Title

Plaxis Bulletin
Issue 31 / Spring 2012

Temporary stability of a jacket platform during installation and influence of adjacent

pug marks

Piled embankments in PLAXIS 2D, 3DTunnel and PLAXIS 3D 2011

Numerical analysis of geosynthetic reinforced piled embankment scale model tests

Table of contents
» The Plaxis Bulletin is the combined
magazine of Plaxis and the Plaxis users
association (NL). The bulletin focuses on the use
03
04
Editorial
New developments

Page 5
of the finite element method in geotechnical
engineering practise and includes articles on the 05 PLAXIS Expert Services update
practical application of the PLAXIS programs,
case studies and backgrounds on the models 06 Temporary stability of a jacket
implemented in PLAXIS.
platform during installation and
The bulletin offers a platform where users of influence of adjacent pug marks
PLAXIS can share ideas and experiences with
each other. The editors welcome submission of 10 Piled embankments in
papers for the Plaxis Bulletin that fall in any of
Page 6

these categories. PLAXIS 2D, 3DTunnel and

PLAXIS 3D 2011
The manuscript should preferably be submitted
in an electronic format, formatted as plain text 12 Numerical analysis of geosyn-
without formatting. It should include the title
of the paper, the name(s) of the authors and thetic reinforced piled em-
contact information (preferably e-mail) for the bankment scale model tests
corresponding author(s). The main body of
the article should be divided into appropriate
sections and, if necessary, subsections. If any
18 Recent activities
Page 10

references are used, they should be listed at the

end of the article.

The author should ensure that the article is

written clearly for ease of reading.

In case figures are used in the text, it should

be indicated where they should be placed
approximately in the text. The figures themselves
have to be supplied separately from the text in
Page 12

a vector based format (eps,ai). If photographs

or ‘scanned’ figures are used the author should
ensure that they have a resolution of at least 300
dpi or a minimum of 3 mega pixels. The use of
colour in figures and photographs is encouraged,
as the Plaxis Bulletin is printed in full-colour.
Page 16

Colophon
The Plaxis Bulletin is a publication of Any correspondence regarding the Plaxis For information about PLAXIS software contact
Plaxis bv and is distributed worldwide among Bulletin can be sent by e-mail to: your local agent or the Plaxis head office:
Plaxis subscribers
bulletin@plaxis.nl Plaxis bv
Editorial board: P.O. Box 572
Wout Broere or by regular mail to: 2600 AN Delft
Ronald Brinkgreve The Netherlands
Erwin Beernink Plaxis Bulletin
Arny Lengkeek c/o Annelies Vogelezang info@plaxis.nl
PO Box 572 www.plaxis.nl
Design: 2600 AN Delft
Jori van den Munckhof The Netherlands Tel: +31 (0)15 251 7720
Fax: +31 (0)15 257 3107
 Editorial

Editorial

» In 2012 two completely new add-on Modules

to PLAXIS software are scheduled for
release: 3D Dynamics and 3D PlaxFlow. The former
In addition to the contributions by PLAXIS users,
the bulletin offers another article on a project
where Plaxis has provided expert services to a
one has already been released at the beginning client, where a common research program was
of the year. In the New Developments column we conducted for studying in detail the effects of
discuss the new 3D Dynamics module in depth. isotropic consolidation on soft soil.
The latter will be released towards the end of the
year, more information on this exciting release will Furthermore the bulletin gives an overview of
be given later in the year, so keep an eye on our recent activities, with a special update on our
website and stay up to date. activities in Asia Pacific and North America, and
we take a closer look at the recently launched
In this issue of the Plaxis Bulletin we have again Knowledge Base. Don’t forget to check the
tried to offer a collection of interesting articles agenda on the back for an overview of our
and useful information for you. The first user’s upcoming events.
article involves a study on the temporary stability
of a jacket platform during installation by use of We wish you an interesting reading experience
mudmats. Specific attention is paid to the pug and look forward to receiving your comments on
marks formed by previous deployments of jack-up this 31st Plaxis bulletin.
rigs and their influence on the mudmats bearing
capacity. The Editors

The second user’s article involves the analysis of

piled embankments using PLAXIS 2D, 3DTunnel,
and PLAXIS 3D. A comparison is done of the
results with the three different versions of PLAXIS
software, and conclusions are drawn as to the
improvements in the new PLAXIS 3D 2011 in
comparison to older versions.

The third users article involves a numerical analysis

of geosynthetic reinforced piled embankment
scale model tests. PLAXIS simulations of the
test series were performed to improve the
understanding of the arching mechanism in the
piled embankment. Conclusions are then drawn to
validate the earlier conclusions from the analysis of
the scale tests.

www.plaxis.nl l Spring issue 2012 l Plaxis Bulletin 3

New developments
Ronald Brinkgreve, Plaxis bv

In addition to PLAXIS 2D, a new Dynamic module has become available for PLAXIS 3D. With this module it is possible to
perform three-dimensional calculations of vibrations in the soil, as well as simulations of earthquakes in order to analyse the
influence of dynamic effects on buildings and other structures in and on the ground.

» To highlight the release of 3D Dynamics,

free-of-charge short seminars will be
organized in Seattle and San Francisco in
The main new features are:
• Free field boundaries: These special boundaries
adopt exactly the material behaviour of the
Furthermore, new dynamic examples and movies
will be provided to help users in setting up models
for ground response analysis and seismic design.
the last week of March. Additionally, relevant adjacent soil elements, which provide an With these new dynamic software and support
governmental organizations (e.g. state DOT’s) and improved absorption of waves at the model facilities we are confident to provide you with
companies on the US West Coast will be visited. boundaries when using advanced soil models. up-to-date technology to solve your dynamic
Furthermore, Plaxis will present the key features • New UBCSAND model: The 904aR version of problems.
of 3D Dynamics during the software session at UBCSAND (Beatty & Byrne, 2011) gives a better
Geo-Congress in Oakland, California, on March 27. cyclic loading behaviour and a better prediction References
Plaxis contacts in North America will receive more of pore pressures and liquefaction. • Beaty M., Byrne P.M. (2011). UBCSAND
detailed information about these events in the CONSTITUTIVE MODEL Version 904aR,
coming weeks. documentation report.

