Assessment of Load Test Results on a Sheet Pile Quay Wall: The Potential of 3D Numerical Modeling
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 150, Issue 9
Abstract
A full scale load test on the apron is a very effective method for validating the design of a new operative quay wall. The availability of the monitoring data from the load test on a sheet pile wall of a major Italian port and the well-known geotechnical context of the site made it possible to explore the potential of three-dimensional (3D) numerical modeling to understand the response of the work to the applied load. In order to achieve a good match between real observations and numerical results, the limited impact of the working load on a robust geotechnical structure, the use of advanced constitutive models for soils and careful modeling of the construction phases and details of the work were taken into consideration. For this reason, the procedure adopted to calibrate the numerical model based on geotechnical test results is presented after the description of the load test monitoring data. Thanks to these efforts, the 3D numerical model, validated on the monitored data, allowed us to gain further insights on the structural behavior of the quay wall during construction and loading phases, underlining the relevant role played by some apparently marginal and often ignored details.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Data Availability Statement
The data that support the finding of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
This work benefited from the Research Project Grant 2021 (Ruggerate 2021) of the Università Politecnica delle Marche. The Port Authority of Ravenna is greatly acknowledged for the provided data.
References
Amorosi, A., and N. Marchi. 1999. “High-resolution sequence stratigraphy from piezocone tests: An example from the late quaternary deposits of the SE Po plain.” Sediment. Geol. 128 (1–2): 67–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0037-0738(99)00062-7.
Baldi, G., R. Bellotti, N. Ghionna, and M. Jamiolkowski. 1989. “Stiffness of sands from CPT, SPT and DMT—A critical review.” In Proc., Geotechnology Conf. Organized by the Institution of Civil Engineers, 299–305. New York: Thomas Telford.
Benz, T., R. Schwab, and P. Vermeer. 2009. “Small-strain stiffness in geotechnical analyses.” Bautechnik 86 (1): 16–27. https://doi.org/10.1002/bate.200910038.
Blackburn, J. T., and R. J. Finno. 2007. “Three-dimensional responses observed in an internally braced excavation in soft clay.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 133 (11): 1364–1373. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0241(2007)133:11(1364).
Boldini, D., N. Losacco, S. Bertolin, and A. Amorosi. 2018. “Finite element modelling of tunnelling-induced displacements on framed structures.” Tunnelling Underground Space Technol. 80 (Oct): 222–231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2018.06.019.
Choosrithong, K., and H. F. Schweiger. 2020. “Numerical investigation of sequential strut failure on performance of deep excavations in soft soil.” Int. J. Geomech. 20 (6): 04020063. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GM.1943-5622.0001695.
Feremans, G., and R. Vanhooydonck. 2019. “Full scale load test on historic quay wall in Antwerp.” In Proc., 17th European Conf. on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering. London: International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering. https://doi.org/10.32075/17ECSMGE-2019-0374.
Finno, R. J., S. Kim, J. Lewis, and N. Van Winkle. 2018. “Observed performance of a sheetpile-supported excavation in Chicago clays.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 145 (2): 05018005. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0002010.
Finno, R. J., and J. F. Roboski. 2005. “Three-dimensional responses of a tied-back excavation through clay.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 131 (3): 273–282. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0241(2005)131:3(273).
Hardin, B. O., and V. P. Drnevich. 1972. “Shear modulus and damping in soils: Design equations and curves.” J. Soil Mech. Found. Div. 98 (7): 667–692. https://doi.org/10.1061/JSFEAQ.0001760.
Hejazi, Y., D. Dias, and R. Kastner. 2008. “Impact of constitutive models on the numerical analysis of underground constructions.” Acta Geotech. 3 (Dec): 251–258. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-008-0056-1.
Kim, S., and R. J. Finno. 2019. “Inverse analysis of a supported excavation in Chicago.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 145 (9): 04019050. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0002120.
L’Amante, D., A. Flora, G. Russo, and C. Viggiani. 2012. “Displacements induced by the installation of diaphragm panels.” Acta Geotech. 7 (Sep): 203–218. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-012-0164-9.
Li, Y. X., A. S. Abdi, F. Teng, and C. Y. Ou. 2023. “Numerical evaluation on the application of small strain stiffness model for deep excavations in soft clays.” J. GeoEng. 18 (3): 103–116. https://doi.org/10.6310/jog.202309_18(3).2.
Lim, A., C. Y. Ou, and P. G. Hsieh. 2010. “Evaluation of clay constitutive models for analysis of deep excavation under undrained conditions.” J. GeoEng. 5 (1): 9–20. https://doi.org/10.6310/jog.2010.5(1).2.
Liu, G. B., C. W. W. Ng, and Z. W. Wang. 2005. “Observed performance of a multipropped excavation in Shanghai soft clays.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 131 (8): 1004–1013. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0241(2005)131:8(1004).
Lunne, T., and H. P. Christophersen. 1983. “Interpretation of cone penetrometer data for offshore sands.” In Proc., Offshore Technology Conf., 191–192. Richardson, TX: Offshore Technology Conference. https://doi.org/10.4043/4464-MS.
Masini, L., D. Gaudio, S. Rampello, and E. Romani. 2020. “Observed performance of a deep excavation in the historical center of Rome.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 147 (2): 05020015. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0002465.
Masini, L., and S. Rampello. 2021. “Predicted and observed behaviour of pre-installed barriers for the mitigation of tunnelling effects.” Tunnelling Underground Space Technol. 118 (Dec): 104200. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2021.104200.
Mayne, P. W. 2006. “In-situ test calibrations for evaluating soil parameters.” In Proc., 2nd Int. Workshop on Characterisation and Engineering Properties of Natural Soils, 1601–1652. New York: Taylor & Francis.
