrival of the cutting edges, a strengthened state upon the arrival of the cutting edges, and a disturbed state after the passage of the cutting edges; (3) In the stable state, the soil parameters closely resembled the original values, whereas in the strengthened state, the soil strength and stiffness significantly increased, while the Poisson’s ratio decreased. In the disturbed state, the soil strength and stiffness were slightly lower than the original values. This study represents a valuable exploration of back analysis for caisson engineering. The findings provide important insights for similar engineering design and construction projects.

Hybrid Lumped-Element and Finite Element Model for Novel Synthetic Jet Actuator Shapes

A modeling approach was developed that combines lumped-element and finite element methods for analysis of synthetic jet actuator (SJA) geometries that deviate significantly from an ideal Helmholtz resonator. The diaphragm was modeled using the finite element method (FEM) coupled to lumped-element equations that govern the fluid flow. The loss coefficient was estimated based on the geometry of the cavity and orifice. A pressure acoustic FEM model of the cavity and orifice was used to determine a characteristic resonance frequency to use in place of the Helmholtz resonance frequency that appeared in the lumped element equations. The results were validated using experimental data for SJAs with geometries that deviate significantly from the Helmholtz resonator idealization. The combination of replacing the Helmholtz frequency with a more accurate characteristic frequency and using a computed value for the loss coefficient was shown to provide more accurate performance predictions for low-profile SJA designs.

Grasses exploit geometry to achieve improved guard cell dynamics.

Stomata are controllable micropores formed between two adjacent guard cells (GCs) that regulate gas flow across the plant surface.1 Grasses, among the most successful organisms on the planet and the main food crops for humanity, have GCs flanked by specialized lateral subsidiary cells (SCs).2,3,4 SCs improve performance by acting as a local pool of ions and metabolites to drive changes in turgor pressure within the GCs that open/close the stomatal pore.4,5,6,7,8 The 4-celled complex also involves distinctive changes in geometry, having dumbbell-shaped GCs compared with typical kidney-shaped stomata.2,4,9 However, the degree to which this distinctive geometry contributes to improved stomatal performance, and the underlying mechanism, remains unclear. To address this question, we created a finite element method (FEM) model of a grass stomatal complex that successfully captures experimentally observed pore opening/closure. Exploration of the model, including in silico and experimental mutant analyses, supports the importance of a reciprocal pressure system between GCs and SCs for effective stomatal function, with SCs functioning as springs to restrain lateral GC movement. Our results show that SCs are not essential but lead to a more responsive system. In addition, we show that GC wall anisotropy is not required for grass stomatal function (in contrast to kidney-shaped GCs10) but that a relatively thick GC rod region is needed to enhance pore opening. Our results demonstrate that a specific cellular geometry and associated mechanical properties are required for the effective functioning of grass stomata.

Analysis of Pulpal Stress in Varied Orthodontic Tooth Movements at Different Bone Levels: A Finite Element Analysis

Aim To analyze the pulpal stress in varied orthodontic tooth movements at ideal force levels and different bone levels, and compare any differences in pulpal stress values between anterior and posterior teeth. Materials and Methods Four Finite Element Method models of incisor and molar teeth were simulated with normal bone height and 50% bone height. Each of these models was loaded with five different types of orthodontic tooth movements—Tipping, Translation, Intrusion, Extrusion, and Rotation. The ideal force levels simulated for each type of tooth movement were: Intrusion-20 g, Extrusion-60 g, Tipping-60 g, Translation-120 g, Rotation-60 g. The pulpal stress was evaluated at three levels—pulp chamber, pulp canal, and below root apex, so that we get three values of pulpal stress for anterior and posterior teeth, for each type of tooth movement and its corresponding force level. Results The results showed that in both incisor and molar models with normal bone height as well as 50% bone height, rotation gave the highest pulpal stress while translation gave the least. In both incisor and molar models with normal bone height as well as 50% bone height, pulpal stress was found out to be highest in the root apex region of the tooth. The stress values for incisor and molar models with 50% bone height were found to be almost double that of the models with normal bone height. The pulpal stress for incisor teeth was found to be greater than the molar teeth for all types of tooth movement. Conclusion The present findings indicate that the stress manifested below the root apex is highest. Rotational movements induce the highest stress and translational forces develop the lowest stress related to the physiologic capillary blood pressure. Furthermore, in situations with reduced periodontium, lower forces are needed to reach the maximum tolerable stress compared with teeth with intact periodontium.