The new module will have similar capabilities as

the 2D Dynamic module. Independent prescribed
displacements, velocities or accelerations in
the three Cartesian directions can be applied
at the model bottom to realistically simulate
earthquakes. Alternatively, harmonic dynamic
multipliers can be assigned to external loads to
simulate vibrating sources. Hysteretic damping is
provided by the Hardening Soil small-strain model
and corresponding damping curves are displayed
in the material data set. Rayleigh can be defined
to include viscous damping of soils and structures
on the basis of the input of a target damping ratio
and frequency range. Viscous boundaries can be
applied to absorb waves at the model boundaries
in order to prevent spurious reflections.

Besides the new 3D Dynamic module, the Plaxis

research team has worked on improved dynamic
features, which will first become available in the
new PLAXIS 2D 2012 version.

4 Plaxis Bulletin l Spring issue 2012 l www.plaxis.nl

PLAXIS Expert Services:
Advanced knowledge on isotropic consolidation
Jerome Racinais, Menard

Menard and Plaxis Expert Services have elaborated and successfully conducted a common research program for studying in
detail the effects of isotropic consolidation on soft soil. In the framework of PLAXIS Expert Services, extensive finite element
modelling work has been carried out in PLAXIS 2D and the results obtained in this context have been checked against available
in-situ measurements for a land reclamation project currently being executed and managed by Menard in Vietnam.

» The project is the construction of a container

port along the Cai Mep River. The riverbank
length is approximately 500m, and container
on the equal discharge rate in the model and in
the field, is used to characterize flow. Isotropic
consolidation is simulated by specifying negative
The capability of the finite element method
to properly model isotropic consolidation has
been clearly highlighted during this project by
storage yard depth ranges between 600 to 750m. pore pressure-time history on the PVD boundaries comparison with the measurements performed on
The total area covered by the port land is about and sand blanket. Varying the negative pressure the Cai Mep River project
330,000 m² (excluding berth). The port comprises inputs, several FE simulations are performed to
an offshore berth (reinforced concrete slab deck predict the field behavior on soft clay.
on piles), along which the ships will moor, and on
which will be installed the unloading cranes. The
“The extended collaboration and fruitful exchange between
berth is located 100 to 150m away from the river
shore, and a “reclamation” area, where sand fill Menard and the Plaxis Expert Services team enabled to end-up
will be installed over the existing natural ground in a very realistic FE modeling.”
(swamp). Due to the draft of the ships, the natural
riverbed will be dredged down. The reclamation
area will welcome the container storage area, The FE analysis was carried out in the framework The Company
surrounding service roads, and ancillary buildings. of a fully coupled flow-stress analysis with Menard is a design-build specialty geotechnical
The berth and the reclamation area will be unsaturated soil condition. For this purpose, a new contractor offering expertise on ground
connected by three approach bridges, also RC drain element has been implemented on which improvement for sites with poor soil. Menard
deck on piles. Due to its very poor mechanical negative pore pressure can be applied as a flow combines value engineering and innovative
properties, the natural soil will settle a very large boundary condition. techniques to deliver practical, sustainable
amount under the load of the sand fill. Therefore, solutions that can be attractive alternatives
ground improvement is foreseen to address this to deep (pile) foundations. From design to
issue. construction, MENARD offers a complete service
for improving soil foundations.

Main results
In this study, a finite element (FE) model has
been set-up to analyze consolidation and lateral
displacement of soft ground with prefabricated
vertical drain (PVD) under isotropic consolidation.

A two-dimensional idealization is used for

simplicity. Soft Soil model is used to idealize the
soft ground. An equivalent permeability, based

www.plaxis.nl l Spring issue 2012 l Plaxis Bulletin 5

Temporary stability of a jacket platform during
installation and influence of adjacent pug marks
Jean-Christophe Ballard & Nicolas Charue, Fugro GeoConsulting, Brussels, Belgium

Jacket platforms used offshore for oil extraction are generally temporarily supported by mudmats during installation. These
platforms are not always installed on virgin seabed but are sometimes located close to features such as pug marks formed by
previous deployments of jack-up rigs. These seabed features potentially influence the bearing capacity of the mudmats and
need to be accounted for in the stability verification.

» As part of an extensive oil field development

in the Deep Continental Shelf, Offshore
India, three new well platforms are to be installed
in a water depth of about 85-90m. During the site
survey, it was discovered that the target position
for one of the platforms was located next to large
pug marks, as shown on Figure 1a. These pug
marks were formed earlier by a jack-up rig that
had been deployed at this location. As a result,
the soil has been remoulded by the penetration
and extraction of 17m diameter spudcans, causing
seabed depressions of about 30m diameter and
2m depth that are still present.

The jacket platform is to be temporarily

supported during installation by a 40m by 40m
square mudmat before piles are driven. During
installation, the mudmat will be subjected to
combined vertical, horizontal and moment (VHM)
loading resulting from an eccentric gravity load
and environmental actions. Due to the presence of
the remoulded zone and seabed depression close Figure 1b: Mudmat relative
to the mudmat, the stability during installation to pug marks
would be influenced and the effect of the pug
marks needed to be analysed.

The position of the mudmat relative to the pug

marks is shown on Figure 1b. Only one pug
mark would potentially affect the stability of the
mudmat. As the problem is three-dimensional
and cannot be properly analysed with simplified
approaches and/or two-dimensional analysis, finite
element analyses were undertaken using
PLAXIS 3D.
Figure 1a: Geophysical image of pug marks

6 Plaxis Bulletin l Spring issue 2012 l www.plaxis.nl

 Site Conditions
The soil conditions at the site consist of alternate
layers of clay and sand. The top soil layer consists
of very soft clay up to a depth of about 9 m. This
layer is underlain by a medium dense carbonate
sand layer from 9 to 27 m depth, Figure 2. Below
that depth, stiff clay is present.

