Proof Testing of a Structural Plate Pipe with Varying Bedding and Backfill Parameters. Section VII (Volume 1): Finite Element Analysis. Program Modification and Analysis of Zone 2

摘要

A computer-coded program for the analysis of reinforced earth installations by the finite element method, called REA, was modified to permit its application to culverts embedded in earth embankments. As a means of verifying the modifications, the revised program is applied to a cross-section of the embankment at Zone 2 of the DB Culvert, a heavily instrumented 120-in. (3048-mm), structural plate pipe. The influences of (1) boundary conditions; (2) soil-culvert relative movements; and, (3) soil types are examined. Correlations are established between quasi-theoretical parameters derived from the program application and field-measured values of these parameters where reduced data are available at time of writing. Other quasitheoretical parameters are examined and additional correlations will be established in subsequent interim reports.