Coupling numerical and experimental methods to characterise the mechanical behaviour of the Mona Lisa: a method to enhance the conservation of panel paintings

A numerical FEM (Finite Element Method) model was implemented to represent the mechanical state of the wooden panel of the Mona Lisa, as it is conserved in its exhibition case, and constrained in its auxiliary frame. The model is based on the integration of advanced numerical analysis and various experimental examinations carried out non-invasively on the artwork by the authors during over 15 years. This includes visual, microscopic and X-ray observations together with mechanical measurements and monitoring of panel deformations and constraining external forces. In addition to the development of non-invasive techniques to characterise the mechanical properties of the panel, the FEM model reliably evaluated the strains and stresses generated in the panel by the various actions it experiences. The paper consists of the following parts: (i) a short summary of the experimental measurements and other observations, (ii) a detailed description of the FEM numerical model, of the hypotheses it is based on, and of its advantages and limits, (iii) the main results obtained by running the model. This includes the identification of local strains and stresses, the location of most critical areas, an evaluation of the risk that the existing ancient crack may propagate, and an evaluation of safe ranges for the forces acting on the wooden panel, (iv) the validation criteria for such results, and (v) a discussion about the significance of the mechanical model.

Design of double-shoulder threaded joints of drilling string elements

Purpose. Development of a method for simulating the screwing torque/moment and researching the design of double-shoulder threaded joints while preserving their geometric parameters. Determination of the optimal length of the additional shoulder pin part for the developed drill collar (DC) of NC50, NC55 type of various standard sizes. Establishing the dependence between the pin part length of the additional shoulder and other geometric parameters of the double-shoulder joint of the DC for further use when developing other standard sizes of similar design threads. Methodology. The development of design and the method for simulating the screwing torque of double-shoulder threaded joints was carried out using the finite element method and parametric modeling. Finding. A method for simulating the screwing torque of threaded joints was proposed and developed, which made it possible to improve the model of their automated design. The optimal lengths of the pin part of the additional shoulder of the developed design of double-shoulder threads of the NC50, NC55 types were determined. For planning threaded joints of similar design with the above-mentioned types of threads, a dimensionless coefficient was derived and its value was calculated. A nomogram was built to determine the length of the joint additional shoulder pin part due to the value of this coefficient. Originality. The model of automated design for double-shoulder threaded joints of drill string parts has been improved. This model preserves their geometric parameters and enables modeling a wide range of standard sizes of similar joints. Practical value. The optimal geometric parameters of the developed structures of double-shoulder threaded joints of the drill string elements were determined. A nomogram was built to determine the length of the additional shoulder pin part of the joint by the value of the dimensionless coefficient.

Blade Structure Analysis of 2 MW V-Shaped Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Using Numerical Simulation

The intensive research on large-scale Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) couldprovide an alternative to Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) in offshore deployment for the future. Regarding this fact, this article develops a conceptual design of the VAWT blade structure and analyzes its feasibility using numerical simulation. The blade structure is designed for 2 MW Darrieus type V- shaped VAWT. The blade is tapered, 90m long, and inclined at 35° to the vertical axis. Initially, the blade design is tested for ultimate strength test according to IEC 61400-01 standard using aluminum alloy and homogenized composite material. In doing so, maximum aerodynamic loading on the blade is calculated after steady state 3-D RANS CFD simulation of the blade in ANSYS Fluent. The Finite Element Method (FEM) model of the blade is created using shell element in ANSYS Static Structural with structured meshing strategy, and tested with the aerodynamic load using the one-way Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) technique, to obtain mesh independent solution. The impact of the using 2, 3, and 4 number of shear webs is then analyzed on the selected mesh model of the blade. Finally, a four-shear web model of the blade is tested under extreme conditions. The thickness of the blade surface and shear web are varied to test maximum deflection at the tip, and maximum allowable strain of the blade. After obtaining the required blade structure, the deformation, maximum equivalent stress, and maximum equivalent strain for the blade are studied at rotation Tip Speed Ratio (TSR) of 5 under aerodynamic and gravitational loading, using both materials. The study showed significant deflection at the tip of the blade for the tower-less V-VAWT blade, suggesting an alternative support mechanism for the blade. Also, the study concluded that better structural robustness is achieved while using a composite material instead of an aluminum alloy. This article provides basis to study structural behavior of the novel V-VAWT blades and contribute to continuing research on obtaining optimized blade structure for such turbine.