Due to the presence of pug marks close to

the target position for one of the platforms, a
geotechnical investigation was carried out to
characterize the ground conditions in the vicinity
of the pug marks. The purpose was to measure
the remoulded shear strength parameters and
map the extent of the remoulded areas. The
site investigation programme consisted of cone
penetration tests as well as drilling with sampling.

The data from the geotechnical investigation

enabled three zones around the pug marks to
be defined: a fully disturbed zone, a partially
disturbed zone and an intact zone. The corner
of the mudmat is in contact with the partially
disturbed zone of one of the pug marks, as shown
on Figure 2. The undrained shear strength profile
for each zone is also defined on Figure 2 (where
z is the depth below the initial (undisturbed)
seabed in meters). The extent of the zones of
soil disturbance was checked by simulating the
penetration and extraction of the spudcans and
good agreement was found. (These analyses are
not presented in this article).

The sand properties were found to be of

secondary importance as the failure mechanism
for the mudmat develops in the top soft clay layer,
as described below.

Stability Assessment of Jacket Mudmat

The presence of the pug mark in the vicinity of the
jacket mudmat is expected to reduce the safety
factor against bearing capacity failure as well
as cause tilt during settlement of the structure
supported by the mudmat. The purpose of the
Figure 2: Site conditions and soft clay layer properties

www.plaxis.nl l Spring issue 2012 l Plaxis Bulletin 7

Temporary stability of a jacket platform during installation and influence of adjacent pug marks

Figure 3: PLAXIS 3D model geometry Figure 4: PLAXIS 3D mesh

analysis was twofold: first to check the safety factor solution. A compromise was found between the maximum shear stress at the interface τ max=α su.
against bearing capacity failure allowing for the accuracy of the solution and computational time. It The “rough” and “smooth extremes of interface
full 3D geometry of the problem, and second to was estimated that the over-estimation of the true strength correspond to α =1 and α =0 respectively.
assess any tilt during mudmat settlement due to solution due to discretization errors was maximum An intermediate roughness was assumed with
the presence of the pug mark. The most critical 5% for the selected mesh, which was judged to be α =0.5, which is a typical assumption for steel/soft
load case was where the moment loading acts in reasonable. clay interface. A no-tension condition allowing
the direction of the pug mark. separation of the mudmat from the seabed was
The soil was modelled as an isotropic elasto- permitted at the mudmat/clay interface.
Problem geometry perfectly plastic continuum, with failure described
The lateral dimensions of the 3D model are 95 by the Mohr-Coulomb yield criterion. The clay The jacket mudmat is modelled as a 40m by 40m
x 110 m. The model thickness is 30 m assuming layers are assumed to behave “undrained” and rigid plain square plate. The seabed is assumed to
the soil stratigraphy described before. These are characterized by a cohesion equal to the be perfectly flat below the mudmat.
dimensions were selected such that the model undrained shear strength su with φu=0. The elastic
boundaries have negligible effects on the results. behaviour was defined by a Poisson’s ratio ν =0.49, Design parameters
As shown on Figure 3, a cylindrical zone of 18 m and a constant ratio of Young’s modulus to The selected parameters for the 3D FE analyses
radius in the top clay layer is considered to be undrained shear strength E/su. The sand layer is are summarized in Table 2. The elastic behaviour
fully remoulded by the prior penetration of the assumed to behave “drained” and is characterized of the clay layers was defined by a ratio of Young’s
spudcan at the pug mark. In this area, a seabed by effective stress shear strength parameters c’ modulus to undrained shear strength E/su = 600.
depression of 2 m is considered. A further 4 m and φ ’. This is a typical value for clays with a Plasticity
wide zone with partially remoulded conditions Index around 30%. The selected parameters for
is considered around the fully remoulded zone. The strength of the mudmat/clay interface was the sand layer are also presented.
The partially remoulded zone extends below the modelled using an interface factor a, where the
mudmat corner.

Load cases Table 1: Selected parameters for 3D FE analyses

Simplified VHM load cases where the moment
and horizontal loads act along the diagonal of the CLAYPartially
Soil Type CLAYIntact CLAYRemoulded SAND
mudmat in the direction of the pug mark were first Remoulded
analysed. VHM yield surfaces were developed
to identify the most critical load paths and make Submerged unit weight
γ ' [kN/m³] 5 4 5 9.5
sure the minimum safety factors were met for the
different scenarios. Specific load cases were then Young’s modulus at mudline
2400 0 1200 10000
E [kPa]
verified with the same model. Eccentric vertical
loads were used to introduce moment loads. Poisson’s ration
0.49 0.49 0.49 0.2
ν [-]
Details of the finite element model Undrained shear strength at mudline
4 0 2 -
su [kPa]
The finite element mesh is shown on Figure 4. The
mesh comprises a number of 10-noded tetrahedral Cohesion
- - - 0.1
c’ [kPa]
elements. The mesh global coarseness was first
set to “Medium”. Then the local refinement factor Angle of friction
- - - 30
was decreased to 0.35 in the upper clay layer φ’ [°]
where the failure mechanism develops. In total, the Angle of dilation
0 0 0 0
model comprises 70375 elements and the average ψ [°]
element size is about 2 m. Rate of increase of E with depth
397 397 397 0
Einc [kPa/m]
Preliminary analyses were first performed for Rate of increase of su with depth
0.667 0.667 0.667 -
the base case without a pug mark and for which su,inc [kPa/m]
analytical solutions exist. The aim was to check for Interface factor
0.5 - 0.5 -
any effects due to mesh size on the accuracy of the α [-]

8 Plaxis Bulletin l Spring issue 2012 l www.plaxis.nl

 Temporary stability of a jacket platform during installation and influence of adjacent pug marks

Results
The obtained VM yield surfaces for different
scenarios are shown on Figure 5. These results
show how the presence of the pug mark and a
horizontal force degrades the VM capacity of
the mudmat. This reduction can potentially lead
to safety factors against bearing capacity failure
that become unacceptable. Note that for small
vertical loads, the moment resistance decreases.
This is because of the no tension assumption at
the mudmat/clay interface. In reality, for rapid
loading and if the the mudmat is not perforated,
some tension may develop at the interface and
yield higher moment capacity. The no tension
assumption is therefore a cautious approach in
this case.

