Geotechnical verifications using the finite-element method?

✍ Scribed by Michael Heibaum; Markus Herten

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2009
• Tongue: German
• Weight: 297 KB
• Volume: 86
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0932-8351
• DOI: 10.1002/bate.200910037

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Geotechnical design is increasingly carried out by incorporating the finite element method (FEM), supported by increasing PC‐power. It is discussed and explained with the help of an example to what extent this method can be used as to verifications according to European and German standards. Safety margins given in the standards are based on certain models and the according experience, which cannot be transferred to other approaches. It is shown that actions and effects determined by FEM are applicable in verifications according to DIN 1054 and EN 1997‐1, “Design approach 2*”. Resistances can also be calculated using FEM, but there is not enough experience to date to judge the reliability of such approaches. Resistances should therefore be determined in the traditional way. Consequently, there is no justification for an alteration of the factors of safety as set in the standards at the present time.