Physical and numerical simulation of shallow penetration of a cylindrical object into soft clay

Zhou, Hongjie, White, David J. and Randolph, Mark F. (2008) Physical and numerical simulation of shallow penetration of a cylindrical object into soft clay. Alshawabkeh, Akram, Reddy, Krishna R. and Khire, Miling V. (eds.) In Proceedings of Sessions of GeoCongress 2008 - GeoCongress 2008: Characterization, Monitoring, and Modeling of GeoSystems, GSP 179. American Society of Civil Engineers. pp. 108-117 . (doi:10.1061/40972(311)14).

Abstract

This paper describes two advanced techniques that provide powerful visualizations of geotechnical processes: centrifuge modeling coupled with image analysis and large deformation finite element analysis. These techniques are applied to the undrained soil response during partial embedment of a cylindrical object -simulating the initial penetration of a T-bar penetrometer or the laying of an on-bottom pipeline. Images captured during a model test show deformation patterns that resemble classical plasticity solutions, but with additional phenomena associated with strain softening behavior including intermittent development of localized shear bands on opposite sides of the pipe. Finite element analysis was undertaken to simulate this behavior, using a rate-dependent and strain-softening soil model. The strain-softening behavior was found to have a strong influence on the pattern of soil deformation, and also the surface heave. The numerical simulation was calibrated to provide good agreement with the measured penetration resistance and captures the intermittent shear band shedding. However, the localization appears stronger within the model test and the calculated profiles of surface heave differ significantly. Copyright ASCE 2008.

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Contributors

Author: David J. White

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