Safety factors have to be applied to the ultimate

yield surfaces to obtain the allowable surfaces.
Then, it must be verified that the design load cases
are within the allowable surfaces. This guarantees
that the safety factor is met for every load path.
Safety factors in the range 1.5 to 2.0 are generally
used depending on the nature of the loading
Figure 5: VM envelopes with H constant and with/without pug mark
(i.e. short-term or permanent). The allowable
yield surface can either be obtained by dividing
the ultimate values by the appropriate safety
factor or by using directly reduced undrained
shear strength values in the analyses. The two
approaches give the same result in this case.

The presence of the pug mark and the applied

horizontal force also has an impact on the induced
tilt, as shown on Figure 6. The induced tilt in
degrees along the diagonal in the direction of the
pug mark is plotted versus the applied moment
for the cases with / without pug mark and with /
without horizontal force.

As an example, a typical failure mechanism is

illustrated on Figure 7 when the moment loads are
acting along the mudmat diagonal in the direction
of the pug mark.

Conclusions
A shallow foundation subjected to a combined
VHM loading and located next to a pug mark is
a 3D problem for which simplified approaches
for analysis do not exist. This type of problem
Figure 6: Load-tilt curve with H constant with/without pug mark, for design vertical load needs to be analysed by means of 3D FE analyses.
The software package PLAXIS 3D has been used
successfully on this project. The analysis allowed
confidence to be established for the selected
location of the mudmat with respect to the pug
mark. In contrast, a simplified 2D analysis would
suggest that the proximity of the mud mat to the
pug mark was unacceptable.

Figure 7: Typical failure mechanism

(total displacements at failure)

www.plaxis.nl l Spring issue 2012 l Plaxis Bulletin 9

Piled embankments in PLAXIS 2D, 3DTunnel and PLAXIS 3D 2011

Eelco Oskam, Movares, Utrecht, The Netherlands

In recent years, there is a growing interest in the use of piled embankments. This interest also initiated several
investigations, the publication of for example the Dutch design guideline for piled embankments (CUR226, 2010)
and the German EBGEO (2010). The slip road, containing a piled embankment, of the highway A12 in Woerden
(25 km south of Amsterdam) was designed using CUR226. The reinforcement of the piles was, as prescribed in
CUR226, designed using PLAXIS 2D (9.0). During the construction of the road several types of sensors were placed
on the piles, pile caps and geogrids. In order to predict especially the moments in the piles, measured with optical
fibres attached to the steel piles, a 3DTunnel model was build. Recently, this model was adapted and rebuild in
PLAXIS 3D 2011. This paper compares the results of the models with PLAXIS 2D (9.0), 3DTunnel (2.4) and PLAXIS
3D 2011. The measurements are not yet available.

» The previous slip road in Woerden needed

to be reconstructed. Without advanced
construction methods, the soft soil on the location
old ditch that is filled with water. For the purpose
of drainage a new ditch was required. The ditches
are shown in the figures.
piles. Except the piles, all material models are
equal in the 3 PLAXIS versions. In the PLAXIS 2D
model, plates are used with a hinge to model the
would have caused severe differential settlements. The original design of the reinforcement in the piles. In the 3DTunnel model, a pile is constructed
Usually, such soft soils are preloaded during a piles below the slip road was made in PLAXIS 2D out of three parts. Two clusters (per layer) of
long time. However, the option of preloading was 9.0. The embankment contains several sensors concrete piles are used in combination with a
rejected in this case, because of required time to monitor displacement, forces en bending plate. This plate has a bending stiffness of 1/1000
span. Another option, the application of Styrofoam moments in the piles in a test section of the road. of the real pile. On top of the piles, there are two
was rejected, because the road should remain In order to make an accurate prediction of these node-to-node anchors connected to the pile cap,
available in case of flooding. measurements, a model was made in 3DTunnel in order to create a hinge. For the PLAXIS 3D 2011
2.4. Recently, the model was also rebuilt in PLAXIS model, an embedded pile with hinge was used.
The option of a piled embankment was 3D 2011.
considered. The advantages of the piled The 2D-model only determines the tensile forces
embankment are the small settlement, the The cross sections of all three different models in the geogrids in the direction perpendicular to
independence of heterogeneity of the subsoil, are almost the same. The layers containing peat the road. The direction along the road is obviously
long lifetime, and short time between the start of or soft clay are modelled with the Soft Soil Creep not modelled. In the 3DTunnel and PLAXIS 3D
the construction and time to take the slip road into model, and the other layers are modelled with the 2011 models, the shape and density of the meshes
service. Hardening Soil model. The model in 3DTunnel has are different. The PLAXIS 3D model has a finer
the smallest depth that is allowed by symmetry mesh and the shapes of the elements in the
The construction contains about 900 concrete rules; only half a pile and half of the space geogrids are triangular.
prefabricated piles, a geosynthetic reinforcement between the piles. This choice had to be made
and a layer of construction aggregate. The piles because of the limited calculation possibilities with For the situation without traffic load, all three
have substantial differences in length, because the 3DTunnel. The model in PLAXIS 3D 2011 contains PLAXIS models predict similar bending moments
required bearing capacity can only be acquired in two rows of piles and half of the space between in the piles, (with no correction for the different
the deeper layer of sand that varies in height. the piles on both sides of the model. phases) after 10 years of settlement (see figure 1).
In this figure the bending moments of the fourth
The representative cross section is located on a The most interesting parts of the differences pile from the left is shown. Note that the model of
canting part of the road. The section contains an between the 3 models are the geogrid and the PLAXIS 3D 2011 contains two rows of piles.