Nehil, T., A. Nanni, and F. Masetti. 2007. “Strength evaluation by load testing: Recommendations for test load magnitude and acceptance criteria.” In Concrete international, 62–67. Farmington Hills, MI: American Concrete Institute.
Ou, C., J. Liao, and W. Cheng. 2000. “Building response and ground movements induced by a deep excavation.” Géotechnique 50 (3): 209–220. https://doi.org/10.1680/geot.2000.50.3.209.
Ou, C. Y., J. T. Liao, and H. D. Lin. 1998. “Performance of diaphragm wall constructed using the top-down method.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 124 (9): 798–808. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0241(1998)124:9(798).
Potts, D. M., and A. B. Fourie. 1984. “The behaviour of a propped retaining wall: Results of a numerical experiment.” Géotechnique 34 (3): 383–404. https://doi.org/10.1680/geot.1984.34.3.383.
Powrie, W., and E. S. F. Li. 1991. “Finite element analysis of an in situ wall propped at formation level.” Géotechnique 41 (4): 499–514. https://doi.org/10.1680/geot.1991.41.4.499.
Robertson, P. K. 2009. “Interpretation of cone penetration tests—A unified approach.” Can. Geotech. J. 46 (11): 1337–1355. https://doi.org/10.1139/T09-065.
Robertson, P. K., and R. G. Campanella. 1983. “Interpretation of cone penetration tests. Part 1: Sand.” Can. Geotech. J. 20 (4): 719–733. https://doi.org/10.1139/t83-078.
Robertson, P. K., and C. E. Wride. 1998. “Evaluating cyclic liquefaction potential using the cone penetration test.” Can. Geotech. J. 35 (3): 442–459. https://doi.org/10.1139/t98-017.
Ruggeri, P., V. M. E. Fruzzetti, and G. Scarpelli. 2019. “Renovation of quay walls to meet more demanding requirements: Italian experiences.” Coastal Eng. 147 (May): 25–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coastaleng.2019.01.003.
Ruggeri, P., V. M. E. Fruzzetti, and G. Scarpelli. 2021a. “Characterization of the recent soft silty clay deposit in the Ravenna port area (Italy).” In Proc., 6th Int. Conf. on Geotechnical and Geophysical Site Characterisation. London: International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering. https://doi.org/10.53243/ISC2020-210.
Ruggeri, P., V. M. E. Fruzzetti, and G. Scarpelli. 2021b. “Upgrading of quay walls at the Ravenna port, Italy: Evaluation of the steel piles degradation after a long working life.” Struct. Infrastruct. Eng. 17 (2): 249–259. https://doi.org/10.1080/15732479.2020.1736101.
Schanz, T., and P. A. Vermeer. 1998. “On the stiffness of sands.” In Pre-failure deformation behaviour of geomaterials, 383–387. New York: Thomas Telford.
Schanz, T., P. A. Vermeer, and P. G. Bonnier. 1999. “The hardening soil model: Formulation and verification.” In Proc., Plaxis Symp. Beyond 2000 in Computational Geotechnics, 281–296. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Balkema. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0241(2007)133:1(30).
Schuster, M., G. T. Kung, C. H. Juang, and Y. M. A. Hashash. 2009. “Simplified model for evaluating damage potential of buildings adjacent to a braced excavation.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 135 (12): 1823–1835. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000161.
Schweiger, H. F., F. Scharinge, and R. Lüftenegger. 2009. “3D finite element analysis of a deep excavation and comparison with in situ measurements.” In Proc., 6th Int. Symp., Geotechnical Aspects of Underground Construction in Soft Ground. Shanghai, China: Tongji Univ.
Segato, D., V. M. E. Fruzzetti, P. Ruggeri, E. Sakellariadi, and G. Scarpelli. 2010. “Numerical modelling of a steel sheet-pile quay wall for the Harbour of Ravenna, Italy.” In Proc., 7th European Conf. on Numerical Methods in Geotechnical Engineering, 723–728. London: CRC Press.
Simpson, B. 1992. “Retaining structures: Displacements and design.” Géotechnique 42 (4): 541–576. https://doi.org/10.1680/geot.1992.42.4.541.
Soccodato, F. M., and G. Tropeano. 2021. “Numerical analysis of a deep excavation in front of MarmorKirken, Copenhagen.” Lect. Notes Civ. Eng. 126 (5): 223–330. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-64518-2_27.
Tan, H., Z. Jiao, and J. Chen. 2018. “Field testing and numerical analysis on performance of anchored sheet pile quay wall with separate pile-supported platform.” Mar. Struct. 58 (Mar): 382–398. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marstruc.2017.12.006.
Whittle, A. J., Y. M. Hashash, and R. V. Whitman. 1993. “Analysis of deep excavation in Boston.” J. Geotech. Eng. 119 (1): 69–90. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9410(1993)119:1(69).
Wu, S. H., J. Ching, and C. Y. Ou. 2012. “Predicting wall displacements for excavations with cross walls in soft clay.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 139 (6): 914–927. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000826.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Copyright
© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 9, 2023
Accepted: Mar 22, 2024
Published online: Jul 3, 2024
Published in print: Sep 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Dec 3, 2024
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Coasts, oceans, ports, and waterways engineering
- Design (by type)
- Engineering fundamentals
- Field tests
- Foundations
- Geotechnical engineering
- Hydraulic engineering
- Hydraulic structures
- Load factors
- Load tests
- Models (by type)
- Numerical models
- Pile foundations
- Pile tests
- Ports and harbors
- Structural design
- Structural engineering
- Structural members
- Structural systems
- Structures (by type)
- Tests (by type)
- Three-dimensional models
- Walls
- Water and water resources
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.