Non-invasive analysis of macro-crack on the characteristics of ultrasonic guided wave

The effects of macro-crack in plates on the characteristic of ultrasonic guided wave were studied. Using the Finite Element Model and numerical calculation method, the finite element mesh models of various macro-crack in aluminum plate were established. The single S0 or A0 mode Lamb wave was excited in plate by the wave structure loading method. The propagation time and amplitude of wave packet in the received signal were analyzed to study the phenomenon of mode transformation and the relationship between macro-crack size and signal amplitude. The simulation results show that there is mode conversion when the single mode Lamb wave interacts with an asymmetric macro-crack, and no mode conversion with a symmetric macro-crack. The energy of reflected wave increases with the increase of the depth and width of macro-crack, and the energy of transmitted wave decreases correspondingly. The size and inclined angle of macro-crack can be quantitatively estimated by the fitting function from the energies of reflected and transmitted waves. The variation of crack depth, width and angle is approximately linear with the amplitudes of reflected and transmitted wave packets. A fitting function is constructed by using the amplitude ratio of reflected wave packet or transmitted wave packet to total wave packet, which can be used to estimate the macro-crack depth, width and angle. This conclusion is helpful to the detection of macro-crack in the actual production and service of plate structures.

A new strategy for predicting fracture of U‐notched specimens made of Al‐6061‐T6 and Al‐5083 using extended finite element method

AbstractThis research focuses on the numerical investigation of fracture loads of U‐notched specimens made of Al‐6061‐T6 and Al‐5083 under pure opening mode and mixed mode I/II loading conditions. A new methodology is introduced with the aid of the equivalent material concept (EMC) combined with the extended finite element method (XFEM) and linear cohesive zone model (CZM), and the outcomes are compared with a conventional elastic–plastic damage model. The combination of EMC and XFEM result in the numerical EMC‐XFEM model, which provides a fast and accurate method to assess the notch fracture loads and crack growth path. Considering the experimental results, a trial and error loop is performed to calibrate the ductile damage model, which is much more cumbersome than the proposed EMC‐XFEM model. Moreover, the computational cost of elastic–plastic model is much more than the EMC‐XFEM model, although both approaches provide appropriate predictions for fracture of ductile aluminum notches.

Integrating Energy-Based Limit State Functions to Optimize Target Reliability of Bridge Pile for Seismic Events

The target reliability index is a safety and economic measure used to stipulate the optimal reliability level for structural elements. The conventional load and resistance factor design (LRFD) philosophy is premised on limit state functions that ignore structural performance by disregarding the structural stored energy capacity. Indeed, two significant concerns have yet to be adequately addressed within structural failure and safety analysis. The first pertains to the careful consideration of failure modes. The second involves the relationship between target reliability and hazard intensity. The main goal of this research is to propose a new energy-based limit state function to incorporate the performance-based design and LRFD philosophies concerning the target reliability of bridge substructure systems, including piles. The proposed energy-based limit state function can thoroughly examine a structure’s behavior in the presence of a natural disaster. This study’s reliability analysis corresponds to the seismic performance levels. The elastic and plastic energy resistance of pile elements is quantified concerning the various performance levels subjected to the loading scenarios. The uncertainties of soil and structural resistance and the structure’s dynamic response are considered and a new energy-based limit state function established. To validate the proposed limit state function, several finite element method models are examined to capture the probability energy distribution for structural resistance and loading conditions. Finally, the structural target reliability indices for the bridge piles are delineated using the proposed optimization approaches.