10 Plaxis Bulletin l Spring issue 2012 l www.plaxis.nl

For the situation with traffic load, it appears that The differences between the PLAXIS models do In the near future, the calculations results of the
the bending moments in the 3DTunnel model not increase when the load is applied. The plots calculations will be compared to the measured
are smaller than the two other predictions, and of the forces in the geogrids show that all PLAXIS data.
probably not realistic. This difference is initiated models, and especially PLAXIS 2D, give peaks at
in the start of the phases with updated mesh. the sides of the pile caps (these peaks decrease References
The updated mesh is required to properly model when the element sizes are reduced further), but • CUR 226, 2010. Ontwerprichtlijn paalmatrassys-
the membrane effect in the geogrid. During the generally, the maximum forces are similar to the temen (Design guideline piled embankments),
excavation, the bottom of the excavation shows a PLAXIS 3D model. The forces in the geogrids ISBN 978-90-376-0518-1 (in Dutch).
heave. When the piles are activated, a pre-stress in the 3D models are similar, but the PLAXIS 3D • EBGEO, 2010. Empfehlungen für den Ent-
occurs. This is the main cause for the smaller 2011 version gives higher values, especially in the wurf und die Berechnung von Erdkörpern mit
bending moments. For the same reason, a large direction parallel to the road. Bewehrungen aus Geokunststoffen – EBGEO,
bending moment in the model of PLAXIS 2D is 2. Auflage, German Geotechnical Society, ISBN
present at -19m, but for this model correction is It can be concluded that PLAXIS 3D 2011 is better 978-3-433-02950-3 (in German). Also available
possible. Since the piles consist of one type of suitable for modelling piles than 3DTunnel and in English: Recommendations for Design and
linear elements. gives very promising results. The most important Analysis of Earth Structures using Geosyn-
improvement in PLAXIS 3D 2011 is the embedded thetic Reinforcements – EBGEO, 2011. ISBN
Figures 1 and 2 show the tensile forces in the pile, since the bending moment and initial strain of 978-3-433-02983-1 and digital in English ISBN
geogrids, in the directions perpendicular to the the piles in the installation phase of the piles (with 978-3-433-60093-1).
road. It should be noted that CUR226 predicts a updated mesh) are less disturbed. The modelling
maximum tensile force along the road of 96 kN/m, in PLAXIS 3D 2011 is also easier and faster than the
and across the road of 112 kN/m. This agrees very modelling in 3DTunnel.
well with the 3D predictions.

PLAXIS 2D 3DTunnel PLAXIS 3D

Figure 1: Bending moment in pile, without traffic loading Figure 2: Force in geogrid, with traffic loading

www.plaxis.nl l Spring issue 2012 l Plaxis Bulletin 11

Numerical analysis of geosynthetic reinforced piled embankment scale
model tests

Ir. Theresa den Boogert, TU Delft (now Mobilis), Ing. Piet van Duijnen, Mobilis and Ir. Suzanne van Eekelen, Deltares/TU-Delft
Foto: Project N210, Huesker

Piled embankments with geosynthetic reinforcement are applied on soft soils and have several advantages. For
example, the piled embankment can be constructed rather fast and has a small settlement after construction or is
even settlement-free. Another advantage is that a piled embankment can be built next to sensitive constructions.
A piled embankment consists of a field of piles with pile caps. On top of that, one or more layers of geosynthetic
reinforcement (GR) are applied. On top of the GR the embankment can be constructed.

» In 2010 the Dutch design guideline, CUR226

(2010), for the design of piled embankmenst
was published. To validate the guideline,
Plaxis simulations of the test series were
performed to improve the understanding of the
arching mechanism in the piled embankment, and
discussed. The results of the finite element model
are analysed and compared to the results of the
scale test. The paper ends with conclusions and
several field tests have been performed. From where possible, to confirm the conclusions from recommendations.
the field measurements it has been concluded the analysis of the scale tests. The simulations
that the design method is rather conservative. are part of the master thesis performed by Den Definition of load distribution
Improving the design guideline would reduce Boogert (2011). The vertical load on the piled reinforced
the construction costs of piled embankments. To embankment is distributed to the soft subsoil
understand the physical behaviour of the piled First the definition of the load distribution in in three load parts: A, B and C (shown in figure
embankment and to validate design models, the embankment will be presented. The scale 1). The load parts are defined by: part A is
experimental scale tests have been performed tests are described in the second paragraph. transferred directly to the piles by arching, part
by Deltares in partnership with Huesker, Naue, Then the content of the finite element model is B is transported via the GR to the piles, and load
TenCate and Tensar. The results of the scale tests
were analysed and published by Van Eekelen, et al.
(2011a, 2011b and 2011c).

Figure 1: Load distribution in

reinforced piled embankment

12 Plaxis Bulletin l Spring issue 2012 l www.plaxis.nl

part C is carried by the soft subsoil. The load parts material (crushed rubble). The top load on the system is allowed to stabilise for several hours.
are vertical loads and are given in kN/pile. embankment is applied with a water cushion. This The load distribution is measured with pressure
provides an equally distributed top load. The cells. Pressure cells are placed on top of piles, one
Scale tests metal box is closed by a cover and tie rods. A side above and one underneath the GR. The pressure
A section of an embankment is modelled in a and top view of the scale test set-up is given in cell above the GR measures load part A and the
metal box of 1.1 x 1.1 x 1 m3. Four piles are situated figure 2. pressure cell underneath the GR measures load
on the bottom of the box. The soft subsoil parts A+B. Load part B is calculated by subtracting
between the piles is modelled with a watertight The scale tests are performed in several steps load part A from load parts A+B. Additionally, the
foam cushion filled with water. A tap allows of consolidation by draining the foam cushion pressure in the foam cushion is measured, which
drainage from the foam cushion during the test, and increasing top load. The load steps and gives load part C. The top load is measured with
which models the consolidation process of the soft consolidation steps alternate: each top load step a water pressure meter in the water cushion. The
subsoil. The GR is attached to a steel frame and is followed by ca. 3 consolidation steps. At the end vertical deformation of the GR is measured on
situated on top of the foam cushion with a sand of the scale test, vacuum pressure is applied to the three locations with a liquid levelling system. The
layer of ca. 2 cm in between. On top of the GR, an foam cushion. This reduces the subsoil support locations of the measurements are given in figure
embankment of 0.42 m is constructed of granular to zero. After every drainage or top load step, the 2.

Figure 2: Side view and top view of scale test set-up

www.plaxis.nl l Spring issue 2012 l Plaxis Bulletin 13

Numerical analysis of geosynthetic reinforced piled embankment scale model tests

Finite element model pressure in the foam cushion. To simulate the tests. The sand layer is split up in two parts, a part
The scale tests are simulated with 3DTunnel drainage of the scale test, the measured water above the pile and a part directly on the subsoil.
version 2.4. 3DTunnel was used, because updated pressure is prescribed in the model by applying a The parameters are different for both parts. The
mesh could be applied and arching in the phreatic level to the clusters of the foam cushion. sand on top of the pile is expected to behave very
embankment is a 3D problem. Updated mesh is Therefore the measured water pressure is stiff, because the sand on the pile will be clamped
necessary to use, because the function of the GR converted into a pressure head. between the GR and the pile. Therefore, the sand
depends on the deformation and the tension force on the pile will be compressed more and will have
cannot be modelled if the deformation is not The axial stiffness of the GR is determined from higher stiffness and strength properties. The sand
captured in the calculation. The updated mesh five tensile tests. The tensile tests are performed on the subsoil will follow the settlements of the
function captures the tensile strains in the according to DIN EN ISO 10319. The GR is subsoil and geosynthetics. In figure 4 the 3D finite
geosynthetic elements and the geosynthetic is no attached to a steel frame. The steel frame is element mesh created by Plaxis is shown.
longer horizontal. Next to that the new PLAXIS 3D modelled, the weight of the frame disturbs the
version was not available at the time. The load distribution. The parameters of the steel During the execution of the scale tests, part of the
geometry of the model is based on the geometry frame are based on the properties of steel. load is dissipated due to friction. The friction
of the scale test. Because the geometry of the between the wall and the granular material is
scale test is symmetric, one quarter of the scale The sand layer on the pile and foam cushion and between 10% and 20%. Normally an interface is
test, one pile with surrounding soil, is modelled. the granular material are modelled with the applied to model the friction. This interface should
The boundary conditions are horizontally fixed. Hardening Soil model. The parameters of the sand be applied along the box walls, which means at
The side and top view of the model are presented and granular material are determined with triaxial the left and back side of the model. In Plaxis 3D
in figure 3. The material properties are
summarized in table 1 and 2 and will be described
in the next section.
Table 1: material properties of pile, subsoil, GR and frame (linear elastic)
In the test series, circular piles are applied. For the
Plaxis simulations, the geometry of the circular pile
g[kN/m3] Eref [kN/m2] u[-] EA [kN/m]
is converted to a square pile. The properties of the
pile are based on the parameters of PVC. PVC is
Pile 13.6 2.9E6 0.0 -
modelled linear elastic and non-porous material.
Next to the pile the foam cushion is modelled. The
watertight and soaked foam cushion behaves Subsoil 10.2 10 0.2 -
linear elastic in the scale test. The scale tests were
controlled by both top load and draining the foam GR - - - 2269
cushion and therefore decreasing the water
Frame 70.5 2.1E8 0 -

Table 2: material properties of sand and granular material (Hardening Soil model)

ref ref ref

g[kN/m3] c [kN/m2] f [°] y [°] E50 [kN/m2] Eoed [kN/m2] m [-] Eur [kN/m2] uur [-] rref [kN/m2] R1 [-]

Sand above pile 20.1 1 40.9 10.9 51470 51470 0.5 154410 0.2 100 0.9

Sand next to pile 18.7 1 32.5 2.5 19660 19660 0.5 58980 0.2 100 0.9

Granular material 16.7 1 47.0 11.0 58870 58870 0.7 176610 0.2 100 0.9

Figure 3: Top view and side view of finite element model

14 Plaxis Bulletin l Spring issue 2012 l www.plaxis.nl

 Numerical analysis of geosynthetic reinforced piled embankment scale model tests

Figure 5: Effective principal stresses of the vacuum phase

Figure 4: 3D finite element model

Tunnel an interface cannot be applied at the back

side. To keep the amount of load distribution
comparable to the scale test, the top load is
reduced by the amount of friction, and no
interface is applied. The disturbance of the friction
on the load distribution in the embankment is
therefore neglected in the model. The friction
between the piles and the foam cushion is
assumed to be small and its influence on arching
within the fill is limited. Therefore the friction
between the pile and foam cushion is also
neglected.

The calculation phases of the model are based on

the scale test procedure. The top load and water
pressure measured during each step of the scale
test procedure is an input value in the calculation
phases. During the initial phase, the water
pressure and SMweight are set to zero, to avoid
an asymmetric situation. In the following phases,
the scale test is build up and the soil weight is
activated. Then the measured load with
corresponding water pressure is applied. During
the last phase, where there is no subsoil support
against the GR, the subsoil and water pressure are Figure 6: Vertical displacement of the vacuum phase
deactivated.