Train-induced vibration mitigation based on foundation improvement

The distance between railway systems and buildings has been significantly reduced due to the rapid development of public transportation. Environmental vibration is increasingly influencing human health and comfort as well as vibration-sensitive equipment. To alleviate the issue, amplifying the coupling loss between soil and building using foundation improvement techniques, is an effective way to mitigate building vibration from external sources. In this study, a 4-story building need to be built over the railway was used to study the vibration mitigation by foundation improvement. The vibration mitigation performance of foundation design parameters, including foundation type, shear wave velocity of soil, distance from the source, pile diameter, pile length, dimension of the pile cap, and pile group, were studied by a finite element method model. A guideline for optimizing foundation design, which can effectively improve the coupling loss between soil and foundation, has been proposed and applied to the construction of a 4-story building. The train-track dynamic model and the full-scale track-ground-building finite element method model were built to predict the proposed building vibration with the designed foundation. The measurement was conducted before and after the building construction to validate the accuracy of model and the feasibility of the foundation improvement design. The soil-foundation coupling loss is significant from 10 to 80 Hz, which indicates the foundation improvement for vibration mitigation by amplifying the coupling loss is feasible.

Geometry independent J-Tz domination of three-dimensional steady growing crack-tip fields in ductile materials

The crack-tip in-plane (Q and A2) and out-of-plane constraint (Tz) parameters have been extensively studied for ductile fracture problems on the basis of the pioneering HRR and J-Tz solutions. However, these analytic solutions rarely focus on the steady growing cracks, which play a vital role in J-R curve and integrity assessments of complicated structures. In this work, three-dimensional finite element method and GTN damage model are adopted to simulate quasi-static ductile crack growth under different plastic exponents, geometries and load levels. With the follow-up coordinate system, the J-Tz solution is extended to describe the crack-tip stress distributions of the quasi-static elastic–plastic growing cracks. It is found that in front of steady growth cracks, Tz strongly depends on specimen geometry. In the range of small-scale yielding, tensile stress and Tz gradually increase with increasing load J/JC. When the large-scale yielding stage is approaching, tensile stress and Tz tend towards a stable state. The maximum relative errors between the J-Tz solution and three-dimensional finite element results are 4.16% and 9.28% with J/JC smaller than 1 and 2, respectively. Such dominance and geometry independence of the leading order J-Tz solution make it more simply and effectively to assess the ductile fracture problems.

RESULTS OF COMPLEX RESEARCH OF SOIL BASES REINFORCED BY SOIL-CEMENT ELEMENTS MANUFACTURED USING DRILLING MIXING METHOD

Object. To find out the nature of stress-strain state of strip foundations reinforced by drilling mixing technology by means of experimental studies in a tray and in field conditions, for the reliability of the obtained results, comparing field studies with finite element method (FEM) modeling. Method. Tray tests were carried out in a metal tray with a steel stamp. Unreinforced clay soil bases and bases reinforced by soil-cement were tested with varying values of the reinforcement coefficient from 2,1 % to 7,1 % with a reinforcement depth of 100 mm and a diameter of 5 mm. Observations of settlements of the natural object were carried out by the method of geometric leveling using deformation marks arranged evenly around the perimeter of the building. The site on which a ten-story residential building was built was chosen due to difficult engineering and geological conditions. The zero cycle of observations was carried out, cycles after the construction of each floor of the building, its acceptance for operation, occupancy of the building and every subsequent 2-3 years. Results. The load-bearing capacity of the foundations with the increase in the percentage of soil reinforcement increases with the given parameters in an approximately linear dependence. The given results demonstrate a high correspondence between the experimental and simulated dependences of settlements on pressure. In the stage of plastic deformation, the use of the Hardening Soil model (HSM) more adequately describes the behavior of the soil, while the Mohr-Coulomb model (MCM) slightly overestimates the settlement. The distribution of settlements of the investigated object on strip foundations corresponds to the actual one recorded during long-term geodetic observations. The measured settlement of the foundations of the sections and those obtained by modeling have a satisfactory convergence. Scientific novelty. The correspondence of laboratory and field data and the results of modeling of soil-cement bases of strip foundations was checked. The practical significance. The models of soil behavior and the methods of specifying of soil-cement elements (SCE) for FEM modeling of reinforced soil bases of strip foundations have been tested.