Results
During the vacuum phase there is a constant high
top load applied and there is no subsoil support.
Therefore, the vacuum phase has the largest The load distribution for the FEM model and the load parts A and B show a smooth relationship
deformation. This is the most representative scale test are plotted in figure 8. The horizontal with the net load. This agrees with the conclusion
situation and will be presented in the figures axis presents the net load. The net load is the top of the measurements. During the first drainage
below. The calculated principal stresses in the load minus subsoil support and friction. Load step with zero top load, the percentage of load
vacuum phase are shown in figure 5. From the parts A and B are presented on the vertical axis in part A (A %) increases significantly. This means
figure, soil arching can be observed. The kN per pile and as percentage of the total load that arching occurs immediately. Not only during
calculated vertical displacements are shown in (A+B+C). The figures show two types of loading: the first drainage step, but also in the following
figure 6. The differential displacements on top of top load increase and drainage of subsoil drainage steps load part A % increases. This shows
the embankment are very small. The tensile forces (consolidation). The load transferred directly to the that subsoil settlement is needed for the
in the GR are presented in figure 7. The tensile piles due to arching is load A and the load development of arching. This conclusion can be
forces in the GR are concentrated in ‘tensile strips’. transferred through the GR to the piles is load B. drawn for both the measured and calculated
The tensile strips are the areas of that GR that lie During the first part of the test, until the net load is results. During the steps with increasing top load,
on top of and between adjacent piles. The ca.11 kN/pile, the calculated results of load parts A load part A % on the embankment decreases.
maximum tensile forces are found in the GR at the and B agree quite well with the measured results. From this it follows that during increasing top load
edge of the piles. The exact location of the peak Then the calculated results diverge from the the arching effect decreases, as long as
values cannot be determined, because the mesh is measured results. Load part A is overestimated consolidation does not occur.
too coarse. and load part B is underestimated. The calculated

www.plaxis.nl l Spring issue 2012 l Plaxis Bulletin 15

 Numerical analysis of geosynthetic reinforced piled embankment scale model tests

Figure 7: Tensile forces in GR of vacuum phase in x-direction (left) and in y- direction (right)

Figure 8: Load part A and B in kN/pile and in % of total load A+B+C

Figure 9: Displacement

16 Plaxis Bulletin l Spring issue 2012 l www.plaxis.nl

 Numerical analysis of geosynthetic reinforced piled embankment scale model tests

Displacements have been measured at three References

places: in the middle of four piles (z1), in the • CUR 226, 2010, Ontwerprichtlijn paalmatrassys-
middle of two piles (z2) and close to a pile (z3). temen ISBN 978-90-376-0518-1 (in Dutch)
Displacements z1 and z3 are shown in figure 9. • Den Boogert, T.J.M., 2011. Piled embankments
Displacement z2 is not shown, because this with geosynthetic reinforcement, Numerical
displacement does not differ from displacement analysis of scale model tests, Master of Science
z3. The displacement is presented as a function of thesis, Delft University of Technology.
the net load. From the comparison of results • Van Eekelen, S.J.M., Bezuijen, A., Lodder, H.-J.
between Plaxis and the measurements it can be & Van Tol, A.F., 2011a. Model experiments
concluded that the displacement is on piled embankments Part I, Geotextiles
underestimated significantly by Plaxis. Farag and Geomembranes, 2011, http://dx.doi.
(2008) also found much lower settlements in his org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2011.11.002
Plaxis calculations. In CUR 226 (2010) this is solved • Van Eekelen, S.J.M., Lodder, H.J., Bezuijen, A.,
by modelling a gap underneath the GR in the 2011b, Paalmatrasproeven I, Vervormingen van
Plaxis calculations. geokunststoffen in een paalmatras en de daa-
ruit volgende belastingsverdeling, GeoKunst
Several possible causes of the underestimated 42, april 2011, 42-44
displacements have been investigated: among • Van Eekelen, S.J.M., Van der Vegt, J.W.G.,
them the behaviour of the subsoil, of the GR and Lodder, H.J., Bezuijen, A., 2011c, Paalmatraspro-
of the granular material. Each individual aspect even II, belangrijkste conclusies, GeoKunst 43,
gives a very limited improvement conform the juli 2011, pp 46-50
measured displacements. Therefore, the cause of
the underestimated displacements should be
investigated in more detail.

Conclusions and recommendations

From the FEM model is concluded that arching
occurs in the granular material. The effective
vertical stresses are concentrated on top and the
area next to the piles. The tensile forces in the GR
are concentrated in ‘tensile strips’ between the
piles. The exact location of the greatest tensile
forces could not be determined because of the
coarseness of the mesh.

In accordance with the measurements, Plaxis

calculations give a smooth relationship between
the net load and load parts A and B, and the
GR settlements. During the first part of the test,
the load distribution of the model agrees quite
well with the measured load distribution. During
the second part of the test, the load transferred
through arching is overestimated and the load
transferred through the GR is underestimated.
In general, Plaxis finds an increasing arch
during drainage of the subsoil (consolidation),
this is in agreement with the measurements.
The displacements calculated with Plaxis are
underestimated compared to the scale test
results. However, the largest displacement of the
GR is found at the middle of four piles.

To increase the accuracy of the Plaxis results, the

model should be calculated with a more refined
mesh. The loss of load (due to friction) during the
scale test is an important part of the scale test.
It produces disturbance in the load distribution
of the granular material. The friction should be
included in the Plaxis model by an interface,
therefore it is advised to perform numerical
analysis of the scale model test with the full 3D
version of Plaxis. The cause of the differences in
calculated and measured displacement of the GR
has to be investigated in more detail.

www.plaxis.nl l Spring issue 2012 l Plaxis Bulletin 17

Recent activities

Plaxis Asia-Pacific update allow close interaction between the course trainer of plasticity, modeling of undrained problems,
Under the PLAXIS Expert Services, PLAXIS and the participants. introduction of an advanced soil model and many
AsiaPac office has conducted two sessions of more.
PLAXIS trainings since commencing in October The content of the course covers the basic
2011. The 2 days trainings offered an introduction functionality of the PLAXIS 2D program and also The recent course also covered briefly on the
to PLAXIS 2D targeted mainly to first-time PLAXIS the fundamental principles of the computational newly built feature - design approaches. Four
users. Practicing engineers including a handful geomechanics. This includes the learning of; hands-on examples were also provided in the
of professional engineers, make-up the trainings’ applicability of the structural elements, finite trainings for familiarization with the PLAXIS
attendees. However, the class size was limited to 6 element meshing and boundary conditions with program.
for each session partly due to the available space respect to different geotechnical problems,
in the Singapore office but more objectively, to initial stresses set-up, safety analyses, concept The overall structure of this tailored basic training
enables the participants to attend the PLAXIS
standard and advanced courses with learning ease
and better understanding.

Following the success of the October 2011 and

January 2012 intake, PLAXIS AsiaPac is considering
offering this well-recognized course to its region,
on a more regular basis.

Plaxis USA
A special activity organized by Plaxis USA was a
week of visits to three state DOTs (Department
of Transport). While some state DOTs are well
aware of Plaxis and also use Plaxis, others are
not yet familiar with Plaxis. Plaxis USA recognizes
the important role DOTs play in civil, structural
and geotechnical engineering in their respective
states. Therefore one-day seminars were provided
at the Louisiana Department of Transport and
Development (LADOTD), Virginia Department of
Transport (VDOT), and North Carolina Department
of Transport (NCDOT). Topics included FE, slope
stability analysis, foundation design and the use
of PLAXIS. Each seminar had a turn-up of 20 to
25. These seminars took place in August 2011
and were organized by Plaxis USA representative
Jasper Van Der Bruggen.

Heavy traffic at PLAXIS’ exhibitor booth could be

seen at the Pan-Am CGS Geotechnical Conference
(Toronto, October 2011) and the Annual DFI
conference (Boston, October 2011). Attendees
at Pan-Am CGS came from across the Americas,

18 Plaxis Bulletin l Spring issue 2012 l www.plaxis.nl

 Knowledge Base
Last year we launched the new Plaxis Knowledge
Base. This Knowledge Base is the platform to
share our knowledge with the Plaxis community.
Within the Knowledge Base you can find an
array of support information from instructional
movies to interesting articles, tips and tricks,
known issues, and much more. Here you can also
find our technical download center, with drivers,
Codemeter files, PLAXIS Connect and more.

All previously published Plaxis Bulletin articles will

also be added to the knowledge base, as well as
interesting (scientific) articles and publications.
Thanks to the advanced search engine that can
even search in PDF files, it will be much easier to
find, for example, an old Plaxis Bulletin article by
searching just for keywords or the author.

In the past, some of our users responded that

our communication with users about Tips and
Tricks, but also known issues, was not clear or
transparent. By giving these two important items
a place in the Plaxis Knowledge base, we hope
to connect with the Plaxis community in a more
transparent and open manner.

To make sure that this information reaches the

Plaxis community, we made a coupling with the
PLAXIS Connect program: Plaxis users will stay up
to date with the latest news, known issues with tips
how to circumvent the problem, will be offered
useful tips and tricks, and even instructional
movies, to make geotechnical modelling with
and many PLAXIS users at this conference The course in Portland included a special day on Plaxis even easier. This is also a good reason to
expressed interest in the latest developments of dynamic analyses and earthquake engineering. have PLAXIS Connect installed on your computer.
the PLAXIS Dynamics module, while many others Professor Andrew Whittle (MIT) and Professor Juan
took an introductory DVD with them. At the DFI Pestana (UC Berkeley) gave lectures in Portland. We will continue to expand the information in the
conference many were interested in the latest Plaxis Knowledge Base over time. So take a look
developments regarding PLAXIS 3D. The course in Atlanta concluded with a special every now and then, and stay up to date with your
day on 3D modeling and foundations, guest Plaxis Knowledge. You will find the Knowledge
Training courses were organized in Portland OR instructors were Professor Richard Finno Base under the support menu on the Plaxis
(August 2011) and Atlanta (February 2012), both (Northwestern) and Dominic Assimaki (Georgia website or go directly to kb.plaxis.nl
cities hosting a Plaxis course for the first time. Tech).

www.plaxis.nl l Spring issue 2012 l Plaxis Bulletin 19

Title

Activities 2012
March 11 - 13, 2012 April 26, 2012 June 27 – 29, 2012
Standard Course on Computational Geotecnics PLAXIS Seminar Advanced Course on Computational Geotechnics
Dubai, U.A.E. London, United Kingdom New York NY, U.S.A.

March 14 - 15, 2012 April 27, 2012 June 26 - 27, 2012

DFI Middle East Conference Masterclass “Risk Related to Geotechnical Finite Russian Plaxis Users Meeting
Dubai, U.A.E. Element Analysis” St. Petersburg, Russia
Delft, The Netherlands
March 19 – 22, 2012 July 15 – 18, 2012
Advanced Course on Computational Geotechnics May 28 – 30, 2012 ANZ 2012
Schiphol, The Netherlands 2nd International Conference on Performance- Melbourne, Australia
based Design in Earthquake Geotechnical
March 20 - 22, 2012 Engineering September 24 - 27, 2012
3rd Brazilian Congress on Tunnels and Taormina, Italy Advanced Course on Computational Geotechnics
Underground Structures Trondheim, Norway
São Paulo, Brazil May 31 – June 2, 2012
12th Baltic Sea Geotechnical Conference September 26, 2012
March 25 – 29, 2012 Rostock, Germany Norwegian Plaxis Users Meeting 2012
Geo-Congress 2012 Trondheim, Norway
Oakland CA, U.S.A. June 5 - 7, 2012
Advanced Course on Computational Geotechnics November 14 – 16, 2012
April 12, 2012 Singapore European Plaxis Users Meeting 2012
Singaporean Plaxis Users Meeting Karlsruhe, Germany
Singapore June 11 – 15, 2012
Curso Avanzado de Geotecnia Computacional
April 17 – 19, 2012 Querétaro, Mexico
Advanced Course on Computational Geotechnics
Istanbul, Turkey June 19 - 21, 2012
Standard Course on Computational Geotechnics
April 19, 2012 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Malaysian Plaxis Users Meeting
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia June 20 – 22, 2012
2nd European Conference on Unsaturated Soils
April 19, 2012 Napoli, Italy
DFI Liquefaction State-of-the-Art Forum
St. Louis MO, U.S.A.

Plaxis bv P.O. Box 572 www.plaxis.nl Plaxis AsiaPacific Pte Ltd 16 Jalan Kilang Timor
Delftechpark 53 2600 AN Delft Tel +31 (0)15 2517 720 Singapore #05-08 Redhill Forum
2628 XJ Delft The Netherlands Fax +31 (0)15 2573 107 Tel +65 6325 4191 159308 